Having explored Bali extensively with my own family over the past 10 years, We have put together this list of our 11 favorite day trips from Sanur—packed with tips, travel advice, and firsthand recommendations to help you plan the best Bali day trips.
Sanur is a great starting point to explore the beauty of Bali. Known for its calm beaches and peaceful atmosphere, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation.
Most visitors come to Sanur for the resorts, beaches food and drinks. But what if you want to explore Bali more than Sanur Beach? You can take many fantastic day trips from Sanur to explore Bali’s best sights and attractions.
Best day trips from Sanur
To clarify, there is a difference between a day trip from Sanur and a day tour in Bali. A day tour is organized for a set location by a tour guide, and you will see listed destinations on Bali Island that the tour offers.
A day trip can be organised with a Bali driver or a more private tour where you decide the places in Bali you want to see. Your private driver in Bali will then take you to the areas of Bali you choose to visit.
Do you want to organize a trip to Sanur?
You can get it here:
Ubud
Travel time from Sanur: ~1 hour by car
Best for: Culture lovers, art fans, families
Ubud is a popular destinations for travellers coming to Bali. Its located in central Bali away from the beaches and surrounded by jungle and rice fields. Many people head to Ubud because it was known as Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart.
Today it is just like most other places in Bali, over run with tourists, traffic and feeling less authentic as every year goes past. Depending on what your looking for it still remains a good choice for a day trip.
Highlights of visit to Ubud for you can include a trip to the Monkey Forest, a visit to Ubud Palace and the surrounding rice terraces and waterfalls. Maybe consider a cooking class, some sort of wellness experience or more well known activities like whitewater rafting and ATV tours.
If your there late in the afternoon it may be worth getting tickets to the Kecak Fire dance for a bit of that Balinese cultural you may have came looking for. Shopping at the market is a rip off and you will certainly get prices cheaper elsewhere, if you do visit the market make sure you barter hard for the best deal.
Places to eat in Ubud
- Sayan Point – Has Stunning jungle views, Swimming pool and Bali Swing. They serve fresh local dishes, making it a great spot to relax. You can find Sayan Point at JI Raya Sayan.
- Ibu Oka – Try the Babi Guling which is roast Suckling pig, its a traditional dish, served at rites-of-passage ceremonies. You will find Ibu Oka at Jl. Tegal Sari No.2, Ubud
Insider tip: Try to leave Sanur by 8:00 AM to beat the crowds and heat. Consider hiring a local driver via Klook.
Get ready to adventure: All the best places for breakfast in Sanur
Nusa Penida day trip from Sanur
Sitting on the beach in Sanur the island of Nusa Penida dominates the view. A day trip to Nusa Penida from Sanur is a must, its little adventure and a lot of unforgettable memories. We’ve done this trip ourselves and can honestly say it’s one of the most stunning places we’ve visited in Bali.
From Sanur Harbour, hop on a fast boat to Nusa Penida—it takes about 45 minutes. While it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, the views and experiences that follow are totally worth it.
Top Things to See on a Nusa Penida Day Trip:
- Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point—an unforgettable experience.
- Kelingking Beach: Famous for its T-Rex-shaped cliff and epic photo ops.
- Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong: Stunning natural rock formations with turquoise pools.
- Crystal Bay: A relaxing beach with great snorkeling, music and cold beers
Day trips to Nusa Penida from Sanur are available daily, and you can book through trusted platforms like Klook or Tiqets. Alternatively you can just book a boat ticket and negotiate with a local driver once you’re on the island for a customized tour. We think that option is way more of a hassle, just book the full tour from start to finish.
Tip: The Roads on Nusa Penida can be rough—be prepared for bumpy drives and bring sunscreen, for some reason it always feels hotter on Penida .
Nusa Lembongan day trip from Sanur
Just next to Penida Island is Nusa Lembongan, not quite as busy or built up as Nusa Penida. This island offers a more chilled vibe than Nusa Penida but still packs in stunning views and exciting activities.
Once again you need to catch a fast boat from Sanur Harbour to Nusa Lembongan which takes around 45 minutes. We choose to travel with Rocky Fast Boat because at the time of travel they were the only company that stopped at a jetty, every other boat company made you disembark on the beach.
We actually stayed on lembongan for 4 nights and love its slower pace, and fewer crowd. It’s perfect for families or travelers who want to snorkel, explore, and soak up the island charm—all in one day or one week.
Things to Do on a Nusa Lembongan Day Trip:
- Mangrove Forest Tour: Paddle through peaceful waters surrounded by thick mangroves.
