10 Popular Places to Visit Near Bali on Your Trip

Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia because of its calm beaches, rich culture, green rice terraces, and spirituality. Although the island is full of adventures, many travelers are usually shocked to find out that there are many amazing places to visit just a few minutes from Bali. These nearby destinations have special attractions, relaxing getaways, and thrilling activities that go hand in hand with your Bali Tour.

If you are on a romantic getaway, family vacation, or an adventurous solo trip, selecting a Bali tour package that covers the nearby places can help to make the most of your trip. From volcanic mountains to tropical islands, following is a list of the top 10 places near Bali that you should not miss on your travel plan.

Here are some of the popular places to visit near Bali on your trip.

1. Nusa Penida – Treasure of Bali’s Island

Nusa Penida is a small island that is southeast of Bali and can be reached by boat in a short time. Famous for its rocky shoreline, clean waters, and impressive cliffs, this island is a heaven for nature lovers. One of the most photographed places in the area is the Kelingking Beach, which is also known as the T-Rex Bay. Others include Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach and the natural pool of Crystal Bay. There are many Bali tour packages now that include day trips or overnight stays in Nusa Penida for an island experience.

2. Nusa Lembongan – A Quiet Marine Escape

Nusa Lembongan, which is another gem near Bali, is perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat. The island is famous for its clean beaches, excellent snorkeling places and laid back environment. Popular activities are visiting the Mangrove Forest, surfing at the Dream Beach or diving around the coral reefs. This destination is ideal for tourists who would like to get away from the busy tourist spots of Bali but still be close.

3. Nusa Ceningan – Between Two Islands

Nusa Ceningan is a small island that is situated between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. It is joined to Nusa Lembongan by a well-known yellow bridge. This island is famous for its quiet charm and beautiful vantage points like the Blue Lagoon, where you can watch giant waves come crashing against the cliffs. The island also has fun beach bars and traditional seaweed farms, a combination of both local culture and nature.

4. Gili Islands – White Sand and Blue Waters Paradise

The Gili Islands, which are three little islands, are situated just off the coast of Lombok. Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. These islands are characterized by car-free streets, rich marine life, and laid-back atmosphere. You can go snorkeling with turtles, diving with manta rays or just lie down under palm trees. Many tourists visit the Gilis as part of their Bali tour to visit a tropical paradise outside the main island.

5. Lombok – The peaceful neighbour of Bali

Less than an hour’s flight or boat ride from Bali, Lombok is a quieter and more traditional alternative. Lombok with its amazing beaches, waterfalls, and the majestic Mount Rinjani is a paradise for adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts. The southern coast, particularly Kuta Lombok, is emerging as a good surfing destination. If your Bali tour package involves Lombok then you will be able to enjoy off-the-beaten-path experience.

6. Mount Bromo- A Volcanic Wonder

Mount Bromo is one of the most popular volcanoes in Indonesia, and for those who love scenic landscapes, it is a place to visit. While it takes a flight or additional time to travel from Bali, it is worth it. Viewing the sunrise over the volcanic valley from the viewpoint is an amazing experience. Many tourists combine this visit with the nearby Mount Ijen or cultural points in East Java.

7. Komodo Island – Land of the Dragons

Komodo Island is famous in the whole world as the habitat of the Komodo dragons – the largest lizards of the planet. It is a part of Komodo National Park along with Rinca Island and Padar Island. You can go on guided tours and see these ancient creatures where they live in their natural habitat, go on a hike or dive in some of the most colorful underwater ecosystems in the world. Some of the Bali tour packages now provide for flights and boat tours to this unique destination.

8. Yogyakarta – the center of Javanese Culture

For those travelers who are interested in history and culture, Yogyakarta in Central Java is a wonderful supplement to your Bali trip. The city is known for its royal palace and traditional arts as well as the nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Borobudur and Prambanan temples. A short flight away from Bali, Yogyakarta brings a cultural dimension to your Indonesian trip and compliments Bali’s beach culture.

9. Flores – Untouched Nature and Abundant Culture

Flores is an island east of Bali, which has beautiful mountains, clean lakes and fascinating culture. It is most famous for the spectacular Kelimutu Lakes, which have different colors, and as a starting point for trips to Komodo National Park. Flores is not filled with tourists so it is a good place to visit for people who are interested in undiscovered nature and Indonesian traditions.

10. Banyuwangi – the entry point to Ijen Crater

On the eastern tip of Java, Banyuwangi is the entry point to Ijen Crater, which is known for the “blue fire” phenomenon and sulfur mining. Adventure lovers can have a night trek to the mountain to watch this rare natural phenomenon. Apart from Ijen, Banyuwangi also has concealed beaches, coffee plantations and local culture. It is a good stop if you are planning to travel overland from Bali to Java.

Conclusion

Bali is definitely one of the best travel destinations, but if you visit nearby places, you will get even more out of your travel. All these locations – from peaceful islands to active volcanoes – add something unique to your travel. From diving with turtles in the Gilis to hiking up Mount Bromo or encountering Komodo dragons, the opportunities are endless if you go beyond Bali when it comes to your adventure.

By selecting the right Bali tour package, it is possible for you to visit many of these places without much hassle and discomfort. Tour operators now have customized packages that combine Bali and nearby highlights so that you can have the best of both worlds, the magic of Bali and the beauty of its neighbours. Therefore, if you are to go on a Bali tour, consider visiting one or more of these destinations to make your trip around Indonesia an unforgettable one.