24 super fun things to do in Nusa Dua for the most luxurious getaway!

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/bali/tempat-wisata-di-nusa-dua/

Written by Nadia Crowe
Co-written by Dawn Pillay
Edited by Beverley Lennon

Nusa Dua is often thought of as the luxurious side of Bali, filled with high end resorts, beautiful beaches, and next level dining. But little did you know that there’s actually so much more to do there around this incredible family-friendly beach town; from cute cafes, to culturally enriching museums, exciting water activities and hidden gems like an underwater restaurant and abandoned plane, the opportunities are endless!

Whether you’re looking for some affordable eats, or some luxurious resorts to escape the crowds in, Nusa Dua is not an area to be overlooked on your trip to Bali!

Read more:

11 Affordable restaurants in Nusa Dua (Bali) outside resorts with good food just a short walk/drive away

15 Hidden beaches in Bali where you can find pristine shores and secret caves

Where to stay in Nusa Dua: 13 Hotels and resorts for couples and families to enjoy and relax near Bali’s best beaches!

Dine on incredible delicacies with amazing views

1. Explore a magical underwater kingdom!: Koral Restaurant  at The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Imagine stepping into an Atlantean restaurant, colourful fish all around you, a soft blue glow lighting up your surroundings, and the delicious smell of fresh seafood! That’s what awaits you as you step into Bali’s first underwater aquarium restaurant (that’s right, just like in the Maldives!)

Despite Koral Restaurant being open only during the evening, we highly recommend you to come a little earlier so as to explore the sprawling lands where sits the resort!

Or better yet, sign up for their Sunday Brunchcation at their other dining site – Pala Restaurant! You’ll marvel at its modern architecture, love its beachfront location (and beach club!), and wish you were staying there so you can have fun in each one of its many crystal pools!

2. The new dining icon of Nusa Dua: Tamarind Restaurant Bali

Located right at the renowned panoramic beachfront, the spectacular thatched roof Bamboo structure pavilion is set to be Bali’s next iconic eatery.

Stepping into the elegant restaurant, every detail of its sophisticated and sustainable bamboo architecture is simply stunning. Decked in tasteful designs and dazzling furnishing along the main hall, lounge, and table settings – the 2-floor restaurant invites you to enjoy a soothing ocean breeze and more, under one roof.

While the idyllic seashore entrances with its beauty, the chef’s creation of delightful culinary pleasures will keep you spellbound. Serving lunch and dinner of world-class standards – Tamarind’s chef  and kitchen team sure know their way well around all the most indulging yet healthy creations of International and Indonesian cuisine.

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3. Have a moonlit night of perfection: Nusa Dua Beach Grill

Located in between Geger beach and The Mulia Resort, this little slice of heaven is the perfect choice for a moonlit dinner with your loved ones. Overlooking the deep blue ocean, you can watch the transition between day and night from the perfect angle, goodbye sun, hello moon!

Grab a couple of pizzas, or sample some of their incredibly fresh seafood. Pair it with a few cold beers and you’ll feel super satisfied for the rest of the night! The soft sound of the waves lapping against the shore complement the background music to give off a wonderful ambience. A brilliant night of dining awaits!

4. Dine in the pool or on bean bags with your toes in the sand: Kekeb Restaurant

Eating out on a budget in Nusa Dua usually means avoiding most of the restaurants located along the beach, with one exception: Kekeb Restaurant. Located smack-bang on the beach, Kekeb Restaurant is where all of your bohemian dreams come true.

Settle on one of their beanbags, under colourful Balinese umbrellas and enjoy the sand in between your toes as you indulge on a plate of freshly caught seafood. This good-looking eatery specialises in authentic Balinese and Asian cuisine so expect an explosion of flavours when it comes to food.

The venue is ideal for families with kids as you’ll find a pool at your disposal and young ones can simply hang out and play by the beach while you enjoy a stress-free meal by the ocean. You can even book a floating meal in the pool, and perfect that Instagram-worthy picture.

