7 Dreamy Nusa Dua Beaches for a Perfect Bali Holiday

Are you searching for the best Nusa Dua Beaches?

Heading to Bali and looking for awesome beaches to visit? Nusa Dua has some of the best ones in Bali! They are accessible, and the sea is much calmer than in other parts of Bali so you can enjoy a swim here. But don’t think Nusa Dua beaches are boring, Nusa Dua boasts some best water sports activities in the whole island.

Where Are Nusa Dua Beaches? – Nusa Dua Map

Nusa Dua is located on the southern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, only about 40 minutes’ drive from the International Airport in Bali. There is a direct toll road (Mandara Road) from the airport to Nusa Dua area which allows skipping the busy regions of Jimbaran and Uluwatu, which are typically packed with traffic.

Tip: Tell your taxi driver that you want to use the toll road and are happy to cover the additional fee. The fee is minimal, but sometimes taxi drivers don’t want to pay extra and take you the long way

1. Nusa Dua Beach

How to get to Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua Beach is the main beach in the area as its name suggests and is also the best beach in Nusa Dua.

The easiest way to get to this beach also called Pantai Mengiat by the locals, is to rent a scooter which is the most cost-effective way, you can get one for 50,000 IDR a day.
Other ways include rented car, taxi, Grab or a hired car with a driver.
There is a 3k IDR parking charge.

What to expect

The beach is situated in a beautiful garden complex and surrounded by a selection of 5-star hotels that have direct access to the beach. The grounds are well kept, and the beach is super clean.

Nusa Dua Beach is also where you can spot traditional wooden boats of local fishermen heading out to the sea in the morning.

The sand is white, fine and very soft to walk on and the waters calm and peaceful, which makes it perfect for swimming, snorkelling and stand up paddleboarding.

The beach is wide and is excellent for taking a long stroll. The waters are pristine clean with a lovely shade of turquoise.

There are small shops and restaurants within the complex which you can also explore during your visit. If you’re staying in the area there are some good bars and most restaurants will give you a lift back to your hotel if you eat at their place.

Nusa Dua Bali Things to do

• Swim in the calm water of Nusa Dua Beach

• Snorkel at one of the best Nusa Dua snorkelling spots.

• Take a glass-bottom boat trip and explore sea life.

• Watch the sunrise on the beach. The beach is East orientated, which makes it a perfect place to enjoy an epic sunrise in Bali.

• Shop at the shopping centre in the Nusa Dua complex and Bali Collection.

• Nusa Dua Water Blow – check out the natural sight of a massive blowhole that erupts the water into the sky! The water blow is situated by the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

• Take a boat from Nusa Dua to Serangan Turtle Island Conservation Centre. The centre is dedicated to taking care of injured turtles, and there is also a hatchery where you can see super cute baby turtles being released onto the local beaches!

Best Nusa Dua Hotels

Nusa Dua is famous for some of the most amazing 5 star and luxury hotels; the choice is ample! Here are some of the best hotels in Nusa Dua beach.

Luxury

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort

This hotel comes with direct beach access and is situated in a gorgeous and immaculate garden. There is a fantastic lagoon pool with a swim-up bar, a fitness and spa centre as well as a stylish bar and a restaurant within the hotel grounds. The rooms are luxurious, spacious and equipped with everything that you possibly may need and what’s expected from a 5-star hotel. There are various types of rooms, including suites and plunge pool rooms.

Mid-range

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa

This hotel is also a 5-star hotel, but you can get more value for money. The hotel grounds are a gorgeous garden with most rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean or the manicured garden. The rooms are spacious, decorated with authentic Balinese furnishing and come with a terrace or balcony. The facilities include a spa, fitness centre and three beautiful pools, excellent for chilling out. The hotel also has 5 restaurants and 4 bars within its grounds.

Budget

Mahogany Hotel

Mahogany Hotel is located 10 minutes’ drive from Nusa Dua Beach, and it offers a free shuttle bus to Bali Collection for its guests from where you can walk to the beach. The rooms are clean and simple with modern design. It’s got a pleasant pool area and excellent Indonesian and European breakfast included in the rate. There is also an onsite restaurant with an option of in-room dining. Overall this is an excellent budget option if you don’t mind to stay a little more inland and within a driving distance to the beach.

2. Geger Beach Nusa Dua

Geger Beach is a little less known beach in Nusa Dua. What’s interesting is that it used to be a seaweed farm.

How to get to Geger Beach

Follow Google Maps directions to Geger Beach. There is 5k IDR parking charge collected when you approach the gate, continue following the road until you see a parking area.

