11 Best Things To Do in Nusa Dua, Bali
Nusa Dua, Bali is on our list of the Top 21 Places that are open for travel now– for locals that is. International travel may resume tentatively in September.
Nusa Dua is Indonesian for ‘Two Islands’. Widely known as the ‘upscale’ district of Bali, Nusa Dua offers high-end resorts but also some of the best things to do in Bali. We’ve created a list of the 11 best things to do in Nusa Dua, Bali and we can guarantee you didn’t know about some of these.
Nusa Dua is great for honeymoons, special occasions, or if it’s your first time in Bali and you’re concerned about safety. Besides the excellent beaches, there are other cultural activities in the district that you can enjoy. Nonetheless, most travelers just love spending most of their time in the resorts.
If you do decide to venture out of your resort, you’ll find there is plenty to do in and around Nusa Dua. Here is a Nusa Dua, Bali map to get you acclimated before you get there.
Beach Day at Pantai Geger
If you don’t mind public beaches, then you can make your way to the Pantai Geger also known as Geger Beach. Pantai Geger beach is cleaner and less crowded than the Kuta or Seminyak beaches.
You can rent a catamaran for a day or go paddleboarding. It’s a great beach to just relax and sunbathe as well. You can enjoy local cuisines from the many small local cafes along the coastline. You’ll also be able to catch some incredible sunsets while there.
Stroll through Bali Collection
Bali Collection is an outdoor mall where you can buy traditional Balinese souvenirs and dine at a variety of restaurants serving up continental and oriental cuisines. You’ll find many tourists here from all around the globe walking around and enjoying the overall vibe of the place.
Don’t forget to check out a beautiful walkway to the left of the entrance. The walkway lights up in the evenings, perfect for a nighttime portrait shot with your loved one.
Nusa Gede Island Water Blow
One of the best natural sights you must view in Nusa Dua is a Water Blow at Nusa Gede Island. This is a massive blowhole which allows for water to erupt from the sea into the sky. Water Blows are a result of tight rock formations. It is quite a magnificent sight to be captured on camera. However, due to the force of the erupting water, you better keep a distance to avoid danger.
We got up before sunrise to head over to Nusa Gede Island on our bicycles. Check out how the sunrise experience was for us that morning.
Sky Bar at Mulia Bali
When you think Bali, you don’t think sky bars. But when you come to Bali, Nusa Dua in particular, you will find a number of rooftop bars. Sky Bar at Mulia Bali is a spectacular rooftop bar with scenic ocean views.
They offer tapas (gluten-free options included) and signature cocktails. It’s great for a romantic night with your beau or a great time with a group of friends.
Keep in mind, they have Happy Hour, 2 for 1 cocktail for 3 hours from 4-7 pm every day.
Dine at a local Warung
The best way to try local cuisine in Bali is by dining at a warung. A warung is a local restaurant or cafe. You can enjoy deliciously prepared local dishes such as sambal matah (Balinese condiment) and ikan baker (grilled fish), two of our favorite dishes.
We had 2 servings each of grilled fish and sambal matah on our last day and we couldn’t believe we were missing out on such delicious and super affordable food.
Beach day at Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua Beach is one of the pristine beaches with its crystal clear water and soft white sand. The beach is great for long, relaxing walks and is much more serene as compared to other beaches.
There are some water sports available but nothing too disruptive. Beach chairs are also available along with some restaurants and cafes offering food and snacks.
Visit Pasifika Museum
Though not many know about the existence of Pasifika Museum, the museum is home to works by a number of local and foreign artists who moved to Bali and made art on the island.
It’s a great opportunity to learn about the local Indonesian and Balinese culture. This is a must-visit for all art lovers.
Cycling through the Bali Countryside
There’s more to Bali than just shopping and hanging out at bars. There are cycling tours that are great to get off the beaten path and see the real Balinese way of life. You can opt for a group tour with Bali Eco Cycling or do a self-guided tour which we recommend as well.
You’ll be able to rent a bicycle for ~$2-5USD for a day to explore the peninsula in Nusa Dua. You can cycle around Peninsula island like we did and catch some amazing views. You can grab a Bali Pathfinder Map from Murni’s Warung on-site (which would be cheaper) or purchase it online HERE.
The completed pathway from Nusa Dua beach towards Tanjung Banoa has a lot of great options to eat and relax as well. Along your way, you’ll find a beach club, Melia, and Club Med.
Ride a boat to Serangan island
Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island is a boat ride away from Nusa Dua. The island is dedicated to taking care of injured turtles and is home to other Balinese wildlife as well. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to see the release of turtles into the ocean.
Be mindful to visit the actual Serangan Turtle Island Conservation Centre and not other supposed ‘conservation centers’ that may not have conservation at the forefront of their missions.
Visit Puja Mandala
Puja Mandala is a cultural complex in Nusa Dua. It is home to a Hindu temple, Buddhist temple, Mosque, Protestant and Catholic Churches. It represents tolerance and harmonious living between these 5 main religions in Indonesia.
There is a spacious parking lot in front of the complex so you won’t have trouble looking for parking.
Have High-Tea at St. Regis
Nusa Dua is known for its extravagant resorts and the most famous one being the St. Regis. The King Cole Bar at St. Regis offers an unrivaled experience of their classic afternoon tea ritual.
They serve hot and cold dishes including house-made smoked salmon and river lobster pie. Other delicious pastries and finger foods are served while melodies in the background soothe your senses.
The attire is smart casual and prior reservation is required. Adults pay ~$25USD and children between the ages of 3-12 are charged $12USD.
Nusa Dua is an excellent getaway for those looking for a high-end experience with lots of fun, affordable activities as well.
We only listed 11 best things to do in Nusa Dua, Bali but there are numerous other activities available. If you have a favorite in Nusa Dua that we haven’t mentioned, please leave them in the comments below to help our community out.
We hope this list of some of the best things to do in Nusa Dua, Bali has helped you better plan your travels.
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel restrictions information in Indonesia, click HERE.
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