Picture Perfect
photo by Tanti Ruwani

Nusa Dua is a peninsula in South Bali, well known as an enclave of high end hotels.

Understand

The place name Nusa Dua can be used in two ways: either it can refer to the entire eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula at the southern tip of Bali, or it can refer to the purpose-built, safe and rather sterile tourist enclave (Kawasan Pariwisata, quite literally Tourism District) at the southeast side of this peninsula.

This article covers everything in the Nusa Dua enclave plus the Tanjung Benoa peninsula and a few points west of the enclave to the village of Sawangan. Everything on the Bukit Penisula to the west of Sawangan is covered by the Uluwatu article.

As well as a host of luxury hotels, Nusa Dua is home to the most popular golf course in Bali and the main convention centre on the island.

Nusa Dua understandably gets a lot of bad press amongst travelers as it is so artificial and sanitised. That does not change the fact though that the beaches here are glorious - white sand, deep, long and safe for swimming. The public beach at Geger is the best to head to if you are not staying at Nusa Dua. This is also home to one of the best museums in Bali. The fact that it is nearly always empty is testament that most visitors who stay here in the least Balinese part of the island, are not unsurprisingly not terribly interested in learning much about Bali.

The Nusa Dua enclave has three manned gates and everyone entering is subject to a security search. This can have a slightly claustrophobic effect, and only contributes further to the impression that you are in an artificial location.

Getting there

Nusa Dua is located 40km south of Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali. Access is easy from the Kuta area (20-30 minutes) and Jimbaran (15 minutes) on the main southern route called Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, which becomes Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua as it approaches the enclave.

The international airport is about 20 to 30 minutes by car and a pre-paid taxi fare from there will cost between Rp 95,000 and 110,000. If you are staying here, then your hotel will no doubt arrange to pick you up at the airport.

Public transport if far from regular in the area, but some bemos from Tegal terminal in Denpasar do ply the main bypass.

See

  • Pantai Geger (Geger Beach), This is the public beach in Nusa Dua. This splendid white sand beach at the western edge of the enclave retains lots of the character that is missing in the sanitised Nusa Dua resort zone. Generally safe for swimming and some beach side warungs. Head westwards out of the Nusa Dua enclave passing the golf course and then the St Regis Hotel (on your left). Shortly after the St Regis, take the first turning left towards to the beach and procerd to the Pantai Geger car park.

  • Pasifika Museum , +62 361 774935, +62 361 774935, 10AM-6PM daily, A truly under-appreciated and poorly known attraction. It is a splendid museum though, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the art of Bali, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region. It is nearly always empty, and mercifully hassle-free. Look for the exhibitions focused on European artists who made Bali their home, as well as renowned local painters. The Indochinese exhibition is impressive, as are the displays of Polynesian artifacts.

  • Serangan Island (Turtle Island), Boats are available from Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa. These are usually glass-bottomed allowing observation of marine life from within the boat. As the name suggests, Serangan is a turtle conservation area. The local people keep turtle eggs in traditional conservation houses until they hatch and then the youngster are released from local beaches. Besides turtles, they also have reptiles, birds, snakes and bats.

Many companies in Nusa Dua offer water sports activities (banana boat, parasailing, jetski, diving, flying fish, etc). You can book directly on the beach at Nusa Dua or Tanjung Benoa, or have your hotel organise for you. All the operators work together to ensure that there is very little (if any) price difference. Expect to pay about US$25-30 for most activities.

Things to do

  • Nusa Dua Golf and County Club , +62 361 771791, +62 361 771791, Tee times 6AM-4PM daily, Kawasan Wisata, Nusa Dua, One of three top notch golf courses in Bali, and perhaps the most popular of them all due to its convenient location. Any hotel will be able to arrange a round for you - ask about packages on offer as these can save you a lot of money. Booking a tee time is very important on this very busy course.