- Yellow Bridge: Snap photos at the iconic bridge connecting Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan.
- Snorkeling/Diving: Head out on a boat to explore vibrant reefs and marine life.
- Beach Cafés: Chill out with a drink and enjoy ocean views at a seaside café.
🚤 Boats leave Sanur all day on the hour. If your planning a day trip your best to book a day tour that takes care of boat tickets and a driver to take you to the sights—book ahead online through sites like Klook or directly at the harbour.
Insider Tip: If your booking a Lembongan Island snorkelling tour with Manta Rays make and ask if it is Manta Ray Season. They will not tell you that there are no rays around at certain times of the year.
Explore Bali on your own: How to rent a scooter in Sanur and stay safe
Bali Zoo
Here ios one for families that’s close to Sanur? A visit to the Bali Zoo is a perfect day trip—especially if you’re traveling with kids. Just a 30-minute drive from Sanur, the zoo offers some of the most amazing experience in Bali, including having breakfast with the Orangutans and at the mud pond with elephants.
The mud fun with Elephants is an unforgettable experience where you get into the mud pond and the elephants are brought to u so you can started rubbing mud into their skin. To be up so close and to be able to touch these giant creatures was amazing.
We’ve visited the zoo with our family and loved how immersive and hands-on it is—this is not your typical zoo. It’s designed to let visitors connect with animals in fun and meaningful ways.
It’s best to plan to find out what tours and activities are at the Bali Zoo, such as feeding experiences and zookeeper talks to make the most of your visit
How to get there from Sanur
A quick taxi or private driver ride takes about 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the gate or booked online through platforms like Klook or Tiqets. If booking a taxi in Bali always make sure you do it through the BlueBird Taxi app to make sure you are not overcharged
Tip: If you love animal experiences you could also visit the Bali Bird Park and the Bali Reptile Park
Sanur day trip to Uluwatu
Uluwatu is located on the southern tip of Bali and is all about beautiful beaches, beach clubs, surfing, sunsets, the Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak Fire Dance. The few times we have been there the drive from Sanur can be quite long at easily over an hour or more.
The Uluwatu temple itself is a wonderful sight particularly when the sun is setting, grab a photo with the statue of the founding monk. Be advised and be wary of the monkeys, they are everywhere, they can will steal things from you, especially sunglasses and mobile phones.
Most people take the opportunity to watch the Kecak Fire Dance at the temple, be warned it gets very busy. The 6pm show is timed perfectly with the sunset at Uluwatu. Your best bet is to book tickets prior or you will need to get in line at least 3 hours early to secure tickets.
The area is home to several popular cliff-top bars where you can enjoy food and drinks while watching surfing and amazing sunsets over the water. You could stop for a seafood dinner on the white-sand beach at Jimbaran on your way home to Sanur.
How to get there
Book a private driver for the day from Sanur or join a guided tour that includes multiple stops like Uluwatu, Padang Padang Beach, or even Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. Check sites like Klook or Viator for options.
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Canggu – Bali day tours
Canggu, a charming beach town on Bali’s southwest coast, these days it is one of the hotspots on the island making it seriously crowded. A day trip promises surfing, stunning sunsets, shopping, healthy food, yoga, and relaxation.
The traffic getting to Canggu can and will be a nightmare most times, the roads in Bali are just not built for the number of people trying to get to Canggu, avoid the afternoon traffic.
The area of Canggu is home to several of the most popular beach clubs in Bali, such as Vue, Atlas and Finns, where you can relax beside the pool, eat and drink the day away.
Don’t forget to take in Tanah Lot temple on the coast of Bali. This iconic sea temple is perfect for golden hour photos. Alternatively just up the coast a little at Kedungu is the Beach Love, its a popular point overlooking the ocean where they have bean bags, food and drink service. Perfect for a relaxing evening and something we have enjoyed on numerous occasions.
Bali Waterfall Tour
Bali is known for its stunning waterfalls, and a Bali waterfall tour from Sanur is a must. You can explore Bali’s best waterfalls, such as Tegenungan Waterfall, Gitgit Waterfall, and Sekumpul Waterfall.
Gitgit has an impressive 40-meter cascade surrounded by lush greenery. Tegenungan is a popular waterfall near Ubud known for its picturesque setting and swimming opportunities. Sekumpul is a series of seven waterfalls nestled in a dense forest.