There are stairs by the parking, which will lead you down to the beach.

What to expect at Geger Beach

When you arrive at the beach, if you go left, you’ll find a long stretch of well looked after beach with hotel resorts and tourists. You can rent a sunbed and parasol for the day or get a day pass with Mulia Hotel for an even more luxurious experience. There are some restaurants and bars on the beach where you can have lunch and a refreshing drink.

If you go right, there is another part of Geger beach which is more secluded. There is not much space to stretch your towel, but it’s fantastic to explore it. There are some interesting rock formations and small caves.

TIP: Don’t forget to visit Pura Geger temple, which is overlooking the beach from a neighbouring hill. The temple is located in the southern end of the beach. There is a path that can be accessed from the beach.

Places to stay near Geger Beach

Similar to Nusa Dua Beach, Geger beach is where some of the best Bali’s 5-star hotels are located.

Luxury

The St. Regis Bali Resort

For a touch of luxury, stay at the St. Regis Bali Resort. Situated right on the Nusa Dua Beach, St. Regis Bali Resort boast a large lagoon-style pool overlooking the ocean, beach bar and a restaurant serving international cuisine. Guests at St. Regis can enjoy a complimentary limousine airport pick up and drop off, fully equipped fitness centre and a spa. There is a 24/7 butler service and some of the best rooms come with a private plunge pool and a hot tub.

The Mulia

The Mulia Resort is a luxury hotel situated in the Nusa Dua Bay. The elegant suites come with hot tub, full set of complimentary toiletries and a mini bar and coffee & tea making facilities. The rooms have also extensive and very comfortable sitting areas for those relaxing days. The property is located only 10 minutes drive from Bali Collection Mall and 30 minutes drive to Uluwatu Temple and about the same amount to the airport.

Mid-Range

Ayodya Resort Bali

Ayodya Hotel is situated in a large, beautiful garden that was constructed in a way to resemble a water temple with fountain, lagoons and statues. There is a vast range of facilities on offer to all hotel guests including all-weather tennis courts, health club, various water sports, a spa and various restaurants and bars. There is beach access, and also the hotel is located close to a busy area with various restaurants and shops.

Novotel Bali Nusa Dua

Novotel Hotel is a great mid-range option to stay in Nusa Dua. The hotel is conveniently located close to all Nusa Dua attractions such as Bali Collection which is a shopping centre. The hotel boasts an excellent lagoon pool, fitness centre and spa. And the best part is that Novotel has its own Nusa Dua beach club with some jaw-dropping sunrise views if you can get up early enough to experience it.

3. Sawangan Beach

How to get to Sawangan beach

Sawangan Beach is located just behind the Hilton Resort in Nusa Dua. It takes 40 minutes to get here from Uluwatu and only 20 minutes from the Denpasar airport through the toll bridge. The entrance to the beach is free. To get to the beach, follow a steep path down the cliff.

What to expect

Sawangan Beach is very quiet, with only a few Hilton hotel guest relaxing on the beach. The sea is not as calm as on the other Nusa Dua Bali beaches. The beach is wide with white, soft sand. Sawanga is excellent if you’re looking for a quiet beach away from the hustle and bustle of some of the more popular beaches.

Sawangan Beach is popular with ‘camel safaris’ which I wasn’t a big fan of and don’t really understand the concept.

TIP: Spend an afternoon at the gorgeous Hilton pool! The swimming pool is public and welcomes visitors from outside as long as you have a drink.

Also check out temple of Pura Dalem Karang Boma, which is only a 5 minutes’ drive from the beach.

Places to stay near Sawangan Beach

Luxury

Hilton Bali Resort

As expected from Hilton chain, the hotel grounds are massive with various facilities, giant pool and multiple types of luxury rooms. The best part of staying in Hilton Bali Resort is the access to its secluded beach.

Mid-range

Swiss-Belhotel Segara Resort & Spa

The hotel is located 2 km from the beachfront, and it’s an excellent choice for affordable luxury. It features a different type of rooms from deluxe to duplex lofts and suites. The hotel has a large lagoon pool and is situated in a beautiful tropical garden. There is a free shuttle bus to the beach so if you don’t mind staying a little further away from the main tourist area of Nusa Dua; then you should consider this hotel.

4. Pandawa beach

How to get to Pandawa Beach

Pandawa beach is located in the south in the Bukit Peninsula in Nusa Dua. It takes about 1 hour 30 min to get here from Kuta but up to 30 min if you’re staying in Uluwatu area. The other close beaches to Pandawa are Melasti and Green Bowl beaches.

