Every visitor to Bali has heard of it, but not many have actually been. It is that place you see on signs as you leave the airport, pointing off in a completely different direction to where you are going. It’s the place that the rich and fabulous go. Or so you think, because no one you know has ever been there. But what is Nusa Dua really like? Well, I am here to tell you that Nusa Dua is for everyone. It is stunning, quiet, and secluded, and can be the perfect destination for your next Bali holiday. So here I have created my Complete Guide to Nusa Dua to show you just how amazing it actually is!
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When it comes to holidays in Bali, everyone has heard about Kuta, Ubud and Seminyak. These are the places that were always traditional stops for first time visitors. For those on their second, third, or fifteenth visit, wings often spread and other areas of the island are explored. Very quickly, places like Canggu became popular, and Sanur, Jimbaran and other outer areas started to become more the norm, rather than the exception.
Then, for those that were looking for something different, Nusa Dua sprang up, and people began to take notice. It’s wide and manicured lawns, gardens and pathways. It’s pristine white beaches.
Nusa Dua suddenly became popular.
Now, let’s take a look inside my Complete Guide to Nusa Dua…
Table of Contents
- A bit about Nusa Dua
- Is Nusa Dua expensive?
- Things to do in Nusa Dua
- Accommodation in Nusa Dua
- How to get around Nusa Dua
- What else is nearby
- Check your Visa and Travel Insurance!
- Summary
A bit about Nusa Dua
If you talk to any local about Nusa Dua, you will be told stories about how quiet it once was. As recently as 20 years ago the streets were still dirt roads, and just a few weeks ago that large supermarket was just a couple of small local warungs. In truth, large resorts have been at Nusa Dua for over 40 years, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way.
It is safe to say that things have changed in Nusa Dua, although it hasn’t just happened overnight. Resorts began to move in many years ago, and had the pick of the places to set up along the pristine beaches. Slowly, others began to spring up around them, and Nusa Dua came alive.
“This is the tropical holiday that you want when you come to Bali”
These days, it is still quiet. Especially compared to the other resort areas of Bali. What Nusa Dua has managed to maintain, however, is a feeling of seclusion, where visitors can come and enjoy their holiday away from the hustle and bustle. Simply put, this is the tropical holiday that you want when you come to Bali.
Where is Nusa Dua?
Nusa Dua is only about 20 minutes from the airport, and around 20 to 25 minutes from either Kuta or Sanur. The tollway that runs across Benoa Harbour has made the trip a lot faster than it used to be, and depending on traffic and the time of day, a trip from the airport can take as little as 10 minutes.
Nusa Dua lies on the most southern part of Bali, on the “Bukit”. This small peninsular at the bottom of the island is home to Nusa Dua, Uluwatu and Jimbaran. It boasts imposing cliffs, pristine white beaches, world class surf, and some of the best sunsets that you will see on the island.
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What is the ITDC?
Since the early 1970’s, the International Tourism Development Corporation has run the Nusa Dua Tourism region. It is an immaculate area of manicured lawns, wide streets and paved walkways surrounding world class resorts. The ITDC area can only be accessed via 3 large gates that maintain security 24/7.
Within the ITDC area there are resorts, BIMC Hospital, a world class golf course, shopping center, restaurants, conference center, museum and Theater. For visitors that are staying within the ITDC, it is a beautiful, world class and secure area to spend your holiday.
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What to expect at Nusa Dua
Pristine white beaches, manicured lawns, wide streets and perfectly maintained gardens are only the beginning of what you can expect from Nusa Dua.
Take a stroll along the walkway that runs for over 6 km around the beachfront past the ITDC Resorts. Explore the “two islands” that gave Nusa Dua its name, or just lay on the beach and soak up the sun. Nusa Dua is all about peace, relaxation and seclusion. You will not get anyone hassling you to buy bracelets on the beach like in Kuta, and you won’t be forced to bargain for everything in the shops. Expect Nusa Dua to be the relaxing tropical holiday that you want. Not that you will not get the bargaining in the markets at all, but you have to actually go looking for it.
Is Nusa Dua expensive?
Yes, the resorts in Nusa Dua can be very expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Nusa Dua on a budget. Most of the local warungs around the area are cheap, catering to local families, and the food is amazing and budget friendly. There are plenty of free places you can go and enjoy in Nusa Dua, and budget options for accommodation. So if you want to enjoy a Nusa Dua holiday on a budget, it is certainly possible.
