The islands of Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan are home to some absolute gems: find out which ones!
Ah, Indonesia! The kind of place where the sun doesn’t just burn you — it practically slaps your sunburn with its rays!
If you’re looking for the bluest sea in the world, sand so soft it feels like walking on a cushion, and sunsets that make you want to write poetry, then get ready: we’re taking you on a tour of the most incredible beaches in southern Indonesia!
Trust us: the islands of Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan are the kind of places that will make you say, “What is happening? Am I in paradise?”
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Nusa Penida: the spectacular limestone island
The journey starts from Seminyak: hop on a slightly rickety boat and head straight to Nusa Penida, a limestone island that will leave you thinking, “How can this place be real?”
It’s the wild, untamed sister of popular and charming Bali: one of Indonesia’s most adventurous islands.
As soon as you set foot on the island, the first thing to do is hop on a scooter and set off on an adventure. The roads? Calling them roads is generous: there are more dirt tracks than paved ones.
But honestly? Every bump brings you closer to unforgettable scenery, so it’s absolutely worth it.
And if you love swimming with fish, Nusa Penida is amazing for snorkeling. Its waters are so clear they hardly seem real.
Kelingking Beach: the Dinosaur Beach
Let’s start with an adrenaline rush: Kelingking Beach, the beach whose cliffside looks like a dinosaur from above! Yes, really — a T-Rex rising out of the ocean. The rock formation has that iconic shape, and below it lies a hidden beach that looks straight out of Jurassic Park.
Getting there takes effort: the path down is steep and demanding. But once you reach the bottom... it’s absolutely worth it. It’s one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever see.
Remember to bring water, a hat, and enough energy for the climb back up. But with that ocean stretching out in front of you, you’ll hardly notice the effort.
Angel Billabong: a natural pool to unwind in
After all that effort, it’s time to relax. Welcome to Angel Billabong, an extraordinary natural pool unlike anything you’d expect to find — even in a luxury resort.
The walk to get there is an experience in itself: you make your way under the blazing sun, wondering whether the destination can really be worth it. Spoiler: it is.
When you finally arrive, you’re greeted by a view that feels straight out of a postcard. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, making the whole place feel even more surreal.
And then there’s the open sea, just a few steps away, reminding you of the raw beauty and power of this coastline.
You sit there, feet in the water, maybe with a cold drink in hand, gazing at the horizon and thinking that yes, this might just be paradise. Or at least something very close to it.
Crystal Bay: a truly sparkling sea
Nusa Penida never stops surprising you: next up is Crystal Bay.
Why is it called that?
Simple: the water here is so clear that you can even see your toes while standing in the sea. It’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to unwind and think of nothing except how stunning the view is.
If you enjoy snorkeling, then you’re in exactly the right place.
As soon as you put your head underwater, you’re transported into a dreamlike underwater world: crystal-clear water, brightly colored fish darting around you, and coral stretching out below as far as the eye can see.
You float along peacefully, carried by the gentle currents, and everywhere you look there is life. Parrotfish, angelfish, and maybe even a sea turtle, if luck is on your side. They go about their day completely unbothered by your presence, while you feel like a privileged guest in their world.
The seabed is a mosaic of coral, some tall and majestic, others smaller, but all full of intricate detail. Of course, you do need to be careful not to get too close: sea urchins are always around. But that’s part of the beauty of it — a quiet sense of respect naturally grows between you and the environment around you. You’re there as an observer, and the sea allows you a glimpse into its world.
Gili Trawangan: no cars, just pure relaxation
If you thought Bali was incredible, wait until you arrive at Gili Trawangan.
It’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to escape the usual routine without ending up in a crowded resort. There are no cars here at all — you get around only by bicycle or horse-drawn cart. It already sounds like a holiday dream, doesn’t it? It’s ideal for anyone who wants to truly slow down: dazzling white beaches and amazingly clear sea. As you may have guessed, that’s a hallmark of the entire region.
And if you feel like diving into the water, it’s fantastic: turtles are everywhere! They’re practically the stars of the island, and swimming alongside them is an experience you really have to live in person to understand.
And then there’s the sunset... what a sight! Watching the sun drop behind the mountains of Lombok leaves you thinking only one thing: “Why would I ever want to go home?”
Read also: Why go to Lapland? Here are 5 amazing reasons to head there now!
In conclusion
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to stretch out on the sand and do absolutely nothing, the beaches of southern Indonesia are exactly what you need.
Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan are the perfect mix of stunning sea, dreamlike sand, and that wonderful feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be. Picture the plan: adventurous hikes and unforgettable experiences, followed by pure relaxation on some truly spectacular beaches.
Discover our 13-day itinerary in Indonesia: we’ll take you to all these places, along with many other spectacular spots, so you can fully experience the magic of Bali!
