11 best day trips from Sanur

Sanur is a great starting point to explore the beauty of Bali. Known for its calm beaches and peaceful atmosphere, Sanur is the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing vacation.

There are plenty of things to do in Sanur, like going to the beach, eating out, and relaxing. But what if you want to explore more of Bali beyond Sanur Beach? Fear not, as there are many amazing day trips you can take from Sanur to explore Bali’s best sights and attractions.

In this article, we’ll discuss the 11 best day trips from Sanur that you definitely shouldn’t miss around the island.

Best day trips from Sanur

Just to clarify, there is a difference between a day trip from Sanur and a day tour in Bali. A day tour will be organised for a set location by a tour guide, where you will see listed destinations on Bali Island that the tour offers.

A day trip can be organised with a Bali driver, which is a more private tour where you decide the places in Bali you want to see. Your private driver in Bali will then take you around Bali to the areas of Bali you decided to see.  

1. Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and artistic hub, located in central Bali. A day trip to Ubud or Ubud tour from Sanur is a must-do as it allows you to experience the island’s rich cultural heritage, lush green rice paddies, and stunning scenery.

Day trips from Sanur to Udud are popular to see the rice fields
Day trips from Sanur to Ubud are popular

You can visit the iconic Ubud Monkey Forest, walk along the scenic rice terraces of Tegallalang, and explore the Balinese culture in Ubud’s many art galleries and museums. We highly recommend having lunch at the amazing Sayan Point.

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2. Nusa Penida Island

A trip to Nusa Penida is a perfect day trip from Sanur for adventure seekers. Nusa Penida is known for its stunning cliffs, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. You can go snorkelling at Manta Point and swim with manta rays or explore the stunning Broken Beach, Crystal Bay, and Kelingking Beach. You will need to take a fast boat to Nusa Penida from Sanur harbour, but it is worth it.

Do you have these things organized for your Sanur trip?

3. Nusa Lembongan day trip from Sanur

A day trip to Nusa Lembongan offers visitors a chance to experience the beautiful scenery and vibrant culture of the island, which is located southeast of Bali. Once you get off the boat ride popular activities include snorkelling or diving in the crystal-clear waters.

Head off and explore the mangrove forest, visit the underground house, and take a walk on the famous yellow bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan.

A bridge at Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a short boat ride, away from Sanur

There are also many beachside cafés and restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine while taking in the stunning views. The island is accessible by boat from Sanur or other points in Bali and can be visited as a day trip or for a longer stay.

4. Bali Zoo and Rice Terrace Tour

A Bali Zoo and Rice Terrace Tour is a great day trip for families with kids. You can visit the Bali Zoo, see exotic animals up close, explore the stunning rice terraces and a Bali Swing at Tegalalang, and see the real Bali.

feeding elephants at Bali Zoo
The Bali Zoo is only a short drive from Sanur

It’s best to plan ahead to find out what tours and activities are on at the Bali Zoo such as feeding experiences, mud fun with elephants, and zookeeper talks.

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5. Uluwatu

Uluwatu is located on the southern tip of Bali and offers visitors a chance to explore beaches, ancient temples, and cliffside views. Highlights include the Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak Fire Dance and Uluwatu Beach, known for excellent surf.

A beach club on a cliff overlooking the water in Uluwatu
Beach Clubs are very popular in Bali

The area is home to a number of popular cliff-top bars and is rich in arts and culture. A day trip to Uluwatu promises an unforgettable experience. Maybe stop for a seafood dinner on the white sand beach at Jimbaran. 

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6. Canggu – Bali day tours

Canggu, a charming beach town on Bali’s southwest coast, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rice fields, and laid-back lifestyle. A day trip promises surfing, stunning sunsets, shopping, healthy food, yoga, and relaxation.

Hanging out on the beach in Caangu is popular for day trippers

The area of Canggu is home to a number of the most popular beach clubs in Bali such as Vue 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.

7. Bali Waterfall Tour

Bali is known for its stunning waterfalls, and a Bali waterfall tour is a must-do from Sanur. 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, a popular waterfall near Ubud known for its picturesque setting and swimming opportunities and Sekumpul, a mesmerizing series of seven waterfalls nestled in a dense forest.

