Bali is so much more than just one island. Check out these short Bali escapes that take you out of the island of Gods and into an unforgettable adventure!
1. Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan
Some of the most instagrammable images of natural beauty and underwater world in Bali are taken on Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Boasting dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, turquoise ocean along majestic coastlines, the waters around these islands are unrivalled for surfing, snorkelling and diving. At just under 30-minute boat-ride away, do one- or two-day trip to these islands is a must!
2. Mount Bromo Sunrise Excursion
One of Indonesia's most exciting destinations is Mount Bromo. Located within Bromo, Tengger & Semeru National Park, global revellers pack the mountain-top lookout at dawn to witness the most breathtaking sunrise anywhere in the world. As first light hitting the valleys amidst rolling mist, it gradually reveals the astonishing landscape of this mythical land filled with corrugated mountain ranges and expansive sand dunes. To get to Bromo takes a 30-minute flight to Surabaya and a 4-hour drive. More than worth the troubles!
3. Gili Islands
A trio of tiny islands off the Northwest coast of Lombok island embodies the term tropical paradise. Surrounded by white sand beaches, emerald ocean and towering coconut trees, this slice of heaven also boasts spectacular diving and snorkelling sites straight off the beach. The three island is a short boat trip away from each other with boat pick-ups and drop-offs at regular intervals. To get to the Gili Islands, fly to Lombok (approx. 2 hours) + 3 hours drive. Alternatively hitch a 3-hour boat ride directly from Bali. Be warned: you may end up staying longer than your initial plan!
4. Komodo Island
The island native to the Komodo dragons is in Flores, a 90- minute flight from Bali. Apart from getting up and personal with the pre-historic lizard, Flores offers boundless outdoor activities from trekking the national parks, island-hopping, snorkelling and diving. For real adventurers, climb up Kelimutu volcano at the Eastern part of the island to see the three-colored crater is a must-do!
5. Surabaya
If you are a shopaholic or food connoisseur, then Surabaya is your paradise. Famed as the originator of authentic traditional Indonesian food such as Nasi Rawon, Rujak Cingur and Lontong Balap to name just a few, eat till you drop is one of the popular reasons to visit this big city. Boasting more shopping malls than any other cities in Indonesia, this second largest city in Indonesia will have you hunt for great souvenirs from local to global brands and max-out on your credit card limits sooner than you think!
Where to Stay in Bali
When planning your holiday in Bali, make sure to check out our collection of private luxury villas and independent boutique hotels. Our accommodations provide the perfect home-base to discover the island and make short getaways to one or all of the above Bali escapes!