The easiest way to get to this beach is to rent a scooter which is the most cost-effective way, and you can get one for 50,000 IDR a day. Other ways include rented car, taxi, Grab or a hired car with a driver.

Since a new road was built leading to the bottom of the beach in 2012, Pandawa once known as one of the hidden Bali beaches has become more popular and frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Before you descent down the massive limestone cliff take in the view of the Indian Ocean.

What to expect

Once you arrived at the beach, there is a 2,000- 5,000 IDR parking fee to be paid. There is also a toll fee of 15,000 IDR to use the new access road to the beach. However, don’t get discouraged because Pandawa is so worth it.

The sea here is much calmer, which is perfect for swimming and the water crystal clear and turquoise. The beach is wide with fine, white sand.The place is perfect for spending a lazy day. You can rent an umbrella and sun loungers and have some lunch in one of the beach warungs.

Things to do

• Admire the huge, white Statue of Panca Pandawa.
• Get traditional Balinese massage for 100,000 IDR.
• Enjoy canoeing the calm sea.

Places to stay near Pandawa beach

Luxury

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

The Kempinski Hotel is situated 20 minutes’ drive from Pandawa beach, and it’s a massive hotel complex surrounded by well-manicured gardens and different lagoon pools. There are various types of rooms, but you know you can expect a maximum luxury from the Kempinski chain. Some of the hotel highlights include free sunrise yoga, aquarium restaurant, afternoon tea and an excellent spa.

Budget

Pandawa Hill Resort

This hotel is situated 5 minutes’ drive from Pandawa beach and offers a daily free shuttle bus to the beach. There is a beautiful pool area, onsite restaurant and a spa. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with air-con, flat screens and private bathrooms, some of them have a balcony. Breakfast is included in the room fare.

5. Gunung Payung Beach

How to get to Gunung Payung Beach

This beach is a real hidden gem! It is located 10 minutes’ drive from the more popular Pandawa beach. If you type in Google maps the name of the beach and follow the directions, you’ll be taken to the top of the hill. There is a parking lot and a few warungs where you can buy your water or have a snack before you embark on a steep hike down. There are about 500 steps down to reach the beach. The beach is free to visit.

What to expect

Gunung Payung is fairly small and very secluded. If you visit in the morning, you can expect to enjoy the beach on your own. The best time to visit is during the low tide when the sea is much calmer.

The beach is pristinely clean and untouched. There are no warungs or bars there, so be sure to take water and snacks with you. There is a little cave and natural shade, which is perfect if you need to take a break from the sun.

TIP: If you already in the area, check out the abandoned Boeing 737-200, which is located between Pandawa beach and Gunung Payung!

6. Samuh Beach

How to get to Samuh Beach

Samuh Beach is located right next to Nusa Dua beach. If you’re already visiting Nusa Dua, you can also explore Samuh beach. There is a car park in front of the beach which charges 5k IDR.

What to expect

Samuh Beach is similar to Nusa Dua beach. The sea is exceptionally calm here. Probably the most peaceful I have experienced in the whole Bali. There is a swing and a hammock on the beach where you can take a few cool photos.

The beach is situated by the complex of shops and restaurants, which you can check out on your way back.

Where to stay near Samuh Beach

Luxury

Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua

Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua boasts a beach front location and features five outdoor pools and eight dining options. Its luxury rooms are very specious, well-lit and are equipped with all the modern amenities of a 5 star hotels including batik bathrobes and high quality toiletries. Guests can enjoy tennis, bicycle rental and various water sports activities including diving and canoeing.

Melia Bali Nusa Dua

Located in the heart of Nusa Dua and a 5 minutes’ walk from Bali Collection Shopping Centre, Melia Bali boasts a large lagoon pool, five different restaurants, fitness centre including a beautiful spa and tennis court. Melia offers personalised The Level service that can be tailored to your needs and includes various activities. The property features a range of different rooms including family suites and lagoon access rooms.

Mid-range

Nusa Dua Club Med

(Temporarily closed updated Mar-21)

Club Med has a waterfront location on Nusa Dua beach and within walking distance from Samuh beach. The hotel offers various types of rooms, including family suites all located in a well-kept hotel garden. You can stay here all-inclusive if you wish. There is plenty to do within the resort, including evening entertainment, tennis courts and various water sports.

Budget

La Orein Residence

This hotel is an excellent budget option with clean, air-conditioned rooms and free wifi. This small hotel is located within walking distance to Samuh and Nusa Dua beaches and also from the Water Blow and local restaurants and shops. Breakfast is not included, but it can be purchased at the hotel for a reasonable price.

