Nusa Dua is a cool base for vacation as it is close to the airport, Uluwatu’s best surfing spots, amazing beaches, family-friendly activities and harbours to visit Nusa Penida and beyond.

After travelling around Bali for years, we have our favourite day trips that we always recommend to friends and families with kids.

We don’t gatekeep, so here are 11 of the best day trips from Nusa Dua.

Summary: Top-3 Day Trips From Nusa Dua, Editors’ Choice

• To explore Bali’s natural beauty, waterfalls, cliffs, beaches, lakes, and jungle, the best day trips are to Munduk/Bedugul and Nusa Penida.
• To learn more about the culture, visit Karangasem Palace during your East Bali day trip.
• If travelling with kids, pick a half-day trip to Bali Safari Park or explore Uluwatu’s beaches.

Best Day Trips From Nusa Dua

Explore Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula

Adventures can be very close to your hotel. Uluwatu is one of the most desirable destinations in Bali, especially for surfers, and it is just an hour away from Nusa Dua.

Dedicate early morning to beach hopping and/or surfing if you are keen to try to catch a wave! For surfing, we would suggest Balangan Beach, and for experienced surfers, Uluwatu breaks.

Our favourite beaches are (to name just a few!) Dreamland Beach, Melasti Beach, Nunggalan Beach, and Suluban Beach, known for its cave entrance.

In the afternoon, visit Uluwatu temple and stay to watch the Kecak fire dance show just after sunset.

Canggu Day Trip To FINNS

For boutique shops, nightlife, and socialising, Canggu is simply the best place to be. It also has a completely different vibe and pace than Nusa Dua, so it is worth the drive!

Meet your friends in one of the trendiest coffee shops to enjoy fresh pastry, locally roasted coffee, or an iconic smoothie bowl, shop around Batu Bolong and Berawa streets, and in the afternoon, chill at FINNS Beach Club.

We may be biased, but there is something special about enjoying a sunset at one of FINNS’s swim-up bars while DJs set the mood for the night.

Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Tegenungan Waterfall & Kanto Lampo Waterfall

The most scenic waterfalls in Bali are found around Ubud and Gianyar, and the Munduk area. But Munduk is quite far from Nusa Dua, and it will be a tiring day trip.

Not to worry, there are at least two amazing waterfalls close to Nusa Dua, like Tegenungan waterfall and the famous Kanto Lampo. Both are quite touristy, so start early!

Tegenungan waterfall is something from Jurassic Park movies – a massive location where you need to trek down to the natural pools, river, and be stunned by the towering waterfall.

Kanto Lampo offers a completely different scenery – it is a cascading waterfall, very peaceful, and you can climb the rocks to take a photo.

Where Is It?
Tegenungan Waterfall – Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Kanto Lampo Waterfall – Jl. Kaliasem lingk.kelod kangin, Beng, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80513, Indonesia

Drive To Bedugul & Central Highlands

Bedugul is a hidden gem of the island – if you love nature and mountains, you will certainly enjoy the iconic spots here. Bonus – it is also less hot here!

Start at Handara’s Gate to quickly take an iconic shot before the line forms. Then, visit one of the most beautiful water temples in Bali – Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, located right on Lake Beratan, where you can also take a fun boat ride!

To chill and eat something, you can explore local cuisine – there are many restaurants and warungs (local eateries).

However, the best option is to pack some snacks and head on a stroll to Bali Botanic Gardens. At the end of the trail, you will find a large green space with lake views where locals organise picnics.

Explore Palaces & Snorkel On The East Coast

East Bali’s kingdoms were some of the oldest and longest-standing, and if you love history, culture, and art, you have to explore Karangasem, Klungkung, and other craft and traditional villages along the Eastern coast.

The best place to start is the Karangasem Palace. The entrance fees cover the palace, with the Hall of Justice (Kertha Gosa) being the main attraction with its traditional paintings, but also a visit to a local museum with tons of royal artefacts.

Another two palaces that are strikingly beautiful are Tirta Gangga and Ujun Taman water palaces – architectural marvels. These leisure residences have ponds, fish, gardens, and beautiful pavilions.

Besides palaces, there are also historical monuments and Hindu temples. You should visit the Puputan Monument – a memorial for the large suicide ritual that the royal family performed here in the face of Dutch invasion.

Among temples, Bat Cave Temple (Goa Lawah) is one of the most visited here. A lesser-known hidden gem is Pura Puseh Desa Batuan – a stunning heritage complex with towering gates and fish ponds.

It is not far from one of the artsy villages of East Bali – Sukawati, where you can shop at the arts and crafts market for souvenirs.

As you can see, East Bali is easily a full-day trip, with a list of attractions that can go on and on. It is best to have a private car to get around and save time, rather than going with a group.

If you have 2-3 days, you can drive all the way to Amed and spend a few days relaxing and snorkelling there.

However, if you only have time for a few day trips, there are still great spots for diving and snorkelling closer to Nusa Dua, like Blue Lagoon Beach (just a bit further from Goa Lawah Temple) – a secluded heavenly bay with pristine calm waters to snorkel off the shore.

Enjoy Volcano Views At Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

An absolute must for nature lovers.

Mount Batur is Bali’s second-largest volcano and is an amazing spot for hiking and enjoying volcano views as well as the panorama of the whole island, lakes, and jungles.

You will have to start early to reach the summit and your breakfast location for sunrise.

