Bali Nusa Dua Beach and Nearby Beaches Guide

October 13, 2024

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A wide sandy beach at Nusa Dua Beach with soft golden sand stretches out under a bright blue sky. The calm turquoise ocean laps gently onto the shore, while a person walks along the water’s edge in the distance. Greenery covers a small, rocky hill in the background, enhancing the serene, tropical atmosphere.

If you visit Nusa Dua you have to come to its beaches. They are famous for stunning beaches, clear waters, and luxurious resorts. Nusa Dua is also the best area in Bali for those looking for a relaxing and indulgent break. The area has white sand beaches, calm waters, and scenic views, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Whether you want to chill on the beach, explore the vibrant coral reefs, or indulge in world-class amenities Nusa Dua has it all.

Bali Nusa Dua Beach

Bali Nusa Dua Beach with golden sand and turquoise water, bordered by large, rugged rock formations. The rocks form a natural barrier, while the small waves lap gently onto the shore under a sunny sky.
Photo Taken by RENEDOLANBALI

Nusa Dua Beach is the main beach in the area, famous for its 5-star resorts and beautiful coastline. The beach is surrounded by world-class 5-star resorts including the Sofitel Bali Beach Resort and the Hilton Bali Resort.

Unlike many touristy areas, Nusa Dua Beach is free of tourist traps. Nusa Dua beaches are known for luxury, activities, and unique experiences, making them top travel destinations.

Is Nusa Dua Beach swimmable? Yes, in fact, the calm atmosphere is perfect for those who want to swim without the noise of jet skis or boats. A few resorts offer water activities but the beach itself is generally quiet. The sand is soft and clean and the water is clear most of the time, it’s a great spot to chill.

How to get to Nusa Dua

Getting to Nusa Dua is easy, Ngurah Rai International Airport is only 30 minutes away by taxi. The area is also accessible by car with a direct toll road that bypasses the congested Uluwatu and Jimbaran areas. You can also take a taxi or ride-hailing from the airport or other parts of Bali. With so many options to get to Nusa Dua, you can start your holiday worry-free.

Things to Do in Nusa Dua Beach

A scenic beach with calm turquoise waters and several boats anchored near the shore. People are relaxing on the sandy beach under a tree, while others are swimming in the ocean. The sky is clear, and the horizon blends with the serene sea.
  1. Chill at the Beach Nusa Dua Beach is known for its white sand and clear blue waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and beach walking. The beach is safe for families as the waters are calm due to the offshore reefs that protect the shoreline.
  2. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore the coral reefs just off the coast. Many resorts offer guided snorkeling and diving tours and you can see a wide array of marine life including tropical fish.
  3. Sea Kayaking: Kayaks are available for rent from most resorts and you can paddle over the coral reefs, a fun and scenic way to explore the coastline.
  4. Camel Safari: Experience a unique beach safari by riding camels along Nusa Dua’s white sandy beach. You can book through Hilton Bali Resort which offers camel safaris in the morning and afternoon.
  5. Underwater Sea Walk: For a one-of-a-kind experience try an underwater sea walk where you can walk on the seabed while observing marine life up close. It’s suitable for non-swimmers and a great way to interact with Bali’s underwater world.
  6. Join a glass bottom boat tour: If you want to see what’s beneath the surface hop on a glass bottom boat. You’ll get a clear view of the underwater world without having to dive in. It’s a great way to see colorful fish and coral reefs.
  7. See the Nusa Dua Water Blow: Don’t miss the Nusa Dua Water Blow! This natural attraction is where the waves crash into a rocky cliff, sending water spraying high into the air. It’s dramatic and exciting especially when the tide is high.
  8. Visit Turtle Island: Take a short boat ride to Turtle Island. It’s a sanctuary where you can learn about turtles, see them up close, and even help release baby turtles into the sea. It’s a unique experience for animal lovers.
  9. Nusa Dua Complex and Bali Collection Mall: For a break from the beach visit the nearby Nusa Dua Complex. It’s home to luxury resorts, a golf course, and the Bali Collection Mall where you can shop, grab a bite, or take a stroll.
  10. Bali National Golf Club: If you love golfing the Bali National Golf Club is nearby and offers a scenic course with ocean views. One of the best golf courses in Bali
  11. Devdan Show: For culture lovers, the Devdan Show at the Nusa Dua Theatre is a must-see theatrical performance that combines Indonesian traditional dances with modern acrobatic elements

Where to Stay in Nusa Dua Beach Hotel

Here are the highlights of the luxury hotels and resorts in Nusa Dua:

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa with a large, reflective swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. Lounge chairs and a poolside bar with thatched roofing are visible, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere under a bright blue sky.
Photo by Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
  1. Sofitel Bali Beach Resort: This resort combines French elegance with Balinese culture and is beachfront with all the luxuries. A huge lagoon swimming pool that winds around the tropical gardens and a swim-up bar. It is family-friendly but perfect for couples too with a full-service spa, kids club, and a private beach.
  2. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa: Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is all about wellness and relaxation with the signature Heavenly Spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and wellness activities like yoga on the beach. Popular with families due to the kids’ club and family activities. For couples, the beachfront location is a peaceful escape.
  3. Hilton Bali Resort: Located on a cliffside the Hilton Bali Resort has stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Spacious rooms and suites with private balconies or terraces. Several pools including a lagoon pool and a kids pool with a waterslide. What makes Hilton special is the Camel Safari where you can ride camels along the beach, a unique experience.

