Being a small exotic island amidst a tropical archipelago, Bali is like a jewel of earth. There are many things to enjoy on this island. However, despite the numerous attractions that this island offers, Bali’s tourism magnet actually lies not only in the mainland. Off the island’s coastlines, there are a number of smaller islands that are not less attractive than the mainland. In fact, the exotic atmosphere of those islands, their scenery, and their unique attractions can make those islands much better destinations than Bali itself. If you are curious about the attractions that you can find in Bali’s satellite islands, here are 6 untouched islands around Bali that will take your breath away.
Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island is a small island located off the northern coast of Bali. As a part of the West Bali National Park, Menjangan Island becomes a favorite destination due to its pure natural beauty. Finding a silent and peaceful retreat with pristine nature is not always easy in Bali, especially because the island’s most famous beaches are already teeming with hotels, shops, restaurants, and everything associated with modernity. Menjangan Island is thus a perfect destination for people who are looking for a haven with untouched nature. Whether you hire Sandholiday charter service from Jakarta or from Kuta, this island is fairly easy to reach, especially because it is located not very far from the Gilimanuk Port. Visit this island to enjoy the following attractions.
- Emptiness
As a part of the greater national park, Menjangan Island consists of a large expanse of unoccupied land with virtually no trace of human’s exploitation. There is practically no one who lives in this island, except some resorts that provide you with bed and board, making it a perfect destination for people looking for the most tranquil and peaceful part of Bali.
- Beautiful Beaches and Wall-Diving Sites
Despite its tranquility, Menjangan Island is still a part of Bali that has everything that Bali offers, especially its amazing white-sand beaches and awesome underwater scenery for diving. If you go to Bali to enjoy water attractions, you will miss nothing if you visit this island.
- The Animals
Menjangan Island means the island of deer. Although the deer population of this island is dwindling over the last years, the authorities are making a more serious conservation plan to prevent their extinction. You can still see deer and many other exotic animals roaming around the island when you go there.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a relatively large satellite island located off the southeastern coast of Bali. If you are hiring a minibus from Sandholiday, you should go to Padang Bai port, where there are ferries that can take your car to the island. If you prefer to leave your car at the port, you can use the port in Sanur instead. Due to its proximity to Bali’s hottest spots in Kuta and Sanur, Nusa Penida is not as quiet as other islands that surround Bali. Nevertheless, it is still much quieter than all beaches around Bali’s southern isthmus. In fact, when you visit this island, you can feel unusual tranquility that has not been overrun by crushing forces of the tourism industry. There are some villages on the island with a rural atmosphere that will soothe you. There are also pristine beaches that bring peace to everyone who visits them. Here are attractions that you can enjoy in Nusa Penida
- Bali’s Most Beautiful Beach
If you are eager to climb down the treacherous path that goes to the hidden Klungkung Island, you will finally understand why Bali’s most beautiful beach is actually not located in the mainland. Although this hidden island is a little bit difficult to reach, you will feel complete satisfaction after you reach it.
- Manta Rays
After you reach the beach, sunbathing alone will not satisfy you because the beach’s best attraction is actually located underwater. So take your snorkeling gear and enjoy an amazing snorkeling experience with manta rays swimming around you.
- The Villages
The tranquil rural areas in this island are perfect destinations if you want to be acquainted with the locals’ hospitality, their beautiful village and rural scenery, and their exotic cuisines.
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a much smaller island located northwest of Nusa Penida. You can reach this island by boarding on a ferry from a port in Sanur, where you have to leave your car before crossing if you hire Sandholiday minibus. Despite its small size, Nusa Lembongan is packed with a lot of natural attractions that will take your breath away. The good thing about this attractive island is that not many people are currently aware of its attractiveness. If you are happy with the peaceful atmosphere of Sanur, you will be happier when you visit this island. Some of the best attractions that you can enjoy in this island are listed below.
- Water Attractions
In Nusa Lembongan, you can enjoy a large assortment of water attractions, including water activities that you normally do in a beach and some activities that are exclusive to this island, such as inflatable boat riding and paraskiing.
