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

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.

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 museum is nearly always empty.

The Nusa Dua enclave has three manned gates and everyone entering is subject to a security search. This can have a slightly claustrophobic effect according to some points of view, and in other points of view makes guests feel more secure. While some may criticize this for creating the sense of an “artificial location”, given the prior acts of terrorism in Bali some guests do appreciate the fact that security checks are made to enhance their safety.

Map of the Nusa Dua area

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

Geger Beach, Nusa Dua

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. The restaurant, beachbeds and massage ladys all work for the local cooperative. By suporting them you support the locals. Geger has a cooling breeze as it is one of the few beaches facing east and because ofv the reef far out from the beach it has some of the warmest water temperatures in Bali. 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 proceed to the Pantai Geger car park. edit

Pasifika Museum, Blok P, BTDC Nusa Dua (near Bali Collection), ☎ +62 361 774935 (info@museum-pasifika.com), [1]. 10AM-6PM daily. A truly under-appreciated and poorly known attraction. It is a splendid museum, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the art of Bali, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region. 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. Featuring premium artworks of well known artists from around the world such us Paul Gauguin, Theo Meier, Le Mayeur, Rudolf Bonnet, Arie Smith, Hendrik Paulides, Isaac Israel, Emilio Ambron, and many more. Rp 70,000. edit

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. US$30. edit

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.