Overview
The itinerary at a glance
From Sanur to Gili T via Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, click each marker for stage details and boat routes.
Where to start
The ideal itinerary
My recommended itinerary to see the most, departing from Sanur port in Bali:
Tip: public ferries are cheaper than private boats but also slower. You can book online in advance or directly at agencies on site, both work well.
Stage 1
Nusa Lembongan
I didn't go on my first Bali trip, and I absolutely don't regret going back the next time. A very calm and relaxing small island, everything is done by scooter (my first time renting one alone and it went great!). Beautiful beaches, a laid-back vibe and above all an unforgettable excursion swimming with manta rays.
Beaches
- Pantai Pasir Putih (white sand)
- Mushroom Beach (the main one)
Beach club
- Sea Breeze Café in Ceningan (no minimum spend)
Activities
- Swimming with manta rays + turtle snorkelling
- Nusa Ceningan by scooter via the bridge
- Local seaweed harvest
- Mahana surf point (café with a view of the waves)
- Sunset at Cloudland (dolphins possible!)
- Massage at Harumaya Day SPA
Food
- La Bianca (beachfront)
Where to stay
- Kencana Garden, clean bungalows around a beautiful pool, excellent breakfast, lovely staff. A real favourite!
Stage 2
Nusa Penida
The island of breathtaking landscapes, exactly like all those incredible photos you've seen, and just as stunning in real life. I recommend staying 2-3 days max: beyond the famous viewpoints, there's not a huge amount to do. For getting around, if you're not comfortable on a scooter, arrange a taxi through your accommodation, the roads are genuinely terrible.
2-day itinerary example
The must-see viewpoints
Day 1
Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong : Broken Beach is an incredible natural arch with the sea rushing in beneath it. Right next door, Angel's Billabong is a natural turquoise pool, stunning at low tide. Watch out for waves at high tide!
Crystal Bay : perfect for snorkelling or relaxing at sunset. Easy to access, chill vibe.
Day 2
Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Beach) : the most iconic beach on Nusa Penida, with its T-Rex-shaped cliff. You can go down the very steep stairs to the beach, but the view from above is already well worth the detour.
Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach : two postcard-perfect beaches with white sand and steep cliffs. Diamond Beach is known for its stairway carved into the rock and its swing facing the sea. The descent is much less strenuous than Kelingking.
Goa Giri Putri Temple : on the way back, this temple carved underground is a truly unique experience. Don't miss it!
Important tip: get up early for all these spots! Before the tour buses arrive and crowd the viewpoints… plus the morning light is much more beautiful anyway.
Beach clubs
- Le Cactus (large pool + sea view)
- Amok Sunset (2 pools, no minimum spend, great view)
Stage 3
The Gili Islands
There are three Gili islands, Air, Meno and Trawangan. Some prefer to base themselves on Gili Air or Meno, which are calmer and more natural, and take day trips to Gili T. I chose Gili T and did it twice, I love the vibe, the beautiful beaches, the restaurants, the nightlife… so my itinerary focuses on Gili Trawangan.
Essential: rent a bike as soon as you arrive! The island isn't big, you can easily get around it. And above all, no cars on the island. For luggage from the port, it's a horse cart or on foot… I'd recommend struggling on foot rather than taking the cart (let's leave those poor horses alone!).
Where to stay
- Mango Tree House (cute room, excellent breakfast)
- Melati Cottage (right in front of the turtle beach!)
Activities
- See the turtles from Melati beach (mask and snorkel for rent)
- Day trip to Gili Meno (beach + baby turtles + underwater statues)
- Open-air cinema at Pink Coco
- Cycle around the island
Beach club
- Rabbit Jump (sunset + DJ + pool party)
Nightlife
- A different club every day, check the banner at the port!
- Start at Tequila Sunrise and go with the flow
Food
- Pesona Lounge, amazing Indian food, terrace in the sand facing the water
My take on the 3-island snorkelling tour: I don't recommend it. You'll already see turtles everywhere on Gili T's beach, the lunch stop on Gili Air is mediocre, and the underwater statues at Gili Meno are really a tourist trap. If you want to see the statues, just go to Gili Meno for the day and swim out to them once the groups have left, they're right by the shore.
Practical info
Everything you need to know
Getting around
Download Grab while in Bali, essential up until Sanur port. On the islands: rent a scooter in Lembongan, taxi or scooter in Penida (very bad roads), bike in Gili T (no cars!). Ride-sharing is possible via Facebook groups.
Ferries
- Sanur → Lembongan: 30–40 min, ~10–15 €
- Lembongan → Penida: 15 min, ~5 €
- Penida → Gili T: 1h30–2h, ~25 €
- Book online or on site
Budget
- Accommodation: 10–20 €/night
- Warung: 3–5 €/meal
- Excursions: 15–30 €
- Bike in Gili T: 3–5 €/day
Quick tips
- Always carry cash
- Local SIM or e-SIM (Holafly, Saily)
- Biodegradable sunscreen for snorkelling
- Bottled water only
Planning your island stay?
I can help you build your itinerary according to your wishes and budget.