Geger Beach

A picturesque view of Geger Beach with clear blue water gently rolling onto the shore. The beach is lined with lush green trees, while the waves crash against the shoreline, creating a serene, tropical ambiance.
Photo Taken by djienanc

Geger Beach is quieter than Bali’s famous beaches like Kuta or Seminyak. The sand is soft and golden and the water is clear and calm, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You’ll even see local seaweed farmers working on the shore, which adds a local touch. Best of all parts of the beach is open to the public so you don’t have to splurge on a luxury resort to enjoy the beauty.

How to Get There

Geger Beach is located in Nusa Dua, 45 minutes from Denpasar and 10 minutes from Bali Tourism Development Center. No public transportation but you can grab a Gojek or Grab. From Kuta, the motorbike is IDR 45,000 – 60,000, car is IDR 150,000.

What to Do in Geger Beach

There’s plenty to do at Geger Beach, for example, swim, try beginner surfing, and rent a paddleboard or kayak for some easy water fun. Or just chill out and grab a sun lounger by the water. There are local food stalls nearby where you can grab a bite, of fresh seafood or cold coconut water.​

Where To Stay?

For a luxury stay, check out St. Regis Bali Resort which is one of the best resorts in Bali, or The Mulia Resort. For budget stays, there are cheaper hotels and villas nearby like Crystal Bay Luxury Resort.

Tanjung Benoa Beach

An underwater scene showing a coral reef with a stone statue at the center, surrounded by colorful fish. The marine life swims peacefully around the coral formations in the clear blue water.
Photo Taken by belhermoso

Tanjung Benoa is Bali’s number one water sports destination. The calm water makes it perfect for jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, making it a favorite for families and adventure seekers. The beach is less crowded than Kuta, so it’s more family-friendly. The area still has a local feel with the fishing village and colorful temples.

How to Get to Tanjung Benoa Beach

Tanjung Benoa is 15 minutes from Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport if you’re going directly there. If you’re staying in the Nusa Dua area, it’s even closer, within walking distance from many hotels. Most visitors take a taxi or private driver to get to the beach.

What to Do in Tanjung Benoa Beach

Water sports are the main attraction here. You can try jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, or more relaxed activities like sea walking and snorkeling. Tanjung Benoa is also famous for the “rolling doughnut” and banana boat rides which are perfect for groups.

Where to Stay

Tanjung Benoa has various accommodations from luxury to budget. For luxury, try Novotel Bali Benoa or Sadara Boutique Beach Resort, both are beachfront and 5 stars. For budget, Kubu Garden has a cozy and affordable stay just a short walk from the beach.

Gunung Payung Beach

A stunning aerial view of Payung Beach surrounded by green hills and turquoise waters. The calm waves gently meet the sandy shore, and the lush greenery contrasts with the deep blue ocean stretching into the horizon.
Photo by OpaQ

Gunung Payung Beach is one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches. This secluded beach offers a peaceful escape with a stunning ocean view, soft white sand, and a cliff. Perfect for travelers looking for a quiet and off-the-beaten-path experience. The beach also has a unique cave that can be explored during low tide, a great spot to cool off and take photos.

How to Get to Gunung Payung Beach

Gunung Payung Beach is located in the south of Bali, near Kutuh Village. To get there you’ll need a scooter or car as public transportation doesn’t reach the beach. Renting a scooter is the most affordable option, around Rp 50,000 to Rp 100,000 per day. For a group, renting a car for a day tour is around Rp 500,000 to Rp 800,000. The drive takes around 30 minutes from Denpasar or 15 minutes from Nusa Dua.

What to Do in Gunung Payung Beach

At Gunung Payung Beach you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere or try some activities. Swimming is popular here because of the calm water, and for the adventurous, you can try surfing or snorkeling. Surfboards and other equipment can be rented nearby. If you want something more chill, canoeing is also available. There’s a shuttle service that can take you from the parking area to the beach if you don’t wanna walk too far.

Where to Stay

While there are no accommodations directly on Gunung Payung Beach, many accommodations in Nusa Dua are just a short drive away, from budget to high end with direct beach access. For a more intimate experience, some visitors opt for private villas or bungalows close to the beach. Other nearby attractions, such as Pandawa Beach and Uluwatu Temple, are within a short drive, making it easy to explore while staying in the region.

