Day trips · Bali · Indonesia
6 best day trips from Bali
Where to go when you want a day away from Bali, and how long it really takes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Karter873, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The classic day trip from Bali is Nusa Penida (About 45 minutes by fast boat). The closest option is Nusa Lembongan, about 20 km away.
Key facts
- Day trips in this guide
- 6
- Closest
- Nusa Lembongan (20 km)
- Most popular
- Nusa Penida
Day trips compared
| Destination | Distance | Travel time | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nusa Penida | 25 km | About 45 minutes by fast boat | Fast boat from Sanur | Couples, First-timers, Beach |
| Nusa Lembongan | 20 km | About 30–40 minutes by fast boat | Fast boat from Sanur | Couples, Beach, Families |
| Munduk and Sekumpul waterfalls | 80 km | About 2.5–3 hours by car | Private driver | Quiet stays, Couples |
| Sidemen valley | 60 km | About 1.5–2 hours by car | Private driver | Quiet stays, Culture, Couples |
| Menjangan Island | 130 km | About 3.5–4 hours by car, then boat | Private driver to Labuhan Lalang, then boat | Quiet stays, Beach |
| Gili Islands | 110 km | About 1.5–2.5 hours by fast boat | Fast boat from Padang Bai or Serangan | Beach, Couples, Nightlife |
The day trips
25 km · About 45 minutes by fast boat
1.Nusa Penida
The rugged island south-east of Bali has the T-rex-shaped headland at Kelingking Beach, the natural pool at Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach and manta-ray snorkelling at Manta Point. Roads are rough and distances slow, so pick one side of the island.
- Getting there
- Fast boat from Sanur
- Best for
- Couples, First-timers, Beach
20 km · About 30–40 minutes by fast boat
2.Nusa Lembongan
A smaller, calmer island with a laid-back village, mangrove kayaking, snorkelling and the Devil's Tear rock blowhole; a suspension bridge links it to Nusa Ceningan.
- Getting there
- Fast boat from Sanur
- Best for
- Couples, Beach, Families
80 km · About 2.5–3 hours by car
3.Munduk and Sekumpul waterfalls
Bali's northern highlands have some of its finest waterfalls, including Sekumpul's group of falls in a jungle valley and the walks around Munduk's clove and coffee plantations. Combine with Ulun Danu Beratan on the way.
- Getting there
- Private driver
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Couples
60 km · About 1.5–2 hours by car
4.Sidemen valley
A rural valley in East Bali with rice terraces, songket weaving villages and views of Mount Agung, much quieter than Ubud. Pair it with Besakih or Tirta Gangga.
- Getting there
- Private driver
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Culture, Couples
130 km · About 3.5–4 hours by car, then boat
5.Menjangan Island
Inside West Bali National Park, Menjangan has clear water and coral walls close to the surface, among the best snorkelling and diving in Bali. It is a very long day from the south; consider staying in Pemuteran.
- Getting there
- Private driver to Labuhan Lalang, then boat
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Beach
110 km · About 1.5–2.5 hours by fast boat
6.Gili Islands
Three car-free islands off Lombok with white beaches, turtles in the shallows and, on Gili Trawangan, lively bars. Sea conditions vary, so most visitors stay at least one night.
- Getting there
- Fast boat from Padang Bai or Serangan
- Best for
- Beach, Couples, Nightlife
Day-trip tips
- Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
- For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best day trip from Bali?
Nusa Penida. The rugged island south-east of Bali has the T-rex-shaped headland at Kelingking Beach, the natural pool at Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach and manta-ray snorkelling at Manta Point.
+How long does it take to get from Bali to Nusa Penida?
About 45 minutes by fast boat — Fast boat from Sanur, about 25 km.
+How long does it take to get from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?
About 30–40 minutes by fast boat — Fast boat from Sanur, about 20 km.