Unsurprisingly, Nusa Dua is home to many good quality spas. If you are staying at a luxury resort, then you will certainly have access to in-house spa and treatment facilities. Here is a small selection of the numerous independent spas:

  • Alam Alang Bali Spa , +62 361 771799/7447453, 11AM-9PM daily, Jalan Mahardika No10X, Mumbul, Facilities: Balinese creambath, stone massage, Balinese mandi lulur, Ayurvedic, facial, oil head massage.

  • Spa Sekar Jagat , +62 361 770210, 9AM-10PM daily, Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua, Authentic Balinese massage and spa treatments.

A large swathe of the Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa beachfront is connected via a nice walking path, and morning walks here are especially recommended. The footpath runs from just in front of the Ayodya Resort in the south for about 7 km north to the Grand Mirage on the Tanjung Benoa spit. This passes by two obvious spits, both of which host temples.

Eat

There are not too many quality restaurants in Nusa Dua outside of the luxury hotels. The main Jalan By Pass which connects Nusa Dua to Jimbaran, the airport and Kuta is the home of a large number of Japanese and other Asian restaurants aimed at tour groups. Generally, these are best avoided.

  • Benoa Cafe , +62 361 8882720, noon-10PM daily, Jl Pratama No 71A, Tanjung Benoa, Hungarian Restaurant. Reasonable prices and highly recommended. Call for free pick-up in the Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa area.

  • Bumbu Bali , +62 361 774502, noon-11PM daily, Jl Pratama, Tanjung Benoa, Bali’s first authentic Balinese five star restaurant. On the menu you will not find Balinese food commonly served in hotels and tourist restaurants, as the aim is to serve Balinese food the way you find it prepared in Balinese homes or during traditional ceremonies. An all round top quality dining experience here and highly recommended.

  • Nusa Dua Beach Grill, Geger Beach, just west of the Nusa Dua enclave reached via a small turning south off the main road to the Nikko Hotel, A great long-established dining option on a dreamy white sand beach. One of the few quality options to dine outside of hotels in the Nusa Dua area.

Drink

Nusa Dua does not have much of a nightlife. It is known more for its luxurious 5-star resorts where cocktails on the beach are the go.

Sleep

There is little accommodation in Nusa Dua outside of the luxury price range although many of the large resorts do offer very substantial reductions in the low season; always check.

Budget

  • Rasa Sayang Beach Inn, +62 361 771643, +62 361 771643, Jl Pratama, Tanjung Benoa, A simple but well located hotel on the main Tanjung Benoa strip.

Mid range

  • Bali Tropic Resort and Spa , +62 361 772130, +62 361 772130, Jl Pratama 34a, A 3/4 star beach front resort on the Tanjung Benoa strip.

  • Goodway Hotel , +62 361 773808, +62 361 773808, Jl Dalem Tarukan No 7, Taman Mumbul, The resort offers a spa, large swimming pool, karaoke, jacuzzi, beauty parlor, shops and fitness area. It also has a sunken bar in the swimming pool and a restaurant and bar. This property is a five minute ride north of the Nusa Dua enclave.

Splurge

There are many deluxe hotels in the area and more are constantly being constructed.

  • Aman Nusa , +62 361 772333, +62 361 772333, A truly top class resort from the Aman group, and one of the best luxury hotels in the whole of Bali. Relatively few visitors will want to spend the money required to stay here, but if you want to splurge on a meal at a super luxury resort, then you could do a lot worse than Aman Nusa. The restaurant serves great food and has fabulous views all the way across to Nusa Penida.

  • Ayodya Resort Bali (formerly Bali Hilton) , Set amongst lush tropical gardens with a large lagoon style pool and world class golf course. Offers a wide selection of restaurants and activities.

  • The Bale , +62 361 775 111, +62 361 775 111, Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, on the western side of Nusa Dua, The Balé is a boutique five star hotel with just 29 pavilions, each with their own private swimming pool and modern, fashionable interiors. The notably good restaurant is open to non-residents.

  • The Bali Khama , +62 361 774912, Jl Pratama, Tanjung Benoa, The Bali Khama is on the Tanjung Benoa spit. Several different room types from garden suites to self-contained villas. All rooms are air-conditioned, have a mini-bar, deck/balcony, hot water shower with bathtub, safe and high-speed internet access.

