Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Nusa Dua, Bali

Nusa Dua signifies ‘Two Islands’ in Indonesian, a term that may mislead, as there are two unobtrusive headlands, each crowned with a temple. This area is recognized as the ‘upscale’ sector of Bali, housing numerous high-end resorts. A gated tourist zone in Nusa Dua is prominently positioned, marked by security posts, leading you into a space adorned with meticulously maintained lawns, impeccable in every detail. In essence, it presents a stark contrast to many other regions of Bali.

Most travelers flock to Nusa Dua seeking a peaceful beach retreat, where one can relish swimming, savoring the breathtaking coastal vistas, and dining along the picturesque beaches. Cultural experiences are available in Nusa Dua; however, many visitors prefer to remain within their resort confines. If you are inclined to venture out, a wealth of experiences awaits beyond the stunning beaches.

Here are the best activities in Nusa Dua:

1. Sunbathe on Pantai Geger

Pantai Geger is one of the public beaches in Nusa Dua, a rarity since many of the other sandy stretches are owned by adjacent hotels.

This allows those wishing to visit Nusa Dua without staying at a resort the opportunity to enjoy the beach and explore.

You can swim here, and numerous small local cafes known as warungs can be found along the coastline. Additionally, you may rent a sun lounger to unwind and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.

2. Admire Water Blow

Water Blow stands as one of Nusa Dua’s premier natural attractions. As its name indicates, it is an impressive blowhole, allowing you to observe water erupting from the sea into the sky.

This geological feature is a result of tight rock formations and is situated on Nusa Dua Beach near the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from the blowhole due to its powerful nature; it is entirely safe to enjoy the spectacle from a distance.

3. Go for a Camel Ride

While camels may not be the first thought that crosses your mind when thinking about Bali, they are indeed available through Bali Camel Safaris in Nusa Dua.

The camels provide a gentle journey along the sandy shores from the Nikko Bali Resort, offering delightful views over the water as they traverse the coast.

Various packages are accessible, and some include a conclusion at local dining establishments for lunch or dinner along the beach. If you seek a distinctive experience in Nusa Dua, this is certainly it.

4. Try the Pork at Warung Dobiel

Bali is renowned for its pork dishes, an interesting contrast to the predominantly Muslim regions of Indonesia, where pork is less available.

As a Hindu-majority island, Bali boasts a plethora of pork specialties, with Bali Guling, a spit-roasted suckling pig, being the most famous.

Warung Dobiel is a notable establishment in Nusa Dua to sample this delicacy, serving other pork dishes such as soup and jackfruit curry as well.

5. Walk to Pura Gegar

Pura Gegar is a prominent attraction in Nusa Dua, located south of the well-known Gegar Beach.

To reach the temple, follow a path that leads up a bluff from the beach, revealing a charming Balinese temple framed by gnarled tree trunks overlooking the sea.

Although the temple itself is modest, the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking sea views makes this visit worthwhile.

6. Have Lunch at the Nusa Dua Beach Grill

The Nusa Dua Beach Grill is a favored dining option for those wishing to bypass the extravagant prices found in resort restaurants.

Situated on Gegar Beach, guests can enjoy meals with sand between their toes while gazing at the azure waters.

Given its coastal proximity, seafood is the prominent choice, along with crab dishes, spicy prawns, and occasionally lobster, contingent upon the day’s catch.

7. Visit Pasifika Museum

Pasifika Museum is an exceptional destination in Nusa Dua, albeit one that is not widely known among tourists.

Located near the Bali Collection, the museum showcases works from numerous European artists who relocated to Bali to create art.

Additionally, there are galleries dedicated to local artists, an Indochinese gallery, and a Polynesian exhibit.

Moreover, visitors can find pieces by renowned artists such as Paul Gauguin and Rudolf Bonnet, making this a must-see for art enthusiasts.

8. Take a Boat to Serangan Island

If you’re seeking an activity around Nusa Dua, consider visiting Serangan Island, commonly referred to as Turtle Island.

Accessible via boat from Nusa Dua or Tanjung Benoa, this island features a beautiful conservation center focused on rehabilitating injured turtles for their return to the wild.

The center also contains a hatchery, releasing baby turtles onto local beaches once they are capable of surviving independently.

In addition to turtles, the site is home to a variety of birds, snakes, and other native wildlife, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.

Serangan Island is reachable via boat or expressway from Nusa Dua and presents a rewarding day trip. Ensure you visit the Serangan Turtle Island Conservation Centre specifically, as there are other questionable facilities that prioritize profit over environmental welfare.

Location: TCEC, Turtle Conservation and Education Center, street tukad punggawa, environment Ponjok, Serangan 80229, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

9. Go Shopping at Bali Collection

For those interested in shopping in Nusa Dua, the Bali Collection is the place to be.

Here, you will find numerous shops, a department store, and various outlets offering traditional Balinese souvenirs, perfect for those looking to purchase gifts.

Furthermore, you can enjoy a variety of cafés and dining options, mixing international chains like Starbucks with local Indonesian cuisine.

10. Visit Puja Mandala

Puja Mandala is a religious and cultural complex located in Nusa Dua, representing Indonesia’s five major religions.

Translating to ‘Hill of Worship’ in Indonesian, this charming promontory hosts a Buddhist temple, a traditional Hindu temple, a Catholic church, a Protestant church, and an Islamic mosque.

The hill symbolizes tolerance and religious equality in Indonesia, and visitors can witness cultural shows and festivals aligned with the various religious celebrations held here.

11. Enjoy the Water Sports

Nusa Dua is acclaimed for its water sports, offering an extensive array of activities to engage in.

Choices include jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, with opportunities for diving along the coast as well.