- Clean and Beautiful Beach
Unlike most beaches in the mainland, which can become dirty from time to time, Nusa Lembongan beaches are exceptionally clean. This is because the natives’ occupation is mostly in the seaweed farming business, which requires the beach area to be clean.
- Tranquil Beach
As mentioned above, not many people are aware of the attraction of this beach. And even though more and more tourists become acquainted with all excitements that this island offers, it is still relatively tranquil and peaceful. You can compare it with Sanur, another tourist destination that is also exceptionally quiet despite its popularity.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is often mistaken as a part of Nusa Lembongan, especially because access to this island is provided by a short suspension bridge for walkers. Sandholiday customers can reach this island by parking their car at a port in Sanur before continuing their journey by boat to Nusa Lembongan and then crossing the suspension bridge. Here are some great attractions that this small island offers.
- The Yellow Bridge
The Yellow Bridge is the first landmark that greets you when you want to enter this island. This short bridge is not only considered a functional passageway, but also a great selfie spot for everyone who visits this island.
- Blue Lagoon
If you call yourself an adventurer, you definitely need to visit this spot. At Blue Lagoon, you can test your guts by jumping from a 12-meter high cliff.
- The Infinity Pool
If you take your time to stop by a hotel called Driftwood Bar, you will have a chance to enjoy its delicious foods, cozy accommodation, and an amazing infinity pool.
Nusa Serangan
Nusa Serangan used to be a separate island just north of the Benoa Peninsula. In the past, access to this island was provided by wooden boats. Today, it is still a separate island; however, due to the controversial reclamation project in this area, Nusa Serangan can now be reached using a short bridge that connects the island with the capital city area. If you use any vehicles provided by Sandholiday, you can easily reach this island using the bridge. Although the reclamation project has caused problems to the island’s conservation program, the island’s original functions and attractions can still be enjoyed today. Of all tourism spots in Bali, Nusa Serangan is often considered the least visited due to the very few attractions that it offers.
- Turtle Conservation
The reclamation project is regarded as controversial based on a rationale that the project is causing irreparable destructions to the turtle habitat around this island. If you visit this island to observe its turtle population, you can visit the island’s Turtle Conservation and Education Center.
- Sakenan Temple
Sakenan Temple is located at the westernmost edge of the island. It was more popular in the past before the reclamation project than it is today. When the boats were still used by the pilgrims, the sight of the processions leading to this temple was considered interesting for tourists. Although today they are using the bridge, the temple is still a worthy tourism spot to visit.
- Surfing Spot
Although there are not many attractive beaches on this small island, its eastern shore is considered an excellent surfing spot.
The Three Gilis
There are three islands off the shore of Lombok Island that you can reach using a ferry after you park your Sandholiday chartered car at Serangan Harbor or Padang Bai. Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are actually a part of Lombok; however, because they are very popular, especially among tourists who visit Bali, they can be regarded as worthy destinations to be included in your Bali itinerary. Here are what the three exotic islands offer.
- Floating Hammock
Sunbathing on white soft sand is great; however, it will be much more exciting if you can relax on a hammock that is floating on water.
- Transparent Kayak
If you want to enjoy the amazing underwater scenery while boating, you should try the transparent kayak that is provided by Gili Air Lagoon Resort.
- Exotic Fauna
When you walk along the shores of the three islands, you can find some exotic animals that you rarely find anywhere else, such as sea urchin and blue starfish.
Conclusion
What are the Touched Islands around Bali that Will Bring Your Breath Away?
1. Menjangan Island
2. Nusa Penida
3. Nusa Lembongan
4. Nusa Ceningan
5. Nusa Serangan
6. The Three Gilis
What are the tourist objects in Menjangan Island?
1. Emptiness
2. Beutiful Beaches and Wall-Diving Sites
3. The Animals
What are the tourist objects in Nusa Penida?
1. Bali's Most Beutiful Beach
2. Manta Rays
3. The Villages
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