For budget places to eat around Nusa Dua, try the local warungs along Jalan Siligita, or in the local roads such as Jalan Pratama and Jalan Srikandi. There are many street food carts found along here, in particular of an early evening. They serve incredible food, and I often eat Nasi Goreng in a couple of different places for less than 15k IDR. Another option that I love is Silicon Food Park which has some great variety for really good prices. Read about it in THIS article.
For budget things to do, check out Mengiat Beach or Geger Beach which are two of the best beaches on the island, and you only have to pay the parking fee. There are also really cheap warungs at Geger Beach, so it’s a great option for a cheap day out.
Another relatively new feature along the Nusa Dua front will benefit those staying in any of the big resorts that want to save some money, or even those just visiting the beach area from accommodation further afield. I walk along the frontage every day, and recently have noticed an old, local warung has been spruced up and is now serving some excellent local food and cheap beer. You can find it right between Club Med and the Sofitel, next door to the Tourist Police office. A nasi goreng costs about 35k IDR and a small Bintang the same.
Maybe the biggest problem with staying in Nusa Dua on a budget though, is accommodation. But you don’t have to stay in a lavish resort to enjoy the area. These days (post pandemic) you can enjoy homestay or hostel type accommodation, or even cheaper hotels that don’t have beach frontage. Check out THIS article for a good selection of both. Alternatively, I always swear by Air BNB when I travel, and I’ve seen quite a few new options popping up recently around the Nusa dua area.
Things to do in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is away from the busy centers of Kuta and Seminyak. For that reason it is totally different to the “holiday strip” and you will find it a lot quieter. This does not, however, mean that there is nothing to do. In fact, people come all the way TO Nusa Dua to do some activities. Others are a bit further afield, but are easier to get to than from the busy streets of Kuta. In this Guide to Nusa Dua, I will show you a bit of both.
Things to do Locally
- Enjoy your resort – This seems like a no-brainer, but you DID actually pay a lot of money to stay in an exclusive and possibly luxury resort. The facilities at such places are top notch, so enjoy them!
- Take a stroll, jog or ride along the beachfront – Nusa Dua has a wonderful cycleway that runs from Mengiat Beach all the way to Club Med and beyond. It goes past all the great resorts, and gives you a great look at the amazing beaches and facilities available.
- Enjoy some water sports – Just down the road from Nusa Dua is Tanjung Benoa, which is the water sports capital of Bali. It’s actually so close that you could walk, if you wanted!
- Shop at Bali Collection – Nusa Dua ITDC’s own shopping precinct comes stocked with all of your favorite shops, as well as some delicious restaurants.
- Explore the “two islands” – Nusa Dua literally means “two islands” and is named that for a reason. The two peninsular-like islands were once completely separated from the beach, but these days are easy to access via the walkway. The largest of the two, Nusa Gede, actually has a walking track around the island itself.
- Learn to surf – Nusa Dua has plenty of surf schools, and the surf breaks right out from your hotel are perfect for learning!
- Relax on Geger Beach – Geger Beach is not too far from the ITDC, and is only a few minutes ride. In fact, you would walk there along the beach from the Grand Hyatt. Quiet and uncrowded, you can relax on deckchairs for a fraction of the price of your resort, and pay less than a third what you might be paying for a beer in your own restaurant.
- Get soaked at the Waterblow – On Nusa Gede, Nusa Dua has its own Waterblow, where in the right season the water shoots high into the air, soaking anyone in the vicinity.
- Take a ride up the hill to Gunung Payung Cultural Park. This is a great viewpoint for sunrise, and the beach below is a real hidden gem. Check it out HERE.
- Head up to Pantai Batu Barak – This beautiful little beach has one of the most impressive access roads you will see, carved through the cliffs that tower on either side of you.
Daytrip activities
If you want to get further afield and explore, then Nusa Dua is perfect for getting away. You can hire a driver yourself, or take an organised tour. Either way, the great roads and the tollway mean that you are well on your way to great adventures in the blink of an eye from Nusa Dua. Here are some of the very best daytrips that this Guide to Nusa Dua recommends:
- Visit Uluwatu Temple – this amazing temple is famous in Bali as the place that the pesky resident monkeys will steal your phone or sunglasses. It is much more than that though. Come for sunset and watch the amazing Kecak Dance!
