Bali will always be our favourite island, but if you want to leave the bustle behind for a weekend, then go on an island hopping adventure! to these 4 nearby islands.
Bali is just one of approximately 17,000 islands in Indonesia, so whilst you are here why not do a bit of island hopping? Channel that inner wanderlust, make like pirates, and head off on in search of pink beaches, manta rays, and untouched National Parks.
Menjangan Island
Better known as deer island, this is the place to go if you don’t fancy seeing another tourist for the weekend. Rent a scooter and drive north up the stunning coastal road until you reach the Bali Barat National Park. There aren’t many resorts to choose from here [and that’s what make it so great] but check in to The Menjangan for a peaceful retreat on the waters edge.
The water eco system here is stunning as it is so untouched, so we suggest catching a boat to nearby Manjangan Island and don your snorkel to explore the beautiful reef, watch black monkeys run around, and as the sun sets you might even see the deer head to the water’s edge to drink from the ocean. Magical Menjangan!
Gili Ashan
So, you’ve all heard of Gili Trawagon, Gili Air and Gili Meno, right? You might have even heard of Gili Gede – the lesser known of the four. But do you know about Gili Ashan? This secret spot is home to just two hotels, meaning the island is never inundated with lots of people, so if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, this is for you.
Sleep, eat, sunbathe, kayak, snorkel, discover Starfish Island [there are blue, orange and red ones to find!], read, take a stroll around the island. Leave laptops at home, turn mobile phones off [wifi is limited anyway] and totally switch off from the real world, and immerse yourself into utter relaxation.
Flores
Flores, the island named ‘flowers’ by 16th-century Portuguese colonists, is a tropical beauty in the East of Indonesia, full of natural attractions, including nearby Komodo National Park [home to the Komodo dragons], incredible dive spots [if you want to see giant manta rays then head to Manta Point], and smoking volcanoes and stunning crate lakes. And one for the bucket list has to be the romantic [and very Insta-pic worthy] Pink Beach! Located at the north east of Komodo at Loh Liang, Pink Beach is well worth a visit to after a morning of trekking on Komodo Island.
The popular Le Pirate resort [who are located on Nusa Ceningan and Gili Trawangan] have opened up a third property in the harbour town of Labuan Bajo in Flores, and not only that but they are offering a brand new overnight cruise, Le Pirate Bajo, that lets you go on an island hopping adventure exploring the Komodo Archipelago. Stay on board their pirate ship and explore the turquoise waters, pristine sands and stunning underwater scenery.
Lombok
A 20-minute flight or a short boat ride from Bali, Lombok is the perfect weekend getaway! You can do it on a budget too, so if your pennies are short but you want to find untouched beaches, breath-taking waterfalls, and epic surf breaks this is the place to go!
If surfing is your thing, head south, and check out the secret [or not-so-secret] surf spot called The Desert Point. If volcano trekking is your thing, you can climb Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest (and still active) volcano on a two-night climb where you will see magnificent views of the lake crater from the summit. And if chilling on a beach, having a Bintang and relaxing is your thing then head to Senggigi Beach.
