Just a short boat ride from Bali, the three Nusa Islands Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida offer a refreshing escape with a distinctly laid-back island atmosphere. Nusa Lembongan, the main island, is famous for its powdery sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed pace that's a world away from the bustle of Bali's main tourist hubs. The island's coastline is dotted with inviting villas, homesteads and boutique resorts, while its buzzing restaurant and bar scene is quickly catching up to Bali's best. Vibrant beach clubs draw both day-trippers and longer-term visitors and the Jungutbatu area with its sweeping shallow bay makes it a favourite for families. There's plenty to keep visitors occupied with popular surf breaks dotted around and every type of Watersport imaginable. Jump on a scooter and spend a day exploring, the island's small scale makes it easy to hop from beach to beach or finding a quiet spot to unwind.

Cross the iconic yellow single-file suspension bridge to the much smaller island of Nusa Ceningan, which was once a well-kept secret but is now firmly on the map for its natural beauty and chill vibe. Marvel at the picturesque patchwork of seaweed farms between the two islands and observe the relaxed way the farmers go about in their boats as if nothing has changed in generations. The Blue Lagoon is the island's showstopper, a turquoise cove framed by dramatic cliffs, perfect for photos or simply marvelling at the colour of the water

Nusa Penida, the largest and most rugged of the trio, has become a must-see destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Its dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and iconic viewpoints like Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach are the stuff of travel legend. The island's wild physical geography means every turn reveals a new, jaw-dropping vista, from towering limestone headlands to secret coves accessible only by winding trails. Penida's raw, untamed beauty and sense of adventure have made it a social media sensation and a bucket-list stop for anyone visiting Bali.

The waters surrounding the Nusa Islands are considered the best diving in Bali, thanks to their deep channels and fast-running currents that attract a dazzling array of marine life. Divers flock here for the chance to see manta rays, mola mola (sunfish), turtles, and even the occasional whale shark. The drift diving is exhilarating, with the currents carrying you past vibrant reefs and dramatic underwater landscapes. Both beginners and experienced divers will find world-class sites, with plenty of dive shops and schools ready to guide you.

Together, the Nusa islands deliver a perfect blend of unspoilt nature, relaxed island living, plenty of activities to suit everybody and an easy escape from Bali as if going back in time 20 years in time.