5. Enjoy a couple of cold ones whilst watching your favourite game: Homerun Sport Cafe

Attached to an incredibly adorable tropical themed hotel is Homerun Sport Cafe, the perfect place for your next pizza night! Serving up delicious thin crust pies, with a variety of different toppings, there’s no way you’ll leave unsatisfied!

If you’re a sports lover, you’ll adore their many tv screens available to broadcast your favourite teams, spend the night cheering away and downing a couple pints of your favourite brew. Make sure you order their heart shaped pizzas for an incredibly unique eat! Don’t forget to snap a pic before gobbling it all up!

6. Join Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew: The Pirates Bay (Temporarily closed)

Who says you can only find pirates in the Caribbean?

Right here in Nusa Dua, you can imagine yourself treasure-hunting while you dine at The Pirates Bay.

The outdoor setting is perfect to catch the sea breeze while hanging out at your chosen spot –  a replica pirate ship on the sand, a tree house, a bay lookout tower, or even a pirates’ kitchen!

Scattered around the grounds are numerous castaway-inspired setups such as thatch-roofed beach huts, bonfires, tents, and picket fences that are nods to Robinson Crusoe, Jack Sparrow and everything ‘piratesque’.

If you are really into the pirate craze, you can actually sign up for one of their package experience, where you can don pirate costumes available for rent, to get into the mood and search for loot. And you get to really camp, make and fly kites, cook and more.

Of course, nothing beats the childhood thrill of dressing up with an eye patch and headscarf, then discovering a wooden ‘treasure chest’ filled with golden coins!

As for the real food at the restaurant, the menu features the usual mix of European, Indonesian and seafood dishes, with kid-sized versions of pirate fish and chips, nuggets and satay for the little ones.

7. Get the Royal treatment with classic tea in old world luxury: The St. Regis Bali Resort, Nusa Dua

You will feel like a Queen (or King) as you are served a traditional high tea by white gloved waiters, whilst listening to the gentle flow of classical piano music.

Step away from Bali for a few hours and into old world Europe in the opulent King Cole bar.

The high tea is quintessentially British, with award pastry chefs creating the most divine treats. Even better than that – it’s buffet! Eat as many of these fabulous creations as you want.

Why not jazz up your afternoon with St Regis’s signature cocktail – a Bloody Mary? It will certainly put a spring in your step.

If you stay into the early evening you can expect to see the impressive King Cole traditional dancing and fire show – you might as well stay for dinner too.

8. A taste of tradition under the stars: Pasar Senggol at Grand Hyatt Bali

Pasar Senggol is the most iconic dinner event at Grand Hyatt Bali. Inspired by traditional Balinese night markets, you and your kids will both love the wonderful world of outdoor dining, with live food stalls serving freshly cooked (or grilled) Indonesian and Balinese food, as well as craft stalls located outside the restaurant (where artists sell handmade crafts such as bracelets) and cultural performances ready to entertain you as you dine.

The seafood spread of marinated squid and fish was also a taste to remember, and the specialty Pandan cake was incredibly fluffy, just sweet enough to cleanse the palate after an extra savoury meal. From savoury and sweet to spicy and cool, there’s a unique taste that will appeal to everyone here, so don’t worry even if your child (or you) is a picky eater!

Beach club hopping

Laze away at the beach at these beach clubs or with these day passes!

9. Grab a day pass by Bali’s best beaches: Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa

Clear blue skies, emerald blue oceans, and two pools which you can access all day! Switch between the salty seas, and the fresh swimming pools as many times as you want, and remember to explore each and every crevice of the beautiful surroundings!

Located in Bali’s south coast, where the crowds are thinner, the beaches are whiter, and the sun seems to shine brighter, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is the ideal place to park yourselves for a day of relaxation, lazing on the beach, and enjoying the facilities of a world-class hotel!

What’s more? If you are visiting with family, your kids will never be bored here, as they not only have access to the world’s playground (which is the beach) but are also able to enjoy the special kids club that the hotel provides!

