Nusa Islands vs. Gilis – what is the best choice?
The Gili Islands and the Nusa Islands – both archipelagos are a popular travel destination in Indonesia. They can easily be reached by boat from Bali and are well-known among the travellers. While the Gilis are a destination where you either come to relax or dive, the Nusa Islands call for more adventure. Especially Nusa Penida is famous for the adventurous beaches and waterfall. Yes, each island promises an unforgettable time. But which is the best choice? And who wins the battle, Nusa Islands vs. Gilis ?
Please note: Of course, if you have the time, you can visit both of the archipelagoes. It can also be an option to only choose Nusa Penida and then continue your journey to the Gilis.
Introducing the Nusa Islands
Let´s start by taking a closer look at both island groups. The Nusa Islands consist of three different islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Penida is the most famous island and mainly known for the impressive Kelingking Beach.
Nusa Penida is as well a popular day trip from Bali as it can be reached by boat in under an hour. And of course, seeing the Kelingking Beach with your own eyes is a must-do when travelling Indonesia. But not only day trips are popular. You can as well spend a few days on the islands and explore the beaches and remote areas.
On Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan you will experience more of a laid-back lifestyle. The islands are all about relaxation and beautiful hotels and restaurants. The famous Yellow Bridge connects both islands and allows you to explore them at the same time. On a clear day, you can spot the volcano Mount Agung on Bali from the main beach on Nusa Lembongan.
The Nusa Islands consist of three islands, each offering a totally different experience. But what about the Gilis?
Introducing the Gilis
The Gili Islands are located on the Northwest coast of Lombok and can as well be reached by boat. The shortest way is to travel to the Gilis from Lombok, but you can as well hop on a ferry from Bali. Compared to the Nusa Islands, the Gilis are smaller and more remote. Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno – three islands who invite you to a relaxing or exciting time depending on which island you choose.
The most popular island is Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T. Among travellers, this island is known to be the party hotspot of the Gilis. With bars and clubs along the promenade you can really have a fun time. If you like it more relaxed, Gili Air offers a good mixture between a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere. For couples and honeymoon lovers, Gili Meno is the best choice as it is also known as the island of the lovers.
Just as the Nusa Islands, the three Gili Islands could not be any more different. The battle is indeed getting more and more interesting.
The best reasons to visit the Nusa islands and not the Gili Islands
What are the best reasons to choose the Nusa Islands over the Gili Islands? What makes the Nusa Islands even more attractive as a travel destination than the Gilis?
There is more to see
Yes, this might really be the number one reason for the Nusa Islands vs. the Gili Islands. The Nusa Islands simply do offer more. They offer an adventure, they offer different beaches, waterfalls, hikes and more experiences. You can visit stunning beaches, hike down to beaches, visit waterfalls and paddle through mangrove forests.
If you are looking for diversity and adventure, the Nusa Islands are the better choice. Especially on Nusa Penida, you can experience something new every day. The island is made for travellers who love to go a bit off the beaten track and see a totally different side of Indonesia. You can easily spend a week on these three islands and still would not get bored.
And that seems pretty convincing, isn´t it?
You get to experience a more diverse landscape
For some travellers, what really counts is the surrounding and the landscape. While the Gilis can be a little “boring” (do not get that wrong), the Nusa Islands offer a more diverse landscape. From a deep jungle to steep cliffs and calm beaches – they have it all.
This makes your trip to the Nusa Islands not only adventurous but as well full of new experiences and impressions. Almost any traveller will find a corner of the Nusa Islands to fall in love with. If you cannot get enough of beaches, you will love the rough Kelingking Beach or the calm Crystal Bay. If you love nature, the waterfalls on Nusa Penida and the mangrove forest on Nusa Lembongan will fascinate you.
Just as you might know it from Bali, the Nusa Islands offer different sides and activities.
The Nusa Islands are home to some of the prettiest beaches in South East Asia
What can be more convincing that paradise beaches? Probably nothing. The Nusa Islands (and again, this is mostly about Nusa Penida) are home to some of the most popular and beautiful beaches of all of South East Asia.
Of course, you cannot talk about the beaches without mentioning the Kelingking Beach. This is simply a place any traveller needs to see at least once in his life. Another highlight is the Diamond Beach, which is considered one of the most picturesque beaches in South East Asia. The Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan is as well worth your visit.
