If you have the time, I recommend visiting both the Nusa Islands and the Gili Islands. However, if you’re short on time, this guide will help you decide which destination is best for you in the Nusa vs Gili Islands debate.

The Differences

1. Travel time from Bali

It takes about 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur Harbour to reach the Nusa Islands, so if you have just one spare day, you could easily visit one of the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan).

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are linked by a yellow bridge, making it quick and easy to travel between them by scooter. Although it only takes 10 minutes by boat to get from Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan, visiting all three islands in a single day would be overwhelming.

Reaching the Gili Islands from Padang Bai Harbour takes about 2 hours by fast boat, plus additional travel time to the harbour (for example, it’s around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ubud to Padang Bai Port). It will take at least half a day to travel to the Gili Islands, so it’s not possible to visit them in just one day. To truly experience the Gili Islands, it’s best to stay for 2-3 nights.

2. Size of the Islands

The Nusa Islands, especially Nusa Penida, are much larger than anticipated. To get around, you’ll need to hire a driver or rent a scooter, as it takes about an hour to drive from one side to the other.

In contrast, the Gili Islands are much smaller and can be explored on foot, although renting a bicycle is recommended for a more enjoyable experience. It takes about 30 minutes to cycle around Gili Air, an hour to cycle around Gili Trawangan and roughly 45 minutes to walk or cycle around Gili Meno.

3. Terrain

For landscapes, Nusa Penida has many hills, winding toads, and dramatic scenery, whereas the Gili Islands are mostly flat and easy to navigate. 

4. Culture

Nusa Penida has a stronger cultural presence than the Gili Islands. Most villages in Penida have Hindu festivals and ceremonies. 

The Gili Islands’ local population is mostly Muslim. There are mosques where you will hear Muslim prayers through a loudspeaker during certain times of the day and night. 

5. Activities

Nusa Penida is known for its stunning views and landscapes and the experience of snorkeling with Manta Rays.

The Gili Islands are famous for its excellent diving and snorkelling, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches.

Which one should you visit?

Which island you should visit depends on both the amount of time you have in Bali and your personal interests.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is well-known for its dramatic scenery and photogenic spots, as well as hiking and snorkelling with the Manta Rays. 

I wouldn’t recommend renting a scooter on Nusa Penida unless you are confident riding a scooter because of the steep, narrow, and winding roads. Unlike Nusa Lembongan, where the roads are mostly flat and straight, the roads on Nusa Penida are hilly, windy, and in poor condition. It’s best to hire a driver to get around. 

Nusa Penida is a large island, and getting to each location may take longer than expected due to weather and traffic conditions.  

Nusa Penida is the ideal island for those seeking adventure. For a comprehensive guide and assistance in planning your trip to this incredible island, check out my blog post: 3-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan has the best accommodation and dining options of the three Nusa Islands. You can also snorkel with Manta Rays from Nusa Lembongan. 

It’s easy to ride a scooter around Nusa Lembongan as it’s mostly flat. 

It’s the perfect island for relaxing by the beach, dining and surfing. Read my Nusa Lembongan Guide for everything you need to know about this island and the top things to do.

Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the three Nusa Islands. Activities you can do here include surfing, cliff jumping and zip lining. 

It’s also easy to ride a scooter around Nusa Ceningan as it’s mostly flat and small. 

You can explore Nusa Ceningan in a day from Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. Check out my blog post: 10 Things to do in Nusa Ceningan.

Gili Air

Gili Air is well known for its beaches, restaurants, snorkelling and fishing. Hiring a bicycle is the best way to get around. 

It’s the ideal island for a laid-back vacation. 

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is famous for its snorkeling and vibrant nightlife, and it is the largest of the three Gili Islands. Renting a bicycle is the most convenient way to explore the island.

It’s the ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends!

Gili Meno

Gili Meno is known for its stunning beaches and excellent snorkeling, with underwater sculptures visible from the island. As the smallest and most peaceful of the three Gili Islands, the best way to get around is on foot or by bicycle.

It’s the ideal island for honeymooners, couples, and families. 

See my comprehensive Gili Island Guide for all the essential information you need for each island, from transportation options to recommended dining spots and everything in between.

No matter which island you visit, you will have a fantastic time because they are all so exotic and unique in their own way! I hope the Nusa vs Gili Islands debate above helps you decide which destination/s to visit.

When travelling to Indonesia, be sure to visit the Komodo Islands, which are among the most beautiful we’ve seen. For more information, check out my Komodo Islands Guide.