10. Come to chill amongst the hidden cliffs of Pandawa: Roosterfish Beach Club

A stark contrast to the grey cliffs of Pandawa, Roosterfish is a breath of fresh air. Expansive greenery and a bright blue pool greet you as you make your way down to the beach, a hidden paradise almost! Floating bean bags dot around to add a pop of colour!

If you truly want to escape the masses of Bali, then make your way over to Pandawa beach where life moves slower, and the crowds get thinner. It’s perfect for those of you who want to experience a little peace and quiet, and especially if you have kids, they’ll love being able to roam around without having to worry about getting lost in the crowd!

That’s not to say Roosterfish doesn’t know how to liven up the party, head over to their Instagram to keep up with a multitude of events that they host every now and again. Or if you’re happy to party it up yourself, head to their swim up bar and order a multitude of their best cocktails so you can keep things real easy.

11. A quintessential Bali beach club experience: Manarai Beach House

Why should the areas of Canggu or Seminyak have all the beach club fun? Manarai Beach House is a perfectly good option for the folks of Nusa Dua who want to get in on that Bali party action. It’s become almost a quintessential experience!

With a beachfront infinity pool, and several adorable little gazebos to laze about in, this place will charm you from the moment you step foot in it!

Settle down by the bar and order a few too many cocktails before heading for a nice cooling dip in the ocean. When you’re all worn out, plonk yourself under the billowing curtains on the beach or on their verandah and drift peacefully into a light sleep!

Find yourself surrounded by nature on all sides!

12. Catch the magnificent Waterblow at Nusa Dua

Envision majestic Indian Ocean waves crashing against rock cliffs – have you ever seen a waterblow in person? Visit the hidden rock cliff in Nusa Dua to witness one of nature’s prettiest sights.

This natural phenomenon happens when waves hit the narrow space within the rock cliff where pressure builds, and water then blows up!

And remember; be careful to keep a distance to avoid getting wet.

13. Step onto a seaweed paradise: Geger Beach

Nestled in Nusa Dua, Bali’s luxury villa neighbourhood, Geger Beach has experienced development at one end, while the other remains gorgeously untouched.

In fact, what’s left of this little slice of paradise is a hideout for passionate beach-goers looking for a break from the crowd.  The place is popular with local expats rather than tourists, no surprises since they are probably residents in the high-end locality.

While you enjoy your quiet afternoon by the sand and sea, don’t forget to visit its seaweed farms, where the plants are harvested to produce cosmetics. You can even spot the farmers at work on the beach.

With calm and crystal clear water, Geger Beach is also perfect for swimmers and snorkellers. Its seaweed farms attract spectacular reef fish into the shallow waters too!

14. Come for endless panoramic views: Gunung Payung Beach

Gunung Payung is not only a hidden paradise, but is also (thankfully) quite accessible for being one.

Just an hour drive away from Denpasar City, located at Nusa Dua – one can follow a marker road to reach here. Once here, get treated to panoramic views of the ocean right to the horizon!

The beach is clean and perfect for trying out some yoga. You can also engage in various activities like surfing and snorkeling – or more culturally interesting ones like getting a glimpse of the local ways of life.

Watch the seaweed farmers and sea urchin collectors go about their daily chores, and strike up a conversation or two, just to learn more about what they do. Who knows, you might just be able to sample seaweed or sea urchin thanks to your new friendship. :p

15. Of limestone cliffs and epic towering statues: Pandawa Beach

Pandawa beach may be one of the best-kept secrets, especially since it is far less famous than Kuta or Dreamland Beach. Not only is it great for your usual day-on-a-beach-paradise – it is also an ideal place for amazing photos to fill your Instagram feed with. Located in Kutuh village in the south of Bali, Pandawa is hidden behind rugged limestone cliffs.

There is one road leading to the beach: a path cut out of the limestone wall.

The rest of the beach is beautiful, secluded and untouched: white sands, roaring blue waves.

There are 5 towering statues carved into the cliffs that you can pose with and get cool photos of: Yudhistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sadewa who are the Panca Pandawa, 5 brothers from shadow puppet theatre.