- Climb Mount Batur – Mount Batur is a great daytrip from anywhere on the island. I personally have done it from Nusa Dua on two occasions and highly recommend it. The sunrise is the best on the island!
- Daytrip to Nusa Penida – If you are tired of laying in your resort looking at the island on the horizon, then take a boat there instead! Some the very best sights in all of Bali are on Nusa Penida.
- Visit Heaven’s Gate and Tirta Gangga Water Gardens – East Bali is only a couple of hours drive in air conditioned comfort. Why not head off early and see some of the most iconic sights in Indonesia?
- Go Waterfall Hunting – Whether it’s Ubud or Munduk, Bali has amazing waterfalls. Personally I have visited over 60 on Bali island alone! Organize a daytrip and you could be on your way to see 3 or 4 of the very best in just one day.
- Be amazed at Tanah Lot – Another of the famous temples in Bali is not too far away. Take a tour and see why it is so popular, and stay for the iconic sunset.
- Beach Hopping – Jump onto a great beach hopping tour around the Bukit, and see some amazing beaches that your friends will never see! Check it out HERE.
There are plenty of things to do in, around, and away from Nusa Dua. This Guide to Nusa Dua has touched on some of the most popular, but there are plenty more. For inspiration, head HERE for a look at some of the more popular tours you can do.
Accommodation in Nusa Dua
No Guide to Nusa Dua would be complete without listing some of the best places to stay. Now, while most of Nusa Dua is considered Luxury, the resorts are not all expensive. Some are more family oriented, and price ranges are a lot lower. There are all inclusive packages, and any range of specials at all times.
Here, I will run through a list of some of the better places to stay, based on my personal experiences or those of my family and friends. Living in Nusa Dua, I also tend to get a quite a lot of local recommendations.
Nusa Dua is NOT just for the high paying guest anymore. There are plenty of places that cater these days for backpackers and budget visitors. Why should a place as beautiful as this not be available for everyone, after all? For a list of places to stay, check out THIS article.
Places to stay in Nusa Dua:
- The Apurva Kempinski – This amazing Hotel is fairly new to Nusa Dua, and sits high on the cliffs about 10 minutes down the road from the ITDC area. The views are amazing, as is the dining and facilities. Luxury plus!
- The Mulia Bali – The biggest resort in Nusa Dua, and probably one of the biggest in Bali. This place is incredible, featuring not just the normal resort, but dozens of villas as well. Famous for its pool that faces onto one of the best beaches in Bali, you just can’t go wrong!
- The Hilton Bali – A neighbor to the Kempinski, it sports a glass elevator to get from the lobby level to the pool and facilities far below. Great for families and couples.
- Amnaya Resort Benoa – This hidden gem is in Tanjung Benoa, and is a real home away from home. Although it doesn’t face onto a beach, it does have one of the very best spas in Bali. They also do sound healing, Yoga, and have an amazing restaurant and pool!
- Grand Hyatt Bali – Located on one of the best beachfronts in Nusa Dua, the Grand Hyatt is an old favorite, and continues to turn on the charm. Large, spread out and surrounded by lawns and gardens, the Grand Hyatt is the Grand Lady of Nusa Dua.
- Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa – The original resort in the ITDC of Nusa Dua, this incredible place has hosted Kings, Queens and Presidents, and with good reason!
- The Laguna – A Luxury Collection Resort, the Laguna has beautiful beachfront, and is surrounded and interlaced with stunning swimmable lagoons, some of which are accessible from your villa or room.
- The Westin – Built for families, The Westin is everything you would expect from a resort of this Chain. Great Facilities, accommodation and all inclusive packages keep people returning year after year.
- The St Regis – Just outside the ITDC is the St Regis. It is quiet, and although doesn’t seem so, is actually smaller than a lot of the surrounding resorts, making it a lot more intimate stay. It is also located on my favorite Beach in Nusa Dua…
I hope that gives you a good idea of where to stay in Nusa Dua. To see and read a bit more about all of these places, visit THIS article.
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How to get around Nusa Dua
Depending on where you stay in Nusa Dua, and what you want to do will best determine how to answer this question, which this Guide to Nusa Dua will attempt to do. There are several options, however.
