Explore the many islands of Indonesia!
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a wide range of experiences. Starting from the beaches to rice paddies. Each island offers something different that will definitely leave you in awe. This Bali and Gili Islands travel guide will detail special adventures on a few islands worth exploring!
Indonesia trip tips:
How to get there: Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport are the main international airports.
Best time to visit indonesia: June to September
Currency: The currency in Indonesia is the rupiah.
Daily Expenditure: (Food+Accomodation+General Expenses)
- Backpacker – 60 EUR+
- Mid-Budget – 100 EUR+
- Luxury – 250 EUR+
Getaway to Bali and Gili Islands:
The Gili Islands (3 Days)
The Gili Islands are known as the Maldives of Southeast Asia and are also the center for partying! These are the three sister islands we are going to explore: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. The islands are just a boat ride away from each other and only take 15 minutes.
How to get there: Fly into Lombok International Airport
Accommodation: Stay in Gili Trangwan if you want to experience more of the nightlife. Otherwise, Lombok has some great quiet places to stay.
Must Dos in Gili:
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Gili Air
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Gili Meno
Small Gili Meno –This one is the smallest of the three and has quiet beaches perfect for a solo or romantic getaway. It is also a very famous diving spot and home to the Gili Meno Wall, where you can spot turtles, colorful corals, moray eels, Spanish dancers, and a variety of crustaceans. And, for all the animal lovers, Meno also has a bird park and turtle sanctuary. So, you can choose whether to spend an idyllic day at the beach or explore marine life.
Popular Gili Trangwan –This is the most popular destination out of the Gili Islands and has a lot of fun activities. Here’s what you can do:
- Explore the underwater life while SCUBA diving and snorkeling
- Enjoy the nightlife and go bar hopping
- Watch the sunset and sway on one of the famous swings on Gili Trawangan and get an Instagram-worthy shot
- Visit the Gili Trawangan Night Market for some yummy food
- Bike around Gili Trawangan or go island hopping to one of the other Gilis
Laid-back Gili Air – Gili Air is closest to Lombok and is a good mix of the other two islands. The island has great nightlife and offbeat spots for a laid-back vacation. During high season, Gili Air thumps with loud and colorful parties. It is also a pretty good spot for snorkeling and swimming.
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Bali (14 Days)
On most traveler’s bucket list is Bali. With its idyllic beaches, lush rice fields, and exotic sunsets, the islands have so much to offer, it could be a separate trip altogether. But since you may be coming for a short stay, the main places, attractions, and activities in Bali are given in this Bali and Gili Islands travel guide. For those who are planning to stay longer, this Bali and Gili Islands travel guide will help you eat, pray, and party in Bali for 14 days!
Accommodation: All the islands and towns mentioned have a wide range of budget options, including hostels, resorts, and boutique stay.
How to get there: Take the public ferry from the Gili Islands to Bali.
Must Dos in Bali:
Kuta and Seminyak
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Kuta
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Seminyak
This is your first destination in Bali because it’s near the airport. If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay, then Kuta is the best town to stay in. Here are the things you can do in Kuta and Seminyak:
- Hit the beaches: Both places have stunning beaches that are known to be a great destination to go surfing, so sign up for some surf lessons and try the waves.
- Visit Pura Tanah Lot: The Tanah Lot temple is perched on a rock formation in the sea and is definitely a sight worth seeing.
- Go on a shopping spree: There are lots of boutiques and markets in Seminyak to pamper your inner shopaholic.
- Pub Hopping: Kuta has a lot of good pubs. There are also cafes with buffets and theme parties.
Ubud
One of the most popular destinations in Bali is Ubud and is known for traditional crafts and dance performances, lush, green rainforests, pretty rice fields, and many shrines and temples. Here’s what you can see in Ubud:
Temples
There are some magnificent temples around Ubud that showcase Balinese architecture. You should not miss Tirta Empul (a holy mountain spring and a national cultural heritage landmark); Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave); Gunung Kawi; and Taman Saraswati temple.
The Ubud Monkey Forest
It is a nature reserve, a temple, and the natural habitat of the Balinese long-tailed monkey. It is home to over 700 monkeys and 186 species of trees.
Tegalalang Rice Fields
The terraced rice fields are one of the most sought-after tourist spots in Bali. This area uses a traditional Balinese irrigation system, Subak, which is said to have been started in the eighth century. In March and April, the paddies are bursting with green.
Ubud Art Market
The market has a vibrant collection of arts and crafts. It is open daily. Even if you aren’t shopping, you should stop by in order to see traditional craftsmanship and artistry up close.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
This walkway goes up and down a ridge that runs along with rice fields and palm trees. This is a pleasant trek, especially early in the morning when there aren’t too many tourists are around.
Bali Swing Moment
One cannot leave Bali without having their own swing moment. The best of these Instagram-famous swings are located in Ubud and are worth the rush of swinging over the trees and that cool click.
Waterfalls
Ubud is known for its waterfalls. Here is a list of waterfalls that not many people know about; Tukad Cepung, Tibumana, Nungnung Waterfall, and Tegenungan Waterfall.
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Amed
The island, Amed is a lesser-known spot in Bali but is a great place with scenic views. Here you can just relax on the beach or go snorkeling.
Canggu
This resort village is known for its beaches, Canggu and Echo. There are also lots of clubs and spas. The sunset at Echo Beach is something every traveler to the island. Plus, Canguu also has bustling markets and lots of places for yoga practice.
Uluwatu
A visit to Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a Balinese temple, is a highlight of a trip to Uluwatu. It is one of the Sad Kahyangan Temples in Bali (six big groups of Bali Temples). The beaches of Uluwatu are perfect for lazy beach days or surf lessons.
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Enchanting Nusa Lembongan (4 days)
An island close to Bali that is known for its serene beaches and clear, blue water teeming with sea life called Nusa Lembongan is waiting. If you are looking for serenity and natural beauty, then Nusa Lembongan is the place to be.
Accommodation: Both Jungut Batu Beach and Mushroom Bay are good options because you can easily reach other parts of the island from there.
How to get there: You can take a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur harbor or Serangan harbor to reach Nusa Lembongan.
Must Dos in Nusa Lemongan:
- Devil’s Tears – The powerful spray that happens as water smashes through holes in a rock wall near Dream Beach. It is dangerous but oh so beautiful during sunset.
- Surfing Lessons and Snorkelling- Nusa Lemobogan has excellent surfing and snorkeling spots. It is world-famous for its surf breaks; Playgrounds, Shipwrecks, and Lacerations.
Nusa Ceningan
The Nusa Ceningan island makes a nice day trip from Nusa Lembongan, because it has:
- Nusa Ceningan Yellow Bridge – This bridge, which lies between Lembongan and Ceningan, is a pretty sight at night. At this time, it is adorned with twinkling lights.
- Kelingking ‘T-Rex’ – Nusa Penida is famous for the awesome views it has to offer. One in the shape of a Tyrannosaurus Rex at Kelingking Secret Point Beach is a crowd-pleaser.
- Broken Beach – This little cove arches around the bay and is a must-see spectacle.
- Beaches – Dream Beach, Jungutbatu, and Mushroom Bay are great beaches you can use for free. Most of the others are owned by resorts.
Indonesia is full of wonders and there are so many things to do there. If you love unique sites and adventures, you will want to use this Bali and Gili Islands travel guide, because everything you need is here. Don’t forget to pack your thirst for adventure!
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