If relaxing and visiting these places is on your bucketlist, you should definitely choose the Nusa Islands over the Gilis.
The journey from Bali is short and uncomplicated
It is most popular and common to travel from Bali. Most travellers would love to see some more from Indonesia and choose another destination to visit from Bali. Comparing the Nusa Islands vs. the Gili Islands and their journey from Bali, the Nusa Islands are definitely the better choice.
If you are planning to visit the Nusa Islands, you book a boat from Sanur Harbour. The transit will take, depending on the island you go to, between 30 and 45 minutes.
On the other side, the journey to Gili Trawangan from Bali takes about 2,5 hours. If you are not the biggest fans of long boat rides, this might be good to know. Yet, is should be mentioned that the boats to the Gilis are bigger and you can sit on the deck as well, which makes it more comfortable than the fast boats to the Nusas. If you are looking for a short and uncomplicated journey on Nusa Islands vs. Gilis, the Nusa Islands definitely win.
You can easily explore the islands on your motorbike
Did you know that the Gili Islands are car-free? There are (barely) no scooters as well and the only means of transportation is the horse-drawn carriage (which is not animal friendly at all) or the bike.
On the Nusa Islands, the exploring is easier and a little more comfortable. You can rent your own scooter with your homestay or hotel for just a few euros per day. This allows you to explore the islands on your own.
Each day calls for a new adventure (especially on Nusa Penida)
As already mentioned, the Nusa Islands offer a new adventure every day. There is so much to see, do and experience. Most travellers decide to spend at least two days on Nusa Penida before visiting the other islands. And those two days are mostly filled with many new impressions and experiences.
As well, the Nusa Islands do contain some of the bucketlist moments for travellers. How does finally ticking of Kelingking Beach or seeing a manta ray in the ocean sound to you? Yes, this can be moments to experience on the Nusa Islands. The famous Manta Point is a place for your to-do list.
The best reasons to visit the Gilis and not the Nusa Islands
But not only the Nusa Islands have some pretty convincing arguments. The Gili Islands are worth the visit as well. Find out why:
The Gilis are an absolute diving and snorkeling hotspot
When it comes to diving or snorkeling in Indonesia, the Gilis are pretty high up on the list of popular spots. Especially on Gili T, there are multiple diving schools where you can do your own course and learn how to go on an adventure underwater.
Of course, the Nusa Islands do have some diving spots as well. But comparing the Nusa Islands vs. the Gilis, diving is definitely better on the Gilis. And even if you are not into diving, a snorkeling trip is a must-do and promises some unforgettable moments.
If you are interested, check out Snorkeling trip on the Gili Islands – what you should know before
There are no cars on the islands
For some travellers, the idea of being on an island with no cars can be relaxing and interesting. No noise and air pollution. Yes, the Gili Islands really invite you to the maximum of relaxation.
If you are looking for a party, the Gilis are the place to be
And last but not least on the Nusa Islands vs. the Gilis are the parties. Gili Trawangan is the party hotspot in Indonesia and even considered to be better than Bali. And yes, this might be true.
If you love to party and would like to have some pretty fun nights, the Gilis are the better choice. While there are some bars on the Nusa Islands, nothing can beat the vibe after sunset on Gili T.
What do they have in common?
Of course, there are not only differences. Both islands are incredibly stunning and one of the best places to travel to in Indonesia. Regarding the budget, both the Gilis and the Nusa Islands are similar, so that should not affect your choice. You can find delicious restaurants and beautiful home stays on any island.
Who wins? – Nusa Islands vs. Gili Islands
The question is, who does now win Nusa Islands vs. Gili Islands?
To be honest, a real winner does not exist as your choice depends on what you are looking for. Therefore, you can find your own winner below and plan your trip:
- You should choose the Gilis if…
- … you are looking for a party experience in Indonesia
- … you want to learn how to dive
- … you are on a honeymoon or relaxing vacation
- You should choose the Nusa Islands if …
- … you are a traveller who loves adventure
- … you want to visit some of the best beaches in Indonesia
- … you love an exciting trip
For even more beautiful trips to do from Bali, check out Breathtaking destinations to travel from Bali.
