Relax at a Balinese resort and then snorkel with Manta Rays the next day? Um, yes please!
Sanur, Bali, is a tranquil coastal gem known for its calm turquoise waters and laid-back village vibe. Often used as a port stop for trips to nearby islands, it offers a relaxing atmosphere with cozy cafes, local warungs, and a scenic beachfront promenade. Perfect for a quick visit, Sanur provides a glimpse into Bali’s serene charm.
Just a short boat ride from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan is a stunning island escape known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and relaxed island vibes. This tropical paradise boasts pristine beaches like Dream Beach and Mushroom Bay, along with breathtaking viewpoints such as Devil’s Tear, where waves crash dramatically against rugged cliffs. Whether snorkelling with marine life (think giant manta rays), exploring lush mangroves, or simply soaking in the island’s beauty, Nusa Lembongan is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Ubud and Kuta! You can also see our full two-week Bali itinerary!
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TLDR 🫣
Sanur: A laid-back coastal town in Bali, perfect for relaxation and easy exploring. With calm beaches, a scenic boardwalk, and plenty of local warungs, Sanur is the ideal spot to kick off a Bali adventure or decompress after more action-packed destinations like Ubud. Bonus: The $1 street durian is an experience you won’t forget—whether for the taste or the smell!
Nusa Lembongan: A dreamy island getaway just 30 minutes by ferry from Sanur. Known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and world-class snorkelling, it’s paradise for adventurers and beach bums alike. Don’t miss highlights like Dream Beach, Devil’s Tear, and the surreal snorkelling with manta rays.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to Sanur with our trusted driver, Fuad. Explore Sanur Beach, the boardwalk, and indulge in the tropical fruit scene.
Day 2: Relax by the pool, enjoy beachfront dining, and soak up Sanur’s serene vibes.
Day 3: Ferry to Nusa Lembongan, settle in, and enjoy the island’s stunning sunset.
Day 4: Snorkel with manta rays in the morning and take a private tour of Nusa Penida, visiting iconic spots like Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelingking Beach.
Day 5: Spend the day hopping between Nusa Lembongan’s best beaches: Dream Beach, Devil’s Tear, and Mushroom Bay. End with a memorable farewell dinner.
Pro Tips:
- Always count your money when exchanging currency in Sanur; sleight-of-hand scams are common.
- Book a ferry that lands close to your accommodation in Nusa Lembongan to avoid unexpected extra costs.
- Pack snacks and water for beach days in Nusa Lembongan—options can be limited.
- Rent a scooter for exploring Nusa Lembongan, but drive carefully on the island’s narrow, bumpy roads.
- Morning tours for manta rays are a must for the best visibility and calmer seas.
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Snorkelling with manta rays and exploring Nusa Penida.
- Best Eats: Chicken satay and fried bananas with ice cream at Pondok Baruna Warung in Nusa Lembongan.
- Best "Bang For Your Buck" Hotel: Prime Plaza Hotel in Sanur; D'Tegal House in Nusa Lembongan.
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
GETTING AROUND SANUR
Sanur is one of Bali’s more laid-back destinations, and getting around is easy and convenient. The main stretch, Jalan Danau Tamblingan, is walkable and lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, and spas, making a leisurely stroll the best way to explore the heart of Sanur. For those who prefer wheels, bicycles and scooters are widely available for rent, offering a quick way to navigate the area or cruise along the scenic beachfront promenade. Caution: If you are exchanging money, there are SEVERAL exchange shops that ARE NOT HONEST. We recommend exchanging in Ubud or Kuta – both of those have better rates and we only ever encountered honest exchanges. Be particularly careful of “sleight of hand” tricks! This happened to us over 5 times at 5 different exchange stores in Sanur, but thankfully we always count and re-count our exchanged money before leaving the shop.
GETTING FROM SANUR TO NUSA LEMBONGAN
Traveling from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan is straightforward, with several fast ferry companies operating daily. Ferries take approximately 30-45 minutes, with prices ranging from IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000 per person, depending on the operator and inclusions like hotel transfers. We chose Rocky Fast Cruise , which markets itself as the only dry landing ferry. However, this claim comes with a catch—they drop you off on the opposite side of Nusa Lembongan island, far from most accommodations. To reach your hotel, you’ll need to pay extra for a driver, adding both time and cost to your journey. We paid a total of $60 CAD for the round-trip ferries for two people (booked online) and then another 100,000 IDR for the rides to the hotel from the ports.
