Day trips from southern Bali: 20 ideas for the north, east, Nusa islands and west

Most visitors base themselves in the south, around Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud or Sanur, and head out for the day. The island is small but roads are slow, so plan for one direction per day and start early. A hired driver is the usual choice for the longer routes, and the Nusa islands are reached by fast boat from Sanur.

North: lakes, waterfalls and dolphins

• Pura Ulun Danu Beratan: A Hindu temple complex on the shore of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands, with shrines beside and on the lake, associated with worship of Dewi Danu, the lake goddess.
• Handara Gate: A split gateway at the entrance to the Handara resort and golf area in the Bedugul highlands, used as a photographic viewpoint over the mountain landscape.
• Gitgit Waterfall: A forest waterfall near Gitgit in northern Bali, reached by a walking path through tropical vegetation, with a tall main cascade and smaller water features.
• Sekumpul Waterfall: A group of tall waterfalls in Lemukih village, descending through a green valley, reached by rural roads and a walking route.
• Dolphin Tour Lovina Captain Gede Masda: A boat operator in Lovina running dolphin-watching and snorkelling trips that leave in the morning.

Kintamani: volcano and village

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking: A guided pre-dawn ascent of Mount Batur in Kintamani, with local guides and transport or meeting-point options.
• Batur Natural Hot Spring: A geothermal pool complex at Toya Bungkah on the western shore of Lake Batur, with bathing pools facing the lake and the volcano.
• Penglipuran Village: A traditional village in Bangli known for its aligned entrance path, bamboo architecture and communal spaces.

East: water palaces and temples

• Tirtagangga: A former royal water garden in eastern Bali with pools, fountains, statues and stepping stones supplied by natural springs.
• Taman Ujung Water Palace: A historic royal garden complex in Karangasem with ponds, bridges, pavilions and stairways, and views toward the coast and hills.
• Pura Lempuyang Luhur: A Hindu temple complex on Mount Lempuyang reached by a stairway, with views toward Mount Agung. Queues for the gateway photo are common.
• Pura Besakih: A Hindu temple complex on the slopes of Mount Agung, with multiple courtyards and shrines, known as the Mother Temple of Bali.
• Tenganan: A traditional Bali Aga village in Karangasem, associated with customary laws, distinctive architecture and locally made textiles.

Nusa islands by fast boat

• D'Camel Fast Ferry: Daily fast-boat transfers between Sanur and Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan.
• Nusa Lembongan: An island southeast of Bali with coastal villages, beaches, mangroves and seaweed-farming landscapes.
• Nusa Penida: A large island with villages, temples, limestone cliffs, beaches and viewpoints. Roads are steep and rough in places, so many visitors hire a driver.
• Kelingking Beach: A coastal viewpoint and beach on the southwest side of Nusa Penida, known for its steep limestone headland and a narrow strip of sand below.

West and central: terraces, a sea temple and a royal temple

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: An extensive rice-growing landscape in the Tabanan highlands, kept up through the subak irrigation system and part of a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape.
• Tanah Lot: A Hindu temple on a rock formation off the southwest coast, associated with sea worship. Crossing to the rock depends on the tide.
• Pura Taman Ayun: A royal family temple in Mengwi surrounded by a moat, with courtyards, gardens, gates and multi-tiered meru shrines.