7. Tanjung Benoa

How to get to Tanjung Benoa

Tanjung Benoa beach Is located on Benoa Peninsula and stretches over 5 km and is situated North of Nusa Dua beach (around 10 minutes’ drive) and about 30 minutes’ drive from the airport.

What to expect

Benoa used to be a local fisherman village, nowadays the peninsula is dominated by luxury resorts, and it’s a centre for all sort of water sports in Bali.

Things to do in Tanjung Benoa

The sea at Tanjung Benoa is very calm and perfect for different water activities that are mostly happening in the North. The choice of activities includes:

• Jet Ski
• Scuba diving
• Sea walking
• Single or tandem parasailing
• Banana boat, flying fish or rolling doughnut rides
• Flyboarding
• Snorkelling

Places to stay in Tanjung Benoa

Luxury

The Royal Santrian Luxury Beach Villas

This hotel offers beautifully decorated and genuinely luxurious private villas with their own plunge pools. There is a free shuttle bus to the local areas, complimentary afternoon tea and various dining options onsite.

Mid-range

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa

This hotel offers a beachfront location in Benoa for a more affordable price. It is located 5 minutes from Nusa Dua and only 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. The rooms are spacious, and some of them overlook the ocean. It caters for a family with kids.

Budget

Palm Garden Bali

This hotel offers clean, spacious rooms equipped with air-con and wifi. The breakfast is included in the room price, and free shuttle bus to Nusa Dua beach is which about 15 minutes’ drive. There is a pleasant pool area where you can relax and a good selection of restaurants within walking distance from the hotel.

You may also like “The Ultimate Guide to Uluwatu Beaches” and “10 Days in Bali – The Perfect itinerary”.

Useful Tips

Nusa Dua Bali weather

Bali climate is tropical, warm and humid with two main seasons to consider – dry and rainy seasons. The temperature in Bali oscillates around 30 degrees. The rainy season starts in November and lasts until March. If you want to make the most of Bali’s beaches, I would avoid this time.

July, August as well as Easter and Christmas are considered high season. It’s the time when Bali gets the highest number of visitors. Beaches are crowded, traffic may get unbearable, and accommodation prices are the highest. Between April and June and September to October, crowds are lighter and hotel prices cheaper. Those months are still within the dry season with blue skies and clear water, perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling and other water sports.

On my last trip to Bali, which was in June, the sky was blue every day, and I witnessed the most stunning sunsets of the year.

Motorbike rental

The most convenient and cheapest way to visit beaches in Nusa Dua is to rent a motorbike. Rental shops are widely available throughout Uluwatu and Nusa Dua areas. You can contact your hotel/hostel to arrange this for you ahead of your arrival. They can also advise you about the rental services closest to your accommodation.

Things to check

If it’s your first time, make sure you are shown how to operate your scooter. Check that breaks and lights work correctly. Always wear a helmet! Remember to drive on the left side (same as in the UK).
If you need to top up your fuel, petrol is sold in glass bottles on the side of the road. It’s cheap but doesn’t last very long. Always make sure you’ve got enough petrol to come back to your accommodation.
If you’re planning to watch the sunset, remember that you’ll be coming back in the dark, again make sure your lights work and your phone has enough battery so that you can use maps and get safely back to your hotel. Also, after dark, there is way more traffic so if you’re not so confident, consider another mode of transport.

All beaches can be found on Google Maps and are relatively easy to navigate to. Don’t look at your phone while on your scooter. Put your headphones on instead and listen to the audio navigation. Read the next section on how to get cheap internet in Bali.

Price – 50,000 IDR per day

Beaches by car

If you don’t want to rent a scooter, you can get to places by ordering a taxi through Gojek or Grab. Simply download their apps to your smartphone. You can register your credit card, but cash is the preferred payment method while using these apps.

Car rental

Another alternative is to rent a car for the duration of your stay in Bali. You can arrange this before your trip and pick up your car at Denpasar Airport.

SIM card

The cheapest way to use the internet on your phone in Bali is to get a local SIM card. You can choose how many GBs you want and the card costs around $5. Best places to buy your card are specialised SIM shops, where you can buy your internet top-up, and they will set everything up on your phone, so you don’t need to worry.

Be aware! SIM cards sold at the airport are a lot more expensive. Also, when you get a taxi from Denpasar Airport, your driver may stop in a shop for you to buy one. The prices of those SIM cards are at least five times higher, and your ‘helpful’ driver gets a cut for bringing you to the store. Simply, politely turn down the offer and ask the driver to take you to your accommodation without any more detours.

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