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Gili Islands vs Nusa Penida

Choose Gili Islands for walkability, nightlife, calm water and sunsets; choose Nusa Penida for a shorter airport transfer and nature.

Gili Islands

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

Choose Gili Islands for walkability, nightlife, calm water, sunsets.

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

Dramatic cliffs & untouched nature. Best for: Adventurers, divers & photographers.

Choose Nusa Penida for a shorter airport transfer, nature.

Beach: Spectacular beaches (Kelingking, Diamond, Crystal Bay), but many need steep climbs, and swimming is banned at Kelingking and Diamond Beach.
Nightlife: Very little: a few bars near the harbors.
Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: food is cheap, but drivers and boat transfers add up.
To the airport: 1½–2½ h. Drive to Sanur, then 30–45 minutes by fast boat
Climate: Hot & humid · coast
17 resorts on Balisama, from about $77 a night

Gili Islands and Nusa Penida are about 70 km apart, with a boat trip between them.

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

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