Nusa Penida vs. Gili Islands – Which Island Fits You best?

Planning some island hopping from Bali but not sure if you should hit Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands?
I’ve been there. As a 23-year-old backpacker who lives in hostels, surfs, and goes out almost every night, I wanted both adventure and a social crowd. The truth is – these islands couldn’t be more different.

Here’s the lowdown to help you decide which one’s for you.

Fast Overview

Nusa Penida: Wild Adventures & Cliff Views

Nusa Penida is Bali’s wild side. This island is famous for its dramatic cliffs, insane viewpoints, and that iconic photo spot at Kelingking Beach (aka T-Rex cliff).

What to do in Nusa Penida:

• Hike down to Kelingking Beach (super steep, but unreal views)

• Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point

• Sunset drinks at Crystal Bay

• Explore Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong

• Sunrise at Diamond Beach or Atuh Beach

The vibe:
Adventure days, quiet nights. Roads are bumpy and scooters can be sketchy – but that’s part of the backpacker adventure. Don’t expect parties here. Evenings are more like sipping a Bintang on the sand with a few new hostel mates.

Gili Islands: Beaches & Parties

The Gilis are three tiny islands, each with a totally different feel:

• Gili Trawangan (Gili T) – The party island. Think reggae bars, beach clubs, and hostel pub crawls.

• Gili Air – A mix of social but chilled. Sunset bars, yoga, and enough nightlife to keep you busy.

• Gili Meno – Basically the honeymoon island. Quiet, relaxed, no parties.

What to do on the Gilis:

• Party until sunrise on Gili T

• Cycle around the islands (no cars allowed – only bikes and horse carts)

• Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Point

• Take a cheap diving course (the Gilis are one of the cheapest places in the world to learn)

• Chill in a beanbag on the beach with a fresh coconut

The vibe:
If you want to meet people fast, this is the place. Hostel bars, beach bonfires, and random nights out – you’ll never be alone. Gili T is wild, while Gili Air has a slightly calmer backpacker crowd.

Hostel Life & Social Scene

• Nusa Penida – A handful of hostels, but pretty quiet. You’ll make friends on snorkeling tours or at sunset spots.

• Gili Islands – Classic backpacker hostels with dorms, bars, and pool parties. On Gili T especially, you’ll find a super social vibe and tons of hostel-organized activities.

Costs (August 2025)

(Prices as of August 2025, 1 EUR = 18,900 IDR, 1 USD = 16,240 IDR)

So, Which One Should You Choose?

• Go for Nusa Penida if you want:

  • Epic viewpoints and adventure days

  • Cliff hikes and manta rays

  • Quiet evenings, offline time

• Go for the Gilis if you want:

  • Parties and instant travel buddies

  • Diving/snorkeling all day, beach bars at night

  • A no-car, barefoot island vibe

👉 My advice? Do both. Start with Gili T for the parties and social life, then head to Nusa Penida for some wild adventure and chill recovery. It’s the perfect backpacker combo.

FAQ

Is Nusa Penida safe for solo travelers?

• Yes, but roads are tricky. If you’re not confident on a scooter, hire a driver or join tours.

Are the Gilis good for surfing?

• Not really. For proper waves, stick to Bali (Canggu, Uluwatu, Kuta).

How many days should I spend?

• Nusa Penida: 2–3 nights  
• Gili Trawangan: 3–4 nights (more if you love parties)

Do I need cash on the islands?

• Yes. ATMs exist but often run out. Bring enough cash from Bali.