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Gili Islands vs Nusa Lembongan

Choose Gili Islands for walkability and nightlife; choose Nusa Lembongan for a shorter airport transfer and surfing.

Gili Islands

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

Choose Gili Islands for walkability, nightlife.

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

Small island, big ocean. Best for: Divers, surfers & couples.

Choose Nusa Lembongan for a shorter airport transfer, surfing.

Beach: White-sand coves (Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay); swimming depends on the tide and currents.
Nightlife: Sunset bars and a few beach bars; mostly early nights.
Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: a little pricier than mainland Bali, since everything comes by boat.
To the airport: 1½–2 h. Drive to Sanur, then 30 minutes by fast boat
Climate: Hot & humid · coast
9 resorts on Balisama, from about $80 a night

Gili Islands and Nusa Lembongan are about 76 km apart, with a boat trip between them.

Beaches: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
Calm-water swimming: Gili Islands Very good (4/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
Surfing: Gili Islands Poor (1/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
Diving & snorkeling: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Nusa Lembongan Excellent (5/5)
Sunsets: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
Nightlife: Gili Islands Very good (4/5), Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5)
Restaurants & cafés: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
Culture & temples: Gili Islands Poor (1/5), Nusa Lembongan Poor (1/5)
Nature & landscapes: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
Yoga & wellness: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
Family-friendly: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
Peace & quiet: Gili Islands Good (3/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
Remote work: Gili Islands Fair (2/5), Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5)
Walkability: Gili Islands Excellent (5/5), Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5)

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