Best Day Trips from Sanur for Solo Travellers
If you want to explore Bali, you should definitely consider staying in Sanur for a few days. This amazing town is the best base in Bali to access different islands around Bali and sign up for incredible snorkelling trips. There are plenty of places to visit for only one day, this would also include a few places around Bali near your base.
In this blog post, I will tell you exactly what are the best day trips from Sanur for solo travellers like us. They are easy to book and get to, plus you are always able to meet new people if you want to.
If that sounds good keep reading!
Why Sanur is Perfect for Day Trips
As mentioned before, Sanur Beach provides a welcoming base for solo travellers to explore Bali. It’s super friendly, affordable and easy to get around. From Sanur, you can set off for various one-day adventures, from island-hopping to cultural excursions.
After a day of exploring, there are many things to do in Sanur at night. Again, you can decide to be alone or meet others. If Sanur is your first stop in Bali, you can easily get there in a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport (read more about the best ways to get to Sanur from the airport here).
The best ways to get to Sanur are by 👉 hiring a scooter through BikAgo or 👉 booking a private driver!
If you are going to Sanur from Ubud, the best way is by taxi scooter or car and it takes about 45 minutes!
Now that we got the most important things out of the way, let’s get to the juicy part!
Top Day Trips from Sanur
1. Visit Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a very popular destination to visit from Bali, so be prepared because it’s going to be busy. Is it worth visiting though? Yes! This island is very pretty and the snorkelling around Nusa Penida is amazing!
There are 4 ways you can visit Nusa Penida from Sanur:
#Option 1: You can go to Nusa Penida on your own
Get a speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida. There are quite a few boats available every day so you have the flexibility to hop on any time you feel like. As soon as you get to the island, make sure to book a scooter.
👉 Get your speedboat tickets here on Viator.com! It’s easy and affordable!
That’s the best way to get around considering that the island is not really walkable and there are no taxis.
The must-visit spots are Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong and Crystal Bay. For lunch you could try Mambo Beach Restaurant, it’s right by the sea and it’s delicious!
If you fall in love with the island and decide to spend the night, these are some of the best places to stay in Nusa Penida:
- Low budget but still cool: 👉 Atuh Forest Cottage
- Mid-range with insane views: 👉 The Kama
- Luxurious stay: 👉 Camanta Penida
#Option 2: You can join a tour that offers a snorkelling trip to Nusa Penida
Snorkelling trips in Nusa Penida are very popular among tourists because they are insane! You can see manta rays and turtles along with many other colourful fish. So if you don’t want to go to the island on your own, you can totally join this tour.
You won’t be able to explore the island much but you will be experiencing the best snorkelling ever! It’s also easy to meet other travellers this way. I’ve done this trip a few times and I loved it! You don’t have to worry about anything and you will be taken back to Sanour safe and sound!
👉 Book Your Snorkelling Trip Here
#Option 3: Join a tour that takes you to the island without snorkelling
If you are not too fussed about going on a snorkelling trip, you can still visit the island with other people and have an amazing day! Again, there is nothing for you to worry about, you will be taken care of from start to finish. So this is a completely hands-off experience!
👉 Reserve This Nusa Penida Tour
#Option 4: Reserve a tour for both snorkelling and visiting the island!
Why choose if you can do both? I’ve actually done this tour once and loved it! This is the perfect option if you really want to visit the island but also want to try snorkelling in Nusa Penida.
👉 Click here for the “Combined Snorkelling and Island Tour”
Pro Tip: Bring cash as ATMs are limited on Nusa Penida, and note that phone reception is patchy in certain areas.
2. Visit The Underrated Nusa Lembongan Instead
Nusa Lembongan is right next to Nusa Penida and it’s definitely less known among tourists. It’s a lot more relaxing, there are stunning beaches and you can even find lots of cool yoga studios and yoga retreats if you’re into it!
Just like Nusa Penida, you have a few options here:
#Option 1: Explore Nusa Lembongan on your own
This option gives you a lot of freedom to explore the island in your own terms. Just get a speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan.
👉 Use GetYourGuide.com to secure your speedboat!
Once you are there, you can either rent a scooter or ask someone to take you where you need to go. I’m not a good driver so I would just pay someone to take me around there (no grab or gojeck available on this island). Places to check out include Mangrove Forest, Dream Beach and Devil’s Tear. If you want to know more, take a look at my full guide to Nusa Lembongan.
If you fall in love with Nusa Lembongan and you want to spend at least one night, here are a few options:
- Low budget with a view 👉 Sunset Hill Lembongan
- Amazing mid-range options 👉 Sandy Bay and Lembongan Seaview
- Lush villa with a view 👉 Aqua Nusa
Pro Tip: Just like Nusa Penida, make sure to bring some cash with you as ATMs are limited on the island! I’ve also made a detailed selection of places to stay in Nusa Lembongan for solo travellers – check it out here 🛖
#Option 2: Join a tour for a day trip to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
This is the no-brainer alternative. Joining an organised trip means you don’t need to do any research and you just move from one place to another according to the pre-arranged itinerary.
There are 2 guided tours to choose from. 👉 This one includes both Nusa Penida and Lembongan and 👉 this tour is for Nusa Lembongan only (but it really goes in depth!).
3. Ubud: Balinese Culture and Nature in One Day
If you haven’t done it before, you should definitely visit Ubud for a day. It’s totally doable and you can get back to Sanur just in time for your favourite live music!