For a smoother experience, we recommend booking a ferry that lands as close to your hotel as possible. Many ferries still require a wet landing, so wearing shorts and waterproof shoes is a good idea. If you’re unsure, ask your ferry provider about the exact drop-off location and whether additional transport is needed. Planning ahead will save you the hassle of unexpected expenses and long rides across the island.
GETTING AROUND NUSA LEMBONGAN
Getting around Nusa Lembongan is part of the island’s charm. The main modes of transport are scooters, bicycles, and private drivers. There are no Grabs or Gojeks. Scooters are the most popular and cost-effective way to explore, with rentals starting at IDR 70,000-100,000 per day. The island’s small size makes it easy to navigate, though some roads can be bumpy and narrow, so caution is essential. For those less comfortable on two wheels, many hotels and guesthouses can arrange private drivers or shared trucks to take you around. Walking is another option for shorter distances, especially in the main village areas. If you’re planning to explore nearby islands like Nusa Ceningan, scooters or guided tours are recommended for the best experience. We spent a full day on a Snorkeling + Nusa Penida tour, which came with a driver/tour guide. Definitely one of our highlights!
ITINERARY
Looking for a laid-back escape in Bali that balances relaxation, adventure, and the occasional $1 durian? Our 5-day jaunt through Sanur and Nusa Lembongan hit all the right notes, from lazy beach days to snorkeLling with manta rays. If you’re ready to ditch the crowds and Instagram queues, this itinerary has your name all over it.
Day 1: Arriving in Sanur and Finding Durian Nirvana
We kicked off our trip with a scenic drive to Sanur, courtesy of Fuad from Kanaku Trans. For just 200,000 IDR (about $18 CAD), Fuad expertly navigated us to our hotel while filling us in on Bali’s best eats. Pro Tip: Need a trustworthy driver? Check out our Ubud itinerary for Fuad’s contact info—he’s a gem.
Too early to check in at the Prime Plaza Hotel, we dropped our bags at the front desk and hit the streets for some good old-fashioned reconnaissance. Sanur Beach and its breezy boardwalk were the perfect starting points. Think endless ocean views, quiet vibes, and just enough street vendors to keep things interesting.
And the fruit! Seriously, where else can you snag durian for $1 CAD? Ryan was over the moon while I politely pretended the smell wasn’t attacking my nose. Pro Tip: Even if durian isn’t your thing, try the mangosteen—it’s the queen of fruits for a reason.
After a few hours of exploring, we headed back to our hotel and winded down with dinner by the pool. Ryan ordered a classic Balinese dish, Soto ayam, which is similar to a very hearty chicken noodle soup with a boiled egg, rice, and some sambal. I ordered a burger with fries – changing things up for just this meal. The total came out to $23 CAD.
Day 2: Poolside Bliss and Sanur Serenity
Our first full day in Sanur was all about embracing island time. We slept in, then strolled to a beachfront restaurant for a leisurely lunch with toes-in-the-sand views. Sanur’s dining scene leans more local than luxe, which suited us just fine. Nasi goreng on the beach? Yes, please. We ate at Soul by the beach and both meals only set us back $16 CAD.
The afternoon was dedicated to the Prime Plaza Hotel pool, where we indulged in drinks, pizza, sunbathing, and a good book. The resort is perfect for families or travellers looking for a budget-friendly oasis. Plus, it’s close to everything Sanur has to offer. Pro Tip: If you’re craving adventure, rent a bike and explore Sanur’s quiet streets—but only if you can tear yourself away from the pool.
