Things to do in Nusa Dua
Luxury is the core DNA of Nusa Dua. If you want to splurge, Nusa Dua is where you should spend your money. Lying on the southeast of Bali, Nusa Dua has possibly the most serene beach area on the island. What draws people to visit Nusa Dua is the five-star resorts and the dining scene. But luxury is not the only thing Nusa Dua does best, as nature and culture blend to add diversity to the many attractions in Nusa Dua.
Best Nusa Dua Accommodations
Nusa Dua is where you can splurge to stay at the most luxurious accommodations on the island. Beachfront resorts with all-inclusive packages or private villas, the sky’s the limit when it comes to finding places to stay in Nusa Dua.
Best Restaurants in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua may not have the beach club vibe like Canggu, but you’ll have some of the best dining experiences in Bali. From a scenic setting inside the aquarium to al fresco seafood dining, get ready for the bursts of flavors at the restaurants in Nusa Dua.
Best Spa in Nusa Dua
Once you’ve tried all the water sports activities in Nusa Dua, it’s time to loosen up all those muscles at the spa. Let the sweeping view of the Indian Ocean help you relax while the skilled therapists give you one of the best massages you’ve ever had in Bali.
What to Do in Nusa Dua
Relaxing is what people have in mind when thinking about activities to do in Nusa Dua. But you can spend a day doing nothing at Geger Beach. Walking along the Nusa Dua promenade is an excellent way to start your day. If you’re into sea walking or banana boating, Tanjung Benoa in Nusa Dua has various sports activities you can try. Visit the cultural wonder of GWK, the highest statue in Indonesia. Whatever your plan, there is more than just luxury in Nusa Dua.
1. Relax on Nusa Dua Beach
Relaxing at Nusa Dua Beach is a safe answer if you don’t know what to do in Nusa Dua. No beach clubs, no problem, as you can enjoy the blue sky and ocean while chilling on a sunbed. Although Nusa Dua doesn’t boast a sunset view like Pandawa Beach or Gunung Payung Beach, you can still dip in the water to cool down. With beachfront restaurants and beach bars, sip the mixologists’ created cocktails and savor the delightful seafood while basking in the quiet surroundings. Time slows down at Nusa Dua Beach, giving you a moment to think and do nothing but unwind.
2. Explore the Underwater World at Nusa Dua Water Blow
In Bali, nature’s phenomena provide endless conversations, and surely the most popular conversation in Nusa Dua concerns the Water Blow at the tip of Nusa Dua Beach. Here, the waves from the Indian Ocean hit the rocks powerfully, resulting in a high blow of water. You can also spot this phenomenon in Gunung Payung Beach during high tide, though not as spectacular. Though it cannot be predicted precisely when the water blow will happen, the walk on the Nusa Dua promenade to the Water Blow location is quite lovely and worthwhile anyway. When it happens, the power can be pretty forceful, so be careful to stay within the observation deck.
3. Visit the Museum Pasifika for Art and Culture
Museum Pasifika was only founded in 2006. Yet, you can discover over 600 artworks, including 200 sculptures, in this Nusa Dua museum. The museum highlights the works of 200 artists from 25 nationalities residing in the Asia Pacific. Museum Pasifika is also the first Asian Pacific museum to host such collections, bridging different art styles and forms with Bali at a central focus. Beyond displaying art, Museum Pasifika also functions as an educational space for school children about art. You can also take part in the art class from local artists as part of an unusual Nusa Dua activity.
4. Enjoy Golfing at Bali National Golf Club
If you want a luxurious golfing experience, put Bali National Golf Club on your itinerary of things to do in Nusa Dua. This award-winning golf course has an 18-hole course with three distinct playing environments and is a must for golf enthusiasts, from creeks and mature groves to green and lakeside holes. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been playing golf all your life or just started, you’ll have a lot of fun here. Surrounded by world-class resorts, getting to Bali National Golf Club only takes a short ride. With a butler service for every guest, the experience certainly lives up to its reputation.
5. Take a Walk at Puja Mandala, the Cultural Complex
Puja Mandala is the most unique complex in Bali. Though predominantly Hindu, Bali is also home to other religions. Puja Mandala complex consists of different places of worship for the five acknowledged religions in Indonesia. You can find a mosque, a Catholic church, a Protestant church, a Buddhist temple, and a Hindu temple. All these places of worship are used by people in the Nusa Duaarea, so they’re not merely attractions. The proximity of each building signifies Indonesia’s tolerance, showing that interfaith understanding is part of the country’s identity.
6. Shop for Local Crafts at Bali Collection Mall
Blending the style of shopping malls and the open-air market, visiting Bali Collection should be on your list of things to do in Nusa Dua. Bali Collection is a serious place for shopaholics as you can find everything on its grounds. If you need souvenirs, some shops sell Bali handicrafts from local artists. There are also boutiques and fashion stores showcasing local designers’ latest collections. What’s great about the Bali Collection is that there are cafés and restaurants where you can rest after all the window shopping.
7. Catch a Traditional Dance at the Devdan Show
The Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is one of the best things to do in Nusa Dua. The show is a combination of dance, storytelling and acrobatics to express Indonesian culture. What’s unique about the Devdan Show, however, is that it’s not just showcasing Balinese culture. The stories of other islands of Indonesia are extremely spectacular to see. You’ll see different cultural shows from Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (Borneo), and Papua. As a very interactive way to introduce the diversity of Indonesian culture, you don’t want to miss this 90-minute show as part of the activities to do in Nusa Dua.
8. Explore the Mangrove Forest for Eco-Tourism
Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park is an eco-tourism site in Bali. Located just outside the toll road of Nusa Dua, it’s both a tourist attraction and a biodiversity hotspot. You can walk on its two-kilometre wooden path surrounded by mangrove trees where it’s very peaceful as you cannot hear anything other than birds chirping. There is also a canoe rental to explore the mangrove forest from the water. It’s essential to pay attention to the tide, as the high and low tides of the ocean influence the water in the mangrove forest.
9. Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
You’ve probably seen the iconic statue from afar, but visiting GWK Cultural Park is an activity in Nusa Dua you can’t skip. The sculpture, designed by Nyoman Nuarta, depicts Lord Vishnu riding the mythical bird, Garuda. The 121-metre statue is even taller than the Statue of Liberty! However, the statue is not the only main attraction of the cultural park. There is a daily show of Kecak and Barong dance performances, a lotus pond, and a huge garden. Perfect for families, Garuda Wisnu Kencana should be among the key things to do in Nusa Dua on your list.
10. Discover Turtle Island and Marine Life
Known as Pulau Penyu in Indonesian, Turtle Island is a small enclosure for turtle conservation in Tanjung Benoa. You can rent a traditional boat to get to the place. Though it mainly focuses on turtles, other animals are also in the assigned area. The best time to visit is during the hatchlings season, from around June to September. Turtle Island is an excellent place for kids to learn more about turtles in general and how important turtle conservation is.