However, you don’t actually have to climb all the way up. There are 4×4 jeep tours that will take you almost to the top, and you just need to walk a bit.

After the trek, to celebrate the achievement, you can stop by one of the Kintamani coffee shops. Located around the valley, they offer the best volcano and lake Batur views, and locally grown and roasted coffee!

Apart from this, Kintamani also has amazing hot springs around the lake, a mysterious cemetery, and a dedicated Geopark Museum where you can learn everything about volcanoes!

Explore Ubud & Tegallalang Rice Terraces On A Day Trip

Visit Ubud to dive into culture and arts. One of the iconic locations here is Ubud Palace – the actual residence of one of the wealthiest royal families on the island. Here you can also watch one of the traditional dance performances – Legong.

Tegallalang rice terraces are the famous rice fields just 30 minutes outside Ubud with spectacular views, swings to take photos and plenty of local restaurants serving yummy Indonesian and Western food. It is a bit touristy, so go early!

Insider tip: Stay around central Ubud to have many restaurants and attractions within walking distance. There are also street vendors, arts markets and lots of shops there.

If you love leisurely walks, go to Monkey Forest – the biggest monkey sanctuary in Bali, or walk along the Campuhan Ridge Walk to enjoy the views and fresh juice at the end.

For those who’d love to connect with the spiritual side and learn more about Balinese Hinduism, Ubud is the best place to do so. You should book a purification ceremony and a temple tour at the Tirta Empul Water Temple.

Ho On A Boat Ride To Nusa Penida From Nusa Dua

You can visit Nusa Penida by taking a boat ride from Sanur harbour. Nusa Penida is a heaven with beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs, but it also has some of the best diving spots in and around Bali.

Even if you’re not into scuba diving, beach hopping will be a great activity and can still be done in 1 day.

Suggested itinerary for a full-day trip from Nusa Dua to Penida:

• Arrive early morning at Sanur port to catch the boat ride. Get a bike at the port or meet with a pre-booked local driver/tour guide. Most tourists go with tours, but driving yourself around on a bike can be faster (as long as you have travel insurance and an international driving license).
• If diving, go diving in Penida’s crystal clear waters first. You will swim with manta rays, huge eels, tropical fish, Mola Mola, and see vibrant marine life everywhere.
• Then spend a few hours exploring the beaches. The top destinations in Penida are Kelingking beach, Diamond beach and Atuh beach (located together), and, of course, the Broken Beach and natural pools of Angels billabong.

The roads are not that great in Nusa Penida, so don’t plan to squeeze all in one day.

If you have more days in Bali, we highly recommend adding white sand beaches and surfing of Nusa Lembongan and sleepy vibes of Nusa Ceningan to your itinerary.

Day Trips From Nusa Dua With Kids

Bali Safari & Marine Park

Bali Safari Park has the biggest zoo and aquarium in Bali, and they have safari options and activities like breakfast or lunch with orangutans or lions, or elephant feeding, which many families enjoy.

The zoo is just an hour’s drive from Nusa Dua.

Where Is It? Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No Km. 19, Serongga, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80511, Indonesia

Waterbom – Southeast Asia’s Best Water Park

By far, the most sustainable and fun water park in Indonesia and Southeast Asia is Waterbom. And it is fun not just for kids!

They have quite a few extreme rides alongside the crowd’s favourite lazy river, of course.

This water park has family cabanas, world-class facilities and restaurants, so your family can spend a whole day here. Plus, it is only 30 minutes away from Nusa Dua.

Where Is It? Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Spend A Rainy Day At Indoor Theme Parks

Tropical weather is unpredictable, and if it is raining but kids want to have fun, being stuck in a hotel room isn’t ideal.

There are two amazing theme parks close to Nusa Dua: the older Trans Studio with rides and shows, and the modern, space-themed AeroXSpace with trampolines, playgrounds, and more.

Where Is It?
Trans Studio Theme Park – Jl. Imam Bonjol No.440, Pemecutan Klod, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80119, Indonesia
AeroXSpace – Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.999, Sidakarya, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80224, Indonesia

FAQs

Can You Do Day Trips From Nusa Dua?

Absolutely! You can hire a private driver to explore Uluwatu, South Bali (from Kuta to Tanah Lot Temple), the East coast, or even venture to Ubud and further north. Alternatively, there are plenty of planned-for-you tour packages on the island you can easily book online or in person.

The majority of the day trips will also include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.

How Many Days Do You Need In Nusa Dua?

3 days in Nusa Dua is enough time to enjoy the beaches and resorts in the area.

How Long Does It Take From Nusa Dua To Nusa Penida?

The trip from Nusa Dua to Nusa Penida by speedboat will take from 1-1.5 hours, tops.

Is There Anything To Do In Nusa Dua?

Nusa Dua is mostly famous for its 5-star resorts and white sand beaches, but there are a few things to do here besides sunbathing, from Waterblow natural beauty to cultural activities like Museum Pasifika with an impressive art collection and Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre.

You can also go shopping at Bali Collection, indulge in a brunch and spa treatment, cycle around, or visit the Benoa area for water sports.

Final Thoughts On Day Trips From Nusa Dua, Bali

Nusa Dua is within a short drive of lots of activities for families, young couples, adventurous souls, and experienced travellers.

Explore the black-sand beaches of the East Coast, royal palaces in Ubud and Karangasem, or hike an active volcano – the island is waiting!