We’ve explored several of these spots ourselves, and each one offers something a little different—whether it’s a swim in a jungle pool or a hike through the jungle to see water crashing down cliffs.
We really loved our time at Tegenungan Waterfall, its close proximity to Sanur, it was easy access and the river club had amazing views of the waterfall.
Top Waterfalls to Visit on a Day Trip:
- Tegenungan Waterfall (near Ubud): Great for swimming, easily accessible, it has an elevator, with a river club onsite for you to relax at..
- Gitgit Waterfall (North Bali): A tall, 40-meter cascade surrounded by rainforest. Will need to walk for 15-20mins to reach the waterfall.
- Sekumpul Waterfall: A cluster of seven falls—arguably Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, but it is a 2-3 hour drive from Sanur.
How to Do It from Sanur:
The closest waterfalls (like Tegenungan) are about 45 minutes away, while others may take 2–3 hours to reach. You can:
- We recommend you hire a private driver like our friend Putu from Bali Travel Times and build your own route.
- Book a guided waterfall tour via platforms like Klook, Viator, or Tiqets.
Some tours combine waterfalls with rice terraces, swings, or coffee plantations for a full-day adventure.
Accommodation in Sanur: The best beachfront hotels you have to book
Snorkelling Trip from Sanur
Many people coming to Bali expect there to be great Snorkelling opportunities everywhere. In reality this is not the case and especially so around the tourist areas of Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur areas. This is not to say Bali does not have any good spots just most of them are away from Sanur and in most cases on other islands.
The snorkelling tours in Bali we have done have been fun and your always accompanied in the water by your guide to help point out the fish.
Top Snorkeling Spots Near Sanur:
- Blue Lagoon (Padangbai): Calm waters, colorful coral gardens, and perfect for beginners. The closest spot to Sanur for great snorkelling.
- Nusa Penida: Famous for snorkeling with manta rays at Manta Point and colorful reefs at Crystal Bay.
- Amed: A black sand beach with coral reefs, but at least 3 hours away on the north coast of Bali
- Lovina: In north Bali known for its clear waters, coral reefs and dolphin sightings
Tip: Morning trips offer the best water clarity and calmer seas, as the day goes by the water tends to get more murky.
How to Book:
On Sanur’s beachfront and shops along Jalan Danau Tambingan will have plenty of tour operators offering group or private snorkeling trips. You can easily book online through platforms like Klook or Tiqets like we did where you get picked up from your hotel and dropped back off afterwards. No need to bring any equipment it is all supplied, make sure you bring some sunscreen.
Bali Packing List: Don’t forget the essentials that you actually need…no t-shirt recommendations included here!
East Bali Tour
An East Bali Tour is a great way to explore Bali’s less touristy side, it is a chance to escape some of the crowds of other popular spots in Bali.
You can visit the Lempuyang Temple, popular for Instagram shots. Be warned you need to get to the temple at day break if you do not want to wait hours for your photo opportunity. I have herd of people waiting two hours or more for there few minutes of shots.
The water palace at Tirta Gangga is stunning and features beautiful gardens, fountains, and pools. Its much quieter and easy to get around than Tirta Ganga Water temple. On the way into the temple, locals with snakes, giant lizards and bats, trying to convince visitors get your photo taken with then.
Finally, on the way home stop and relax on the Virgin Beach. Get some food and drinks, have a message as the water rolls in, and dip in the ocean before you return to Sanur.
How to Get There from Sanur:
Book a private driver for the day to take you to Tirta Gangga and other close by spots in East Bali
Sunset tour on Mt Batur – Bali day trips from Sanur
One of the most memorable experiences you can have in Bali is to sit on the slopes of a volcano watching the sunrise, how many other spots in the world can you have such an experience. We feIt privileged and in awe with the experience at hand.
As you sit on the slopes of Mount Batur, the sun will be coming up over Mount Agung It’s cool, peaceful, and totally worth getting up at 3am.
Two Ways to Experience a Mount Batur Sunrise:
- Hike to the Summit: Our friends did the hike and found it challenging but not so hard. You will have a guide and torches to take up the mountain in around 1.5-2 hours.
- 4WD Jeep Sunrise Tour: We opted for the jeep tour and it was a load of fun as you ride up the volcano and still catch amazing views—ideal for families or those with limited mobility.
Optional Add-ons to Extend Your Day:
- Black Lava Jeep Ride: Explore the dramatic black volcanic fields near the base of Batur. We highly recommend this addon, the Black Lava fields are like an alien world.