- On Foot – If you are staying in the ITDC area at one of the local resorts, getting around on foot or by bicycle is a great option if you are only wishing to stay local. The pathways around ITDC are amazing, and created especially for ease of access. You can walk or ride all along the waterfront past the hotels and restaurants, to Bali Collection for shopping and eating, or even out to the local restaurants just outside the main gate.
- Bluebird Taxi – There are many taxis in Bali, but Bluebird are the most reliable and the biggest company. Ask reception to call one for you. You can go almost anywhere in a Bluebird, and the meter system they run is always reliable.
- Private Vehicle – If you are heading further afield, my suggestion is to get a private vehicle and driver for the day. Just head to THIS LINK to book one. They can do everything from taking you shopping in Ubud, a daytrip to East Bali, or waterfall hunting in Munduk. It’s your driver for the day, so the choice is yours!
- Scooter – This is my choice to get around when I am in Bali. Nusa Dua is easy to ride a scooter due to the wide streets and limited traffic. All you need is your International Drivers Permit. Go to THIS LINK to hire a scooter quick and easy!
What else is nearby
Nusa Dua is located on the Bukit of southern Bali. The nearby areas of Uluwatu and Jimbaran are the easiest and closest for visitors to reach, along with Tanjung Benoa on the other side.
At Uluwatu you can visit the famous temple (just watch those pesky monkeys) or many of the amazing beaches nearby. My pick would be Nunggalan Beach, with the famous shipwreck which is great for photos. Also check out Green Bowl Beach which is on the way to or from Uluwatu.
Jimbaran is famous for its seafood restaurants along Jimbaran Beach. Head out there late in the day for dinner on the sand. There are also a couple of beautiful little beaches nearby, between Jimbaran and Uluwatu that are worth visiting, such as Tegal Wangi Beach and Balangan Beach.
At either Uluwatu or Jimbaran you should take the time to see some amazing sunsets. Head on over the THIS ARTICLE to find the best places.
Also not far from Nusa Dua is Tanjung Benoa. I have already covered it a little in this article, but the best water sports in Bali can be found down there, so pop down and check it out while you are nearby!
Check your Visa and Travel Insurance!
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Summary
Nusa Dua is an amazing, quiet and secluded place to stay compared to the rest of Bali. It is a Bali holiday with a real difference, and in this Guide to Nusa Dua I hope that I have left you a little wiser about what it has to offer.
I cannot, personally, recommend a holiday to Nusa Dua any more. I live here when I am in Bali, and will continue to do so for however long I continue to visit!
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Thinking of visiting nusa dua soon are you aloud in all resorts for drinks as visitors please
Cathy. I have never had a problem. Each resort will have security at the entrance, and if you advise them you are going to the restaurant, then you should be fine. Some of the resorts will also offer day packages – ie – 200k rupe for full use of pool for the day and perhaps lunch thrown in. Something like that. Then you can lay by the pool while you enjoy your drinks.
Sounds good we are thinking of doing all inclusive and staying in either Conrad’s resort or melia resort any recommendations 😀
I’m sure you will love both, but in the end it depends what you are looking for. The Conrad almost speaks for itself and is world class and definitely wins as far as a luxury hotel goes. The Melia wins hands down for location. The beach is nicer, and it is right along the walkway along the beaches past all the other resorts. The “islands” of Nusa Dua are handy to explore, and the Bali Collection shopping centre walking distance.
Just be aware that at the moment there is a bit of work going on around the “Bay” area on the south side of the Melia, as Covid hit those restaurants hard and they are all being refurbished.
Thank you for the detailed review!
We just booked at Merusaka in Nusa Dua. The resort looked amazing online and great prices for a 5 star.
Wish I’d seen this review earlier!
Haha, thank you!
Yes, this selection of resorts is my pick, but the Merusaka is in a great location. The main reason it didn’t make my list is because it was in the midst of a name change recently. It was previously the Inaya Putri. Where it is, right beside the Grand Hyatt, is on one of the best beaches in Bali. The sand is beautiful and the ocean incredible. There are a couple of restaurants right nearby that are cheaper than the resort, and a short walk away up the street you will find more. Check out my article about places to eat in Nusa Dua for some good value options.
Most of the resorts in Nusa Dua have been going full steam ahead lately getting back to full staff again after Covid. The Merusaka would be the same. I will know for sure in a week or so when I get home from Thailand!