Many of the waterfalls offer breathtaking natural beauty, refreshing pools for swimming, and a serene escape from the bustling city. The waterfalls in the hills of the north of Bali can be shrouded in fog, much like the cloud forest in Ecuador and other tropical locations.

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8. Snorkelling Tour

Bali is a popular destination for snorkelling due to its clear waters and rich marine life. There are several snorkelling spots to choose from, such as The Blue Lagoon, Menjangan Island, Amed, and Nusa Penida.

The waters of Bali are alive with fish for snorkelling

Menjangan Island is known for its coral gardens and diverse marine species, while Amed offers a chance to see shipwrecks and a variety of fish. Nusa Penida is famous for its manta rays and colourful corals. Snorkelling is a great way to explore the underwater world with Bali day trips from Sanur.

9. East Bali Tour

An East Bali Tour is a great way to explore Bali’s less touristy side. You can visit the Lempuyang Temple, popular for Instagram shots.

Tirta Gannga Water Temple in North East Bali

The water palace at Tirta Gangga which is just stunning features beautiful gardens, fountains, and pools. Finally, a stop relaxing on the beach at Virgin Beach. Get some food and drinks, have a message as the water rolls in, and take a dip in the ocean before you return to Sanur.

10. Sunset tour on Mt Batur – Bali day trips from Sanur

One of the best places to see the sun come up over a volcano. As you sit on the slopes of Mount Batur, the sun will be coming up over Mount Agung. You can opt to trek up the mountain or see the best sunrise by jeep.

Watching a sunset on Mount Batur
An early morning day trip to watch the sunrise at Mount Batur

Either way, a sunrise over Mount Agung is an amazing trip. The sunrise can be combined with any number of other activities such as ATV rides, Hot Springs, cycling, and Black Lava just to name a few.

11. Explore Bali Temples

Bali is one of the best places in the world if you’re looking to visit Temples. Some stunning temples can be visited on a Bali days trip like Besakih Temple, Pura Ulun Danu, and Tirta Empul just to name a few. Tanah Lot Temple on the coast is best visited for a sunset tour.

Ulan Danu is an amazing Temple in the waters of Lake Beratan

Sanur Day Trips

Sanur is the perfect location for travellers looking to explore the best attractions that Bali has to offer. There are numerous day trips from Sanur available, allowing visitors to see everything from ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, to stunning waterfalls like Tegenungan and Gitgit.

For those looking for adventure, a day trip from Sanur to Nusa Penida provides the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays or explore stunning cliffs and beaches like Atuh and Kelingking.

Beaches are a huge attraction in Bali, and Sanur is no exception, with its tranquil stretch of white sand and clear waters. But there are many other beaches to discover on trips from Sanur, including the famous surf spots of Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak, the tranquil and secluded Blue Lagoon beach, and the black sand beaches of Lovina.

Finally, no trip to Bali would be complete without experiencing one of its breathtaking sunrises. A sunrise trek to the top of Mount Batur offers incredible views of the island and its volcanoes, while the rice fields of Ubud offer a serene and picturesque start to any day trip from Sanur.

Sanur Bali is an ideal base with its resort accommodation, calm beach, and great places to eat for exploring the best attractions that Bali has to offer. You can hire a scooter, go on a tour or rent a driver to see stunning waterfalls, secluded beaches, adventurous day trips to Nusa Penida, and breathtaking sunrises. With so much to see and do, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences awaiting visitors to this beautiful island making day trips from Sanur.

For more accommodation options in Sanur Bali, click through to our places to stay page or search Luxury Escapes, Booking.com or Agoda

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about Sanur Bali! We hope you found it informative and helpful in planning your trip to this beautiful region. If you’re looking for more information about things to do in Sanur or recommendations for places to eat, or where to go from Sanur be sure to check out our website.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and accurate information to make your holiday planning from choosing hotels on and off the beach to scooter rental as smooth as possible. Once again, thank you for reading, and we hope our articles continue to be a valuable resource for your travel plans

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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