Island in Bali That You Should Explore for a Unique Adventure

stephanie • May 16, 2025

Some journeys start where the road ends. Others begin with a boat ride into the unknown. In Bali’s case, the magic deepens just offshore. Think rugged cliffs, underwater gardens, sacred temples, and barefoot freedom. These are not the destinations crowded with beach clubs. They’re islands that whisper stories, cradle traditions, and unlock wild adventure. You came for more than a view. You came to discover. The island in Bali that you should explore could be the moment that changes how you travel forever.


Nusa Penida: Where Raw Beauty Rules

Jagged cliffs. Turquoise coves. Untamed hills. Nusa Penida doesn’t dress up for visitors. It doesn’t need to. Nature runs the show here. You’ll find epic spots like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong—carved by time, wind, and crashing waves. The road is rough but the reward is real. Snorkel with manta rays. Stand above sea arches. Watch the sunset turn the sky into fire. Nusa Penida doesn’t filter its beauty. It hits you with it.

Nusa Lembongan: Surf, Sand, and Secret Paths

Smaller and sleepier than Penida, Nusa Lembongan feels like a private island—without the high price tag. You can walk or scooter across it in a day, weaving through seaweed farms, jungle trails, and sleepy fishing villages. It’s perfect for laid-back surfing, paddleboarding, or sipping fresh coconut by the beach. Dream Beach and Mushroom Bay offer postcard views. But the real magic? It’s the rhythm of life that moves slower, softer, sweeter.

Nusa Ceningan: The Bridge to Simplicity

Cross the iconic yellow bridge from Lembongan and you land on Nusa Ceningan—a gem still off the radar. Here, you’ll find cliff jumps, ocean swings, and secret coves carved into limestone. Blue Lagoon hides a surreal shade of water you won’t forget. The vibe is pure, chill, and disconnected in the best way. This is the island in Bali that you should explore when your soul needs room to breathe.

Menjangan Island: Underwater Temples and Coral Kingdoms

Up in the quiet northwest corner of Bali, Menjangan Island hides in the Bali Barat National Park. No hotels. No scooters. Just boats, divers, and sea breezes. This island is heaven for snorkelers and divers. Crystal-clear water reveals coral gardens, reef walls, and even submerged statues. You might spot deer swimming across channels—that’s where the island gets its name ( menjangan means deer in Javanese). It’s wild, sacred, and untouched.

Serangan Island: Culture, Conservation, and Turtle Tales

Serangan sits quietly near Sanur, connected by a causeway. What it lacks in buzz, it makes up for in soul. Visit sacred temples. Talk to fishermen. Learn how locals protect endangered sea turtles. It’s not flashy. It’s real. And for travelers seeking depth, it’s the island in Bali that you should explore with open eyes and an open heart.

The real thrill of travel isn’t in ticking boxes. It’s in discovering something that wasn’t waiting for you—it was waiting to be found. Bali’s neighboring islands offer that discovery. They stretch what you thought you knew about the island. The island in Bali that you should explore doesn’t have one name. It has many. Each one invites you to get lost, to get curious, and to get real. These islands don’t compete with Bali. They complete it.

Image from freepik.com by tawatchai07
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