All You Need to Know About Nusa Dua Bali Indonesia
The area of Nusa Dua Bali Indonesia was originally developed as a secure and peaceful resort location away from the bustling tourist precincts to the north. Home to the island Golf & society furthermore because the island Convention Centre, the manicured district of Nusa Dua is all regarding premiere hotels and fine dining.
The varied landscape comprising hills, mountains, terraced rice fields, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, forms a befitting backdrop to the deeply spiritual Bali, considered by many as the paradise on earth. Bali is the lone Hindu island of the predominantly Muslim archipelago of Indonesia. Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir Eat, Pray, Love and the subsequent film by the same name which prominently features this beautiful island, has added to its allure. But there is more to Bali than the element of spirituality. It also has on offer world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions that you can enjoy if you set base in Nusa Dua in Bali.
Nusa Dua refers to the entire eastern side of the Bukit peninsula at the southernmost tip of Bali. Some of the most glorious beaches of the island are to be found here. The resort is located about 40 kms south of Denpasar, Bali’s capital. The airport is about 20 to 30 minutes drive away by car.
Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world find their Bali home in Nusa Dua. Unknown to even some of its most loyal visitors, Nusa Dua offers more than just ranks of five-star hotels and up-market restaurants and boutique shops. For instance, many of the visitors staying at these fine hotels are largely unaware of the pristine white-sand beach located just five minutes away on the southern edge of the peninsula known to locals as Geger Beach.
The public beach at Geger is recommended for tourists. Beautiful, safe and tranquil the beach area is also home to some of the best museums in Bali. Geger beach is safe for swimming and experiences a cooling ocean breeze as it is one of the few beaches facing east. Public transport is far from regular in the area but most hotels will assist with arranging taxis for tourists.
There are three manned gates that lead into the Nusa Dua Bali Indonesia enclave and everyone entering the area is subject to a security search that has the unfortunate effect of detracting from the relaxed ambience.
Immediately north of the Nusa Dua enclave is the peninsula of Tanjung Benoa that accommodates less exclusive hotels and Benoa village. Indicating this to be a multi-cultural area, visitors will see a mosque alongside both Hindu and Chinese temples.
Boat rides are available form Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua enclave for trips to Serangan Island (Turtle Island). These are typically glass bottomed allowing excellent views of the marine life in the area. Serangan is a turtle sanctuary and conservation area. Local Balinese assist by keeping turtle eggs in purpose-built houses until they hatch at which time they are released into the waters around the local beaches.
Numerous water-sport activities are available in the Nusa Dua Bali Indonesia area including banana boat rides, parasailing diving, fly-fishing and jet-ski rides. Most of the tourism operators in the area work in a cooperative type format ensuring price control is maintained and bartering unnecessary.
Nusa Dua Bali Indonesia is home to some of Bali’s most exclusive spa facilities. Most of the hotels offer in-house spa treatments or will arrange for private operators to visit your villa or room.
A morning walk along the extensive beachfront path is highly recommended. The path runs from the south end of the enclave for approximately 7 kilometers ending at the Grand Mirage hotel on the Tanjung Benoa spit.
There isn’t a massive choice of restaurants in the area outside of the luxury hotels. Not far from the enclave entrance on the road from Kuta and the airport a number of Japanese and other Asian restaurants can be found. As these eating-houses are primarily aimed at group markets they have little ambiance and do not come recommended.