Samuh beach

A beautiful shallow Samuh beach with clear water, patches of green seaweed, and exposed coral formations. A rocky outcrop in the foreground contrasts with the calm, light-blue ocean in the distance under a sunny, clear sky.
Photo by 松本直美

Samuh Beach in Bali is different from other beaches in the area, it’s unique and peaceful. It’s famous for its stunning ocean view and shallow water. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The beach also has vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, great for snorkeling. Samuh Beach is also used for Balinese ceremonies, such as Melasti, so you can experience the culture with the natural beauty.

How to Get There

Samuh Beach is located in Nusa Dua, near Tanjung Benoa, and can be reached by Jalan Pratama or Nusa Dua Beach. Although the entrance of the beach is not wide, it’s lined with souvenir shops and cafes, so it’s a local feel. It’s recommended to hire a car, scooter, or private driver to get there as public transportation is limited

What to Do in Samuh Beach

At Samuh Beach you can snorkel to explore the coral reef, take a dip in the calm water, or just relax on the beach. For the adventurous, nearby watersports like jet skiing and banana boats are available. The peaceful atmosphere and flat sandy shore is perfect to unwind from the other busy beach.

Where to Stay:

There are many accommodation options near Samuh Beach, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. For example, Amaris Hotel Pratama Nusa Dua has a modern minimalist room and is close to the beach. Infinity8 Bali has luxury and tranquility, perfect for a high-end experience.

Pandawa Beach

An aerial shot of Pandawa Beach in Bali, showcasing its winding coastal road, cliffs, and the sandy shoreline stretching along the blue ocean. Several buildings and cars can be seen near the beach, with lush green hills surrounding the area.
Photo by Satrya Darmawan

Pandawa Beach is a beautiful and charming beach in the Nusa Dua area. Famous for the view and landscape, perfect for those who want to relax and be scenic. The beach is surrounded by a limestone cliff and has a restaurant, bar, and water sports facilities.

You can swim, snorkel, and dive in the Indian Ocean. The beach is also good for surfing, with a big waves hitting the shore. Whether you want to surf or just relax and enjoy the view, Pandawa Beach is a must-visit in Nusa Dua.

How to Get There

Pandawa Beach is 18 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport and can be reached by taxi, rental car, or ride scooter. The road to the beach goes through a limestone cliff, which gives you a breathtaking view of the ocean before descend to the beach.

What to Do in Pandawa Beach

At Pandawa Beach you can do water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling in the calm and clear water. The beach is also good for sunbathing and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a more comfortable experience. For a cultural touch, the statues of the Pandawa brothers are a must-see and traditional Balinese massage is available if you want to unwind.

Where to Stay:

There are accommodations for all budgets near Pandawa Beach. For a budget stay, Pandawa Beach Homestay has a basic but comfortable room about 1 km from the beach. For a luxury stay, Pandawa Beach Villas & Spa has an elegant villa with a private pool and scenery view. If you want the ultimate luxury The Ritz-Carlton Bali about 4 km away has an ocean view suite and premium amenities.

Warnings

When visiting beaches in Nusa Dua Bali, here are some cautions and warnings to be aware of:

Strong Current and Tidal Change

A beach scene showing multiple warning signs near the water, cautioning about strong currents and indicating no swimming zones. A person is seen sitting on a chair under the sun, with the ocean waves in the background and a clear blue sky above.
Photo by michael spadoni

Nusa Dua is known for calm water but some areas can have strong currents, especially near the reef break. Pandawa and Gunung Payung beaches are generally safe but be cautious when swimming, especially if there is no lifeguard or warning flag.

During certain periods, especially during a full moon, some beaches in Bali including Nusa Dua can be affected by tidal flooding. This can make swimming and beach activities dangerous, so always check the tide schedule and be cautious during that time.

Sun Exposure

A close-up of a person sitting on a sandy beach, applying sunscreen on their legs. The person is using a blue bottle and spreading multiple small amounts of sunscreen on their skin, with sunlight casting soft shadows on the sand.
Photo by Kaboompics.com

Nusa Dua beaches have great views but limited shade in some areas like Gunung Payung Beach. Bring sun protection like sunscreen, a hat, or a beach umbrella to avoid sunburn.

Health

Don’t drink tap water or ice from tap water as Bali’s water supply can cause illness. Always opt for bottled water and be cautious when eating at beach stalls.

Local Hazards

At less touristy beaches like Gunung Payung where there are fewer vendors and facilities, make sure you bring enough supply. Climbing the steep stairs to and from the beach can be physically demanding

Conclusion

Nusa Dua beaches have many activities and attractions for visitors, water sports, cultural experiences, and luxury amenities. You can swim, snorkel, and dive in the Indian Ocean. Whether you want to explore the underwater world, perfect your golf swing, or immerse yourself in Balinese culture, Nusa Dua beaches have it all.

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