Balisama: luxury resorts and villas in Bali

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Gili Islands vs Karangasem

Choose Gili Islands for nightlife, walkability, sunsets and better beaches; choose Karangasem for culture, a shorter airport transfer, quiet and nature.

Gili Islands

Car-free islands, turtles & sunsets. Best for: Couples, divers & island hoppers.

Choose Gili Islands for nightlife, walkability, sunsets, better beaches.

  • Beach: White-sand beaches with clear water and turtles; mind the currents between the islands.
  • Nightlife: Gili Trawangan parties most nights; Gili Air and Gili Meno are quiet.
  • Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: a little more than Bali for food, since supplies come by boat.
  • To the airport: 3–5 h. Fast boat from Padangbai (1.5–2.5 hours), or fly to Lombok
  • Climate: Hot & humid · coast
  • 6 resorts on Balisama, from about $50 a night

Karangasem

Sacred mountains & water palaces. Best for: Divers, hikers & culture enthusiasts.

Choose Karangasem for culture, a shorter airport transfer, quiet, nature.

  • Beach: Black-sand fishing bays and a few white-sand coves such as Virgin Beach; calm in many spots.
  • Nightlife: Almost none.
  • Prices: $ · Budget. Inexpensive, apart from a few luxury retreats.
  • To the airport: 80 km · 2–2½ h
  • Climate: Hot & humid · coast
  • 7 resorts on Balisama, from about $55 a night

Gili Islands and Karangasem are about 49 km apart, with a boat trip between them.

Ratings

  • Beaches: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Karangasem Good (3/5)
  • Calm-water swimming: Gili Islands Very good (4/5), Karangasem Good (3/5)
  • Surfing: Gili Islands Poor (1/5), Karangasem Poor (1/5)
  • Diving & snorkeling: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Karangasem Excellent (5/5)
  • Sunsets: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Karangasem Fair (2/5)
  • Nightlife: Gili Islands Very good (4/5), Karangasem None (0/5)
  • Restaurants & cafés: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Karangasem Fair (2/5)
  • Culture & temples: Gili Islands Poor (1/5), Karangasem Excellent (5/5)
  • Nature & landscapes: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Karangasem Excellent (5/5)
  • Yoga & wellness: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Karangasem Good (3/5)
  • Family-friendly: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Karangasem Good (3/5)
  • Peace & quiet: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Karangasem Excellent (5/5)
  • Remote work: Gili Islands Fair (2/5), Karangasem Poor (1/5)
  • Walkability: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Karangasem Poor (1/5)

Our ratings, from 0 (none) to 5 (excellent), compare Bali's areas with each other.