  • Conrad Bali , +62 36 177 8788, +62 36 177 8788, Jl Pratama 168, Tanjung Benoa, The best luxury hotel on the Tanjung Benoa spit. This is a huge property with 313 rooms and the largest swimming pool in Bali. All the facilities you would expect from a 5 star resort. Dining options here are very highly rated indeed.

  • Grand Hyatt Bali , +62 361 77 1234, +62 361 77 1234, This hotel was beginnign to show its age but a recent refurbishment has returned it to top form. Has 6 swimming pools, a sports centre and a spa.

  • Heavenly Residence , +62 361 7801166, +62 361 7801166, Jl Gunung Payung, Sawangan, Waterfront private luxury 3 and 4 bedroom villas with 24-hour butler service. Five minutes drive west of Nusa Dua set on a spectacular cliff-front. Recommended if budget is not an issue and totally privacy is your aim.

  • Melia Bali , +62 361 771510, +62 361 771510, Excellent spa facilities, watersport activities, newly equipped fitness center, jogging track, table tennis, Balinese cabaret shows, shopping arcade and large lagoon style swimming pool. Also offers private villas with their own pool.

  • Nikko Bali Resort , +62 361 773377, +62 361 773377, Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Five-star resort about five minutes west from the main Nusa Dua enclave. Offers everything from jungle style lagoon pools with water slide, beautiful spa set among its gardens, camel rides and even a ropes course for childen. Has its own private beach with beachside dining as well. Very popular with Japanese tour parties.

  • Novotel Nusa Dua , +62 361 8480555, +62 361 8480555, This apartment style hotel is surrounded by the Nusa Dua Golf Course. Includes a lagoon-style pool, beach club, kids club, spa and a restaurant. They take environmental considerations seriously, and are **Green Globe** certified.

  • Nusa Dua Beach Hotel , +62 361 771210, +62 361 771210, Five-star resort which is a bit old and tired but still with good faciltiies. Several swimming pools, spa, kids club, cultural, recreational and water sport activities available.

  • Ocean Blue Hotel Bali , +62 361 776700, +62 361 776700, Jl Raya Kampial, Hotel set up as a wedding chapel and a spa about 5 minutes out of Nusa Dua proper

  • Sekar Nusa Dua Villas , +62 361 773333, +62 361 773333, Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sekar Nusa is a low key luxury resort. All of the one and two bedroom villas are spacious, and are furnished with antique wood furniture. Suited to golfers and honeymooners and as a wedding venue.

  • St Regis Bali Resort , +62 361 8478 111, The latest addition to the luxury hotel market in Bali and one which has created something of a stir. Private villas and regular rooms available. This is a **very** grand and stylish hotel indeed.

  • Westin Resort , +62 361 771906, +62 361 771906, This resort has a fantastic kids club that has Play Station, mini playground and musical instruments. The rooms are big, there is an in-house spa and good Japanese and western dining options. For those interested in healthy meals, ask for their **super food** menu.

Get out

  • Uluwatu - 20 minutes to one of Bali's most famous temples and surfing spots

  • Jimbaran - fantastic seafood dinner on the beach and is only 15 minutes away

Contact & location

Be the first one to add a review

Already have an account? Log In
Will never be displayed

The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:

Tanti Ruwani, Adhi Rachdian, Marc van der Chijs, Donald Man, Elise's Photo Album, Olivier Lejade

Some photos courtesy of: . The photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners.

This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at WikitravelView full credits

Burmesedays, jan, Peter Fitzgerald, Yohandi, Jani Patokallio, Lauren, balicenter, Agus Prasetya, Jeffrey Pamungkas, Johny Canal and Evan Prodromou, Whatsinaname, Inas, Tatatabot, Rialouise, Morph, The Snackmaster, VioletV and Nzpcmad

This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at WikipediaView full credits

Share this:

My lists

Going to Nusa Dua?
... and need recommendations

Ask your friends on Facebook

Ask on Twitter