You can go to Ubud by Grab scooter or car, it will take you around 45 minutes. Make sure to go nice and early to avoid traffic. Once you get there, start with one of the best breakfast spots in Ubud which is Suka Espresso. Pancakes there are literally to die for!
From there, you can either explore Ubud on your own or join one of the best tours in Ubud. If you are visiting on your own, make sure to cover the must-visit Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Ubud Market!
If you decide to stay the night in Ubud, here are my recommendations:
- Affordable homestay 👉 Nugraha Guest House 2
- Mid-range place 👉 Arya Wellness and Be Bali Hut Farm Stay
- Treat yourself kind of option 👉 Ibah
Check out more accommodations for solo travellers in Ubud here 🛏️
4. Visit Nusa Dua For Amazing Beaches and Water Sports
If you loved the beach in Sanur, you should definitely check out Nusa Dua Beach! It’s only 30 minutes from Sanur and it’s the perfect place for a beach day and water sports.
Pandawa Beach is great for kayaking and paddleboarding, while Water Blow is a unique rock formation where waves create impressive water sprays against the rocks.
For a bit of shopping or dining, Bali Collection Mall offers local and international options.
Fancy staying the night? Check out these places:
- Budget choice 👉 Adhi Homestay
- Mid-range option 👉 Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua
- More pricey but worth it 👉 Amarterra Villas Resort
Pro Tip: Stay for the evening for this fun theatre show! Check out the theatre tickets here 🎫
5. Check Out The Duta Orchid Garden
Solo travellers with a love for plants and photography should consider adding the Duta Orchid Garden to their list. It’s only a 12-minute drive from Sanur Beach and it’s a cool activity to do if you want to stay near your accommodation. This vibrant garden features hundreds of orchid varieties and rare tropical plants. There is also a lovely cafe there if you want to take a break surrounded by these beautiful plants!
Exploring Sanur: Things to Do Before or After Your Day Trip
Sanur itself has plenty to offer solo travellers. But if you decide to go out for your one-day activity, start with a morning stroll (or run) along the Sanur Beach promenade, perfect for sunrise viewing. In the evening, head to Pasar Sindhu, the local night market, for a taste of Balinese street food and fresh juices.
Don’t Let Bali Belly Ruin Your Trip!
Grab the Bali Belly Survival Kit – it could save your trip and your stomach.
✅ What to eat (and avoid)
✅ Symptoms and what to do
✅ What to pack before flying
✅ Trusted clinics + costs
+ Bonus: 2 Google Maps with doctor contacts and safe food spots
What to Bring For Your Day Out
Always carry water with you. I always recommend buying a bottle of Pocari Sweat on a particularly hot day. It’s basically a drink that contains electrolytes which is a great pick-me-up! If you are planning on joining a tour, the guide would normally provide a bottle of water but make sure you have yours on the go as well.
SPF is also vital for a day trip to Bali! Remember to top it up as you go (mine for example needs to be topped up every 80 minutes). If you are visiting rice fields, it’s a good idea to bring mosquito repellent as well, otherwise, I would say mosquitos would start showing up in late afternoons in Bali. So make sure to add it to your bag for later!
Last but not least, bring some antibacterial gel with you. Especially if you will be eating with your hands, I would highly recommend to use it.
FAQs About Day Trips from Sanur
I’m a solo traveller; how should I plan a trip to Nusa Penida, Bali?
For a seamless experience, check ferry schedules from Sanur Beach to Nusa Penida in advance. Book your ferry tickets online to avoid delays, and consider renting a scooter (I recommend BikesBooking.com for this) or joining a small group tour to explore the island. Download Google Maps beforehand as some parts of Nusa Penida have limited phone reception (check this blog post if you’re not sure how to do that)
Is it better to stay in Sanur or Nusa Dua?
Sanur is ideal for solo travellers who enjoy a quieter environment and easy access to cultural day trips. Nusa Dua, on the other hand, is a more resort-oriented area, known for luxurious beach hotels and water sports. Both locations have cool things to do and lovely beaches, so your choice will depend on your travel style.
Is Sanur walkable?
Yes, Sanur is very walkable, especially along its beach promenade, where you’ll find cafes, shops, and beachside spots. Most attractions are within easy reach, making Sanur a convenient area for solo travellers who love walking around (and not calling Grab for everything!).
Final Thoughts On Best Day Trips From Sanur For Solo Travellers
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and got an idea of what you would like to explore. If I were to pick a day trip out of my list, visiting the nearby islands of Nusa Penida or Lembongan is probably the best day trip from Sanur for solo travellers. That’s because they are super fun to visit alone or on an organised tour and you get to see different islands to compare to Bali!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts:
- What to Do in Sanur at Night: A Guide For First-Time Visitors
- Best Hotels in Sanur for Solo Travellers
- How to Get from Ubud to Sanur: A Complete Guide
- How To Get From The Airport To Sanur
- Guide To Best Places To Eat In Sanur!
- How To Spend One Day In Sanur
- Tips on food poisoning in Bali (or Bali belly)
- How to Get from Ubud to Nusa Lembongan: Step-by-Step Guide
- Top Snorkelling Trips To Book in Nusa Penida For Solo Travellers
- The Ultimate 10-Day Bali Adventure: Your Perfect Itinerary
- Travel To Bali For 2 Months: Full Guide To Get Your Visa Sorted
✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
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