Inselhopping Bali, Gili Trawangan & Nusa Penida

About the destination: Ubud is a town situated on the Indonesian island of Bali, specifically in the Ubud District. It is nestled among rice fields and steep gorges in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. It is promoted as a hub for arts and culture and has cultivated a substantial tourism industry. Ubud is home to approximately 30,000 individuals. For tourists, it can be challenging to differentiate the town itself from the 13 surrounding villages. The area around the town consists of small farms, rice fields, and thick forests.

About the destination: The three Gili Islands—Air, Meno, and Trawangan—located west of Lombok, attract visitors with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and excellent diving and snorkeling sites. Gili Trawangan in particular is well developed for tourism; divers, day-trippers, backpackers, and remote workers share the beaches, resorts, restaurants, bars, and laid-back hangout spots. From Lombok Airport, the transfer to Gili Trawangan takes about 20 minutes (transfers are available). The best time to visit is from April to November. In the off-season it is quieter, the sea can be rough, and swimming may not always be possible.

About the destination: Nusa Penida is an island located southeast of Bali, an island of Indonesia, and is a district of Klungkung Regency, which also includes the neighboring small island of Nusa Lembongan. The Badung Strait separates Nusa Penida from Bali. The interior of Nusa Penida is hilly, with the highest point reaching 524 meters. The climate is drier than that of nearby Bali. Nusa Penida is one of the main tourist attractions among the three Nusa islands due to its abundant natural beauty. There are two other small islands nearby - Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan - which are also part of the same district (kecamatan). According to the 2010 census, the kecamatan, which shares the same name, had a population of 45,178, covering an area of 202.8 km2, showing little change from the previous decade.

About the destination: The southern region of Bali, despite its general chaos and heavy tourist presence, boasts the island's finest beaches and several intriguing sightseeing tours. Therefore, if you're planning a trip to this destination, I suggest you allocate at least three full days to explore. If you find Bali too congested, the Kuta area and its surroundings are a great alternative: it was here that the first wave of travelers arrived in search of surf, and they also discovered a paradise worth sharing. Despite the noise and the less prominent presence of Balinese culture compared to other areas, Kuta and its surroundings still offer a delightful experience. Legian Street is charming, perfect for purchasing souvenirs or bargaining with locals for a dress; the beach is ideal for surfing, and it's a sight to behold as it's always bustling with surfers; and the sunset is a spectacle you simply cannot miss. Locals throng the beach in large groups, many of whom are eager to take photos with you, play soccer, or simply swim; and impromptu bars spring up offering cold beers and crates as makeshift local bars. The sunsets are stunning and completely harmless. However, the local lifestyle here is less immersive than in other parts of the island, so don't expect to find a quaint market or a temple around every corner.