Sanur sits on Bali's south-east coast, which makes it an easy base for day trips. Ubud is roughly 25 km north, the Nusa islands are a boat ride from Sanur's own harbour, and the temples and lakes of the central highlands are a comfortable morning's drive. The drive times below are typical, but Bali traffic changes by the hour, so leave early and allow extra time.
Ubud: art, rice terraces and the Monkey Forest
Ubud is about 25 km north of Sanur and usually takes around an hour by car, depending on traffic. It is Bali's cultural heart: the royal palace, art markets and galleries, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the rice terraces to the north at Tegallalang.
The town centre is walkable but its roads are often congested, so many visitors go with a driver or a Grab or Gojek car and explore the centre on foot. Allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes for sights north of town.
Tirta Empul: the holy spring temple
Tirta Empul, near Tampaksiring north of Ubud, is a water temple built around a sacred spring. Balinese Hindus come to bathe under its spouts in a purification ritual, and visitors may take part respectfully.
It pairs naturally with Ubud in one day. Wear a sarong and sash (they are usually available at the entrance), follow the instructions of temple staff, and read our temple etiquette guide before you go.
Bedugul and Lake Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, the temple that appears to float on Lake Beratan, is in the cool highlands of Bedugul. The drive from Sanur takes around two hours, depending on traffic.
It is noticeably cooler up in the mountains, so bring a light layer. Many people stop at a local market or a lakeside warung on the way back.
Sidemen: quiet valleys in east Bali
Sidemen is a valley of rice terraces and small villages in east Bali, about 40 km from Sanur and roughly an hour and 15 minutes by car. It is far quieter than Ubud, with walking trails through the fields and traditional weaving workshops.
Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
Fast boats to the Nusa islands leave from Sanur itself, a few minutes from Jalan Batur Sari. One day is enough for one side of Nusa Penida, not the whole island. See our fast boat guide for timings and tips.
Uluwatu and the Bukit
The clifftop temple at Uluwatu, with its Kecak fire dance at sunset, is roughly an hour's drive south of Sanur. Some beaches and sights on the Bukit do not allow pick-ups by app-based taxis, so for several stops a day driver is simplest.
Getting around
The most common way to do a day trip is to hire a car with a driver for the day, which lets you combine stops and travel at your own pace. For a single destination, Grab or Gojek work well from Sanur. Agree the route and the return time before you set off.
After a long day in the car
Hours in a car and a lot of walking catch up with you in the back and the feet. A foot massage or reflexology session or a Balinese massage is a good way to end the day. Message us on WhatsApp in the morning with the time you expect to be back. We are open daily 9AM–9PM, with the last appointment at 7:30PM.
Drive times are typical and depend on traffic, weather and ceremonies on the road. Check opening hours and entry rules with each site before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Sanur to Ubud?
About an hour by car for the roughly 25 km, depending on traffic. Leave early to avoid the busiest roads.
Can I visit Ubud and Tirta Empul in one day?
Yes. Tirta Empul is north of Ubud, so the two combine well in one day with a driver.
How far is Bedugul from Sanur?
The drive to Bedugul and Lake Beratan takes around two hours, depending on traffic.
What should I wear to temples on a day trip?
A sarong and sash, with shoulders covered. Many temples lend or rent sarongs at the entrance.
Can I book a massage for when I get back to Sanur?
Yes. Message us on WhatsApp at +62 811 3888 485 with the time you expect to be back. Our last appointment is at 7:30PM.
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Find us in Sanur
Jalan Batur Sari No. 61A, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali
Get directions on Google Maps →Open daily 9AM–9PM · last appointment 7:30PM