Day 3: Ferry Hopping to Nusa Lembongan
After a relaxed morning, we caught the Rocky Fast Cruise to Nusa Lembongan. Advertised as the only dry-landing ferry, it’s technically true—but only because they drop you off on the far side of the island, far from the hotels. Cue an extra fee for a driver to our accommodation. Pro Tip: Wear shorts and waterproof shoes, or book a ferry that lands closer to your hotel for fewer logistics. We stayed at D’Tegal House in Nusa Lembongan, a small, 4-5 room hotel, located behind a convenient store. It’s definitely a budget stay, but it does the trick. Just don’t expect as many amenities and as much space as the Sanur resort.
Once settled, we spent the afternoon wandering Nusa Lembongan’s beaches. We had a delicious lunch at Bfresh, including a burger with fries and nasi goreng – classic Indonesian fried noodles! We thought we’d be spending island prices on Nusa, but both meals were less than $10 CAD.
We then shopped around for excursions and activities to do on the island before ending on the beach. The sunset was magical, with the sky shifting through shades of pink and orange. It felt like we’d landed on a private island.
Alas, the night was dark, and we wandered the very small street (seriously, it’s just one street with restaurants) for dinner options. We enjoyed some chicken satay and a mixed platter at Pondok Baruna Warung, followed by deep fried bananas and ice cream, for a total of $19 CAD.
Day 4: The Best Tour Ever—Snorkeling and Nusa Penida
This was hands down the highlight of our trip. We started with a shared snorkelling tour to swim with manta rays, those gentle giants of the sea. Gliding alongside them was surreal, and the clear waters showcased Bali’s vibrant marine life. Pro Tip: Book a morning tour for the calmest seas and best chance of spotting rays.
After drying off, the boat that we shared with others, docked at Nusa Penida island, let us hop off, and then we embarked on a private half-day tour of Nusa Penida. First stop: Broken Beach, a natural archway carved by the waves. The view was breathtaking, and we were lucky to have it mostly to ourselves. Next, Angel’s Billabong, a crystal-clear tide pool where you can dip your toes (but watch out for rogue waves!).
The grand finale? Kelingking Beach, AKA the T-Rex beach. The viewpoint is iconic, but we skipped the steep trek down as we were running out of time —this was a photo op, not a workout. Pro Tip: Splurge on this day trip which combines Snorkeling with Manta Rays and a private West island tour of Nusa Penida. The roads are bumpy on Penida, and you’ll want someone who knows the best routes. You could also opt for a half-day scuba diving trip to see with Manta Rays, but it would not offer the option of dropping you off on Penida island – plus, it was 2x more expensive that this tour. We paid a total of 1,500,000 IDR for the day.
Day 5: Beaches and a Bittersweet Goodbye
On our last day, we started with breakfast at the General. A bagel with salmon and cream cheese, an iced coffee, and a mango and dragonfruit smoothie bowl set us back only $24 CAD.
If you’re looking to enjoy Nusa Lembongan’s best beaches, check out Dream, Devil’s Tear, or Mushroom! Dream Beach lived up to its name, with powdery sand and turquoise waters perfect for a morning dip. Next, we wandered to Devil’s Tear, a dramatic rocky outcrop where waves crash with thunderous power. The spray was refreshing, the views unforgettable. We wrapped things up at Mushroom Beach, a laid-back spot ideal for snorkelling or just lounging with a coconut in hand. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for this slice of paradise. Pro Tip: Pack snacks and water for beach days—options can be limited once you’re there.
For dinner, we enjoyed a fancier restaurant with live music at Maria’s (ceviche and rice for Ryan; beef rendang with a fried egg for me) for $12 CAD and then ice cream for $5 CAD to end the perfect 5 days in Sanur and Nusa Lembongan!
TOTAL COST for 5 Days in SANUR and NUSA LEMBONGAN (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 5 nights: $230
Activities (and associated fees and tips): $131
Food: $216
Transportation (the ride from Ubud to Sanur, the boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan and back): $86
TOTAL: $662 (Roughly $66 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re craving a mix of relaxation, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery, Sanur and Nusa Lembongan are the perfect pair. Whether you’re chasing manta rays or just a good sunset, these islands have a little something for everyone. Just remember: wear shorts, eat the durian (or don’t), and let Bali’s magic work its charm.
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Ubud and Kuta! You can also see our full two-week Bali itinerary! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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