While “Gili” is the Sasak word for island, the Balinese use the term “Nusa” and these three islands sit near the Badung Strait that separates Bali and Lombok. Again all three islands are renowned for their palm fringed beaches, turquoise waters and laid back tropical vibe.
Nusa Penida is the largest island of the group and unlike the Gili isles which are almost flat, Nusa Penida rises to a height of around 500 metres and the coastline features magnificent limestone cliffs. Crystal Bay is one the best sites for swimming and snorkelling but a trip to Nusa Penida is not complete without visiting the local inhabitants at Manta Point. Also worth visiting is the Princess Cave Temple or Goa Giri Putri. From an opening in a rockface barely large enough to pass you will enter an elaborate cave system said to be large enough to hold upto a thousand worshippers and is adorned with beautiful statues and atrefacts.
Nusa Lembongan is a short 15 minute boat ride from Nusa Penida and is the closest of the three islands to Bali. The trip to or from from Sanur Habour in Bali takes about 25 minutes. Similar to its larger neighbour, Nusa Lembongan features rugged cliff faces and white, sandy beaches. There are many places to eat drink and snorkel here as well as some excellent surfing. Apart from the many different beaches on this island, other popular spots include the blow hole at the Devils Tears and the mangrove forest tours a short distance from Jungut Batu on the islands north east corner. Although there are many beautiful and scenic locations around Nusa Lembongan it is worth keeping in mind that western flank of the island opens directly on to the Badung Strait, a deep sea trench (250m deep!) and one of the major passageways for the movement of water between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and as such the currents and swell can at times be treacherous.