Hope you have a good time. I am sure you will!
Hi we are staying at the tropic soon. You haven’t mentioned it. Any comments or suggestions. What about cheaper restaurants nearby? Thx. Guy
Hi Guy. The Tropic is more down toward Benoa so not in the Nusa Dua area I was covering in the article. I did mention the Amnaya, as I am familiar with it and have stayed there. The Tropic is in a good location not too far from Club Med, and from what I understand is a very nice place to stay. The beach walkway goes right past, so you can walk all the way up through Nusa Dua past all the other resorts from there. As for restaurants, there are some along the road that runs out front of the hotel. If you don’t mind taking a taxi, you can check out my article of Best Places to eat in Nusa Dua for some good options.
Hi, what’s the weather like is Nusa Dua in August please? A lot of the videos on you tube I’ve seen it looks overcast and windy.
Hi Emma. Yes it can get windy in August. It is the middle of the dry season then, and you may get some wind, but no rain as a general rule.
I am planning on staying at the Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua this coming August. Are there restaurants close by if we choose not to eat at hotels? Do they have a shuttle to the beaches or can we walk to it? Thank you
The Amnaya is a great place to stay. I’ve stayed there myself and actually wrote a review on it. One of the good things about Amnaya is it is in a more “local” area than the other big Nusa Dua resorts. Which means there are restaurants right nearby, as well as a sports bar I believe. Across the road there is a walkway that will take you to the local beach. The best beaches though are up a lot further. They are walkable (depending how much you like to walk) via the beachside walk and road. Not sure about a shuttle service, but the hotel could easily organize transport for you, or you could grab a gocar (uber). It’s less than 5 minutes by car to the nearest really nice beach.
Thanks for the considerable amount of time and effort you’ve put into developing your site. It’s a wonderful source of information. It’s greatly appreciated and really helpful.
My fiancé and I are travelling to Bali for our honeymoon July 22-Aug. 1. I have us booked at the Holiday Inn Resort Nusa Dua for 5 nights. The main reason is that it will be completely free with my IHG points. Turns out that weddings are expensive. Who knew?
We are hoping to have somewhere to relax and unwind together for the first half of our trip. Is that a decent place for us to stay or should we find somewhere else? Is it far from restaurants and shopping?
For the second part of our trip a hotel closer to a larger variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance would be preferable so if you have any recommendations that would be really helpful. I was looking at The One Boutique Villa but I could use an expert opinion.
Please let me know if you need more information or have any questions.
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
I can understand using your free points for Holiday Inn. You can’t get a better deal than that! The Holiday Inn is more in the Benoa area rather than Nusa Dua, however the lines get sort of blurry around there. From all reports its a nice place to stay and right on the beachfront, so that’s a bonus. The beach isn’t quite as nice down there as the major part of Nusa Dua, but that’s also not to say that it’s bad. There’s a really nice walkway that continues right along and up past Club Med to all the other resorts and beaches anyway.
As for restaurants and shopping – you are right across the road from the Ibis and next door to the Conrad, and when there are other resorts around you can usually find restaurants as well. I’m honestly not certain what is down there exactly though. If you don’t mind jumping in a taxi, its only 5 or 10 minutes to a great restaurant street up in Nusa Dua, and Bali Collection Shopping centre. One thing about Nusa Dua though is that no matter where you stay you are most likely going to catch a taxi anyway. Not much is right on your doorstep.
As for The One Boutique Villa – I take it you mean the one in Seminyak? I haven’t personally been there, but you will certainly find a lot more shopping and restaurants around that area close to the Villa. It is a little tucked away at its location, but only a shortish walk out to the main street where you will find shops, restaurants and cafes everywhere.
I hope this sort of answers your questions.
If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. J
Great article – thanks. I’ll be travelling to Nusa Dua (first time in Bali) in early October, staying at the Melia. Hopefully that dry season will still be going!
We’ll be taking insect repellent with us. Are there any problems with mosquitos or similar during the day or night? Just wondering what strength repellent I need as the Central American ones seem to like my blood!
Hi Mark. Not really any issues with them at the moment, even though we are getting quite a bit of rain. The good thing at big places like the Melia is that they will regularly fog for the mosquitos, so they aren’t as much of an issue. Bring the repellant with you though as it IS the tropics, and with a bit of rain you just never know!