Hotels in Nusa Dua typically organize these water sports, and pricing remains consistent across the area.

During times of high wind, you may also indulge in parasailing and kiteboarding available in the vicinity.

12. Have a Game of Golf

Golf enthusiasts can take full advantage of the Nusa Dua Golf and Country Club.

This club is recognized for one of Bali’s most exquisite golf courses and is conveniently situated if you’re staying at a nearby resort.

There are various package options available to save costs if you plan on golfing over several days. However, keep in mind that the course can become crowded, so reservations in advance are advisable.

13. Spend the Day as a Pirate at the Pirates Bay

Pirate enthusiasts should make their way to Pirates Bay in Nusa Dua, where a pirate-themed restaurant awaits, featuring a grand model of a wooden pirate ship.

Moreover, visitors can explore a large wooden treehouse or ascend a lookout tower for panoramic views.

You can also discover rustic pirate-themed beach huts and tents, engage in bonfires, or even dress up in pirate attire for a treasure hunt, enhancing your experience.

14. Enjoy a Spa Session

Nusa Dua is well-known for its spa offerings, with all upscale resorts providing in-house services.

Guests can unwind within the familiarity of their hotel, selecting from a variety of traditional treatments such as Balinese cream baths, hot stone massages, and Balinese mandi lulur, which combines massage and body scrubbing.

Additionally, independent spas can be found on the roads leading out of Nusa Dua, often offering more affordable rates than the resort spas, making it beneficial to explore various options for treatments.

15. Go for a Walk Along the Nusa Dua Promenade

The waterfront in Nusa Dua serves as a splendid setting for a walk, featuring a walking path that allows you to traverse along the coastline while admiring the views of the Indian Ocean.

Many individuals prefer to stroll during the morning or early evening, avoiding the harsh midday sun, and the path stretches for roughly 7 kilometers.

You will encounter a fork in the road at one point, but both paths lead to two of Nusa Dua’s notable temples, thus ensuring a rewarding exploration whichever direction you choose.

16. Snorkel at Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua Beach is locally known as Pantai Mengiat, although it is commonly referred to by its English name.

Situated in the heart of the main coastal stretch in Nusa Dua, the beach boasts a beautiful reef offshore that generates favorable waves during surf season.

The shallows near the shore are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and for those preferring a more laid-back experience, local fishermen offer tours on their wooden boats.

Additionally, glass-bottom boat rides are available, granting you the opportunity to observe the vibrant marine life of Nusa Dua without getting wet.

17. Have High Tea at the St. Regis

Nusa Dua is dotted with luxurious resorts, among which the St. Regis stands out, renowned for its exquisite high tea offerings.

This event unfolds in the main salon, where guests can indulge in finger foods, pastries, and delicate sandwiches while enjoying soothing piano melodies.

The high tea is presented buffet-style, allowing guests to return for as many servings as they desire, and cocktails or champagne can be paired with the delectable bites in lieu of traditional tea.

18. Go Seawalking

A key attraction in Nusa Dua is the opportunity for seawalking, an ideal option for those who prefer not to swim or dive.

Tour packages for seawalking can be arranged through many hotels, taking you to designated dive sites where you can don a helmet that keeps your hair dry while you tour the underwater world.

As you walk along the seabed, enjoy the colorful aquatic life and have the chance to feed fish, while also marveling at the beautiful coral gardens.

19. Watch the Devdan Show

A major highlight in Nusa Dua is the nightly Devdan Show, a cultural dance performance distinct to this region of the island.

Spanning approximately 90 minutes, this show encapsulates a variety of music, costumes, and traditions from across Indonesia rather than focusing solely on Balinese dance.

The performance is dynamic, featuring aerobatics and other athletic displays, all taking place under the night sky.

20. Have Dinner at Bumbu Bali

Bumbu Bali is one of the island’s most acclaimed restaurants, known for its sophisticated interpretations of traditional Indonesian cuisine.

What sets it apart is the authenticity of its Balinese dishes, which starkly contrasts with the many offerings presented as typical Indonesian fare found in various hotel establishments in Nusa Dua.

Seasfood plays a prominent role on the menu, including meals typically served during Indonesian ceremonies and festivals.

A cooking school is also offered for those interested in learning to prepare some of these dishes themselves.

21. Try Flyboarding

Among the diverse water sports in Nusa Dua, flyboarding has emerged as a new and exciting trend.

This activity involves strapping on specially designed boots connected to a surfboard, which are powered by a motor and water pump.

As water pressure builds, you are elevated above the water, imparting the sensation of flight.

Fortunately, qualified instructors are present to ensure safety, making this an exhilarating way to interact with the ocean surroundings.

22. Learn How to DJ

Aspiring DJs visiting Nusa Dua should take advantage of classes at DJ Music School Academy Bali.

Courses cover a range of topics, including DJ techniques using vinyl or CDJs, scratching techniques, and music production essentials.

23. Explore Gunung Payung Beach

Gunung Payung Beach remains relatively obscure in Nusa Dua, as many visitors typically gravitate towards Pantai Gegar.

This is unfortunate since Gunung Payung Beach, located at the conclusion of a marked trail from Denpasar, offers stunning views of the ocean to those who visit.

Visitors can partake in swimming, snorkeling, and observing local seaweed farmers as they collect emerald green strands of seaweed, which are later utilized in various Asian cosmetic products.

24. Try Out the Surf & Turf Surf Rider

For those interested in flow riding, Nusa Dua features the Surf & Turf Surf Rider.

This attraction generates artificial waves by emitting powerful jets of water, allowing adventurous visitors to ride using a surfboard or sponge board.

Expert instructors are available to assist, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for those wishing to ride the waves in a controlled setting that offers a break from the chaotic open sea.