- Hot Springs: It sounds strange to go to hot springs in a climate as warm as Bali but its all about the experience of relaxing in warm natural pools overlooking the mountains
- Kintamani Cafe’s: located on in the mountains overlooking the lava fields and volcanoes Kintamani has many cafe set up for insta worthy snaps.
Getting There from Sanur:
Tours usually include early morning pickup from Sanur (around 2:00–2:30 AM) and return by midday. Book through trusted operators on Klook and Viator, or local agencies.
Tip: Make sure you pack warm clothes, something you do not often hear in Bali, but it does get cold on the mountain before sunrise. Or driver was shivering and had to buy a cup of noodles to warm his hands up!
Explore Bali Temples
Bali is known as the “Island of a Thousand Temples and that is no exaggerating. Exploring some of these sacred sites in towns on the edge of lakes, clifftops and even in the ocean makes for some sort of day trip from Sanur.
No doubt temples in Bali can be fascinating if you have never been to one before, their designs are photo worthy and history quite interesting. A day spent visiting a few of Bali’s most iconic temples offers a unique window into the island’s culture.
We’ve visited many of these temples during our Bali travels, and each one brings a different story and view.
Top Temples to Visit from Sanur:
- Tanah Lot Temple: Perched on a rock by the sea, this is Bali’s most photographed sunset temple. Try and visit late in the afternoon to catch the sunset. There are plenty of sellers around so you can buy food and drinks.
- Ulun Danu Beratan (Lake Temple): A beautiful floating temple set against mountains in central Bali. Probably the first place i think of when people mention temples in Bali, just a stunning setting.
- Besakih Temple: Known as Bali’s “Mother Temple,” it sits on the slopes of Mount Agung and is one of the island’s most sacred spots. I remember having to get on the back of a motorbike to be taken up to the temple entry, quite the experience.
- Tirta Empul: Famous for its holy water purification pools—visitors are welcome to participate in the cleansing ritual. Just be aware it will not be a personal experience, hundreds of others will also be in the water which can somewhat cheapen the experience in my view.
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): An ancient temple complex with moss-covered carvings and mysterious energy. A little odd and really trades on the Elephant Cave name but nothing outstanding here.
How to Plan Your Temple Day Trip:
- Hire a private driver for flexibility and comfort.
- Book a guided temple tour for deeper cultural insights.
- Combine temples with nearby attractions like waterfalls, markets, or rice terraces.
Check platforms like Klook, Viator, or Kdday for curated temple itineraries.
Tip: A day of temple visiting requires some thought with what you are wearing. Dress modestly (knees and shoulders covered). Most temples have sarongs at the entrance you can use.
Sanur Day Trips
Sanur is more than just the best beach town in Bali, it’s the perfect place to stay for exploring the best of Bali by doing day trips. It is a great location, has a laid back vibe and range of accommodation and food options. There are so many day trip options such as waterfalls, tropical fish, coral reefs, early morning sunrises, or temples without changing hotels.
We’ve personally used Sanur as our Bali hub many times, and love how easy it is to organize day trips, and tours to take us to most places on the island. A stay in Sanur makes trips to Ubud, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, Canggu, and beyond completely doable in a single day.
Quick Highlights Recap:
- Island Hopping: Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan for beaches, cliffs, and manta rays.
- Culture & Nature: Ubud’s rice terraces, art galleries, and sacred temples.
- Family Fun: Bali Zoo, waterfall hikes, and animal encounters.
- Scenic Sunsets: Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple.
- Adventure: Sunrise on Mount Batur, snorkeling, and jungle swings.
Book tours on well known platforms like Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide. Or speak to a local driver in Sanur such as our friend Putu to organise your perfect Bali day out.
For more accommodation options in Sanur Bali, click through to our places to stay page or search Booking.com Agoda or Luxury Escapes.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about Sanur, Bali! We hope you found it informative and helpful when planning your trip to this beautiful region. If you’re looking for more information about things to do in Sanur, recommendations for places to eat, or where to go from Sanur, be sure to check out our website. For additional resources, tips, and updates, visit our Facebook Group and our TikTok account.
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Things to do in Sanur
Things to do in Sanur and its content is created by two Australians who have been to Sanur many times. We have enjoyed food and drink on the beach, we have sipped coffee on Jalan Danau Tamblingan. We have stayed in homestays and hotels in Sanur and made day trips to see the best of Bali. Not only that, but we aim to keep the information fresh by continuing to visit Sanur and getting first-hand information off our Balinese friends.
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