But the best part of this beach has got to be the unusual road leading in and out of it: stand in the middle of the path with limestone faces rising up on either side of you for an epic photo of your day at this incredible hidden beach.

Go on a magical escape at these luxurious stays

16. Experience non-stop family-friendly delights: Westin Resort Nusa Dua

Luxurious and spacious rooms, expansive greenery, and incredible pools! Westin Resort Nusa Dua is truly the place you want to be if you’re travelling with family. While the adults laze by the pool, the kids can enjoy endless activities in the kids club!

For some family bonding, there’s no better form of relaxation than enjoying a spa with your little one. Thankfully Westin specialises in kids treatments as well as adults, so you know you’ll all be in good hands!

Make sure you’re there on a Sunday so you don’t miss Prego’s ultimate Sunday family brunch! Magicians, clowns, and dancers all make an appearance at this delicious Italian feast. It’s a wonderful experience, and not to worry if you’re clumsy like me, to take away from the pressure of dropping something, the whole staff claps if they here a clang, love it!

17. Stay at a glorious resort, or enjoy the resort with a day pass! – Hilton Bali Resort

Famed for being one of the most luxurious beach getaways, Nusa Dua has plenty of fantastic beach resorts with luxurious amenities you might just be looking for.

And one of the luxurious beach resorts in Nusa Dua, is the elegant Hilton Bali Resort.

With a claim to fame of incredible island and ocean views, and perched at the top of a 40m cliff towering above a secluded white sand beach – the sprawling, landscaped grounds of the Hilton Bali Resort are easily mistaken for a palace.

Better yet, for those who love luxurious resort facilities, but don’t want to stay there – Hilton Bali Resort is one of those special luxury resorts offering a day pass for non-hotel guests called ‘A Day in Paradise’.

The pass costs Rp.750,000 (approximately USD $53.40) for adults, including a Rp.400,000 food/beverage credit at The Shore Restaurant. Rp.375,000 (approximately USD $26.70) for kids aged 5 – 12, including a Rp.200,000 food/beverage credit. Kids under 5 get free entrance.

It gives you access to the resort’s pools and private beach, a complimentary towel per person, one hour access to the Jungle Camp Kids Club for children under 12, a 15% discount on food and beverages and a 25% discount on selected spa treatments at the Mandara Spa.

Get your heart racing with these thrilling activities!

18. Zoom up like a superhero: Flyboarding at Bali Apollo Dive and Water Sport

From the flat waters of Tanjung Benoa Beach, a man just sprouts a jet of water coming out from what appears to be a boot.

You might start to wonder – is it Iron Man or Aqua Man? Well, this is the newest kid on the block – Flyboarding.

Invented by a former jet-ski champion, Franky Zapata, it combines a surfing board and a Jet Ski motor.

You’ll be wearing a boot attached to a surfboard with a hose connected to a motor, usually from a water vessel.

With high water pressure, you will be propelled into the air, with water ejecting from the nozzles – yes, very much like a superhero saving the day.

The basic flyboarding is while standing upright, but if you’re more experienced and want to experiment, you can even dive into the water like a human dolphin.

Recent flyboarding events also showcase acrobatic stunts! (Of course, don’t try this if you aren’t trained!) As the newest attraction in Nusa Dua, flyboarding can propel you up to 15 metres high. A great adventure for the adrenaline junkies!

19. Finding Nemo: The Ultimate Seawalker Experience

Confused by the title? Well, there will be no miracles today, no one is walking on water! Instead, you are going to walk under it. Even the non-swimmers in the family can enjoy this underwater discovery.

It does not get better than this, getting up close and personal with the fish and stunning aquatic life – you won’t even get your hair wet. Just a short boat trip from the Grand Mirage Resort takes you to the purpose built ‘dive site’.

Prepare to be amazed as you put on your special helmets and descend down the steps into the aquatic paradise. You can hand feed the fish (how fun!), or just watch as they swim around the unbelievably gorgeous live coral formations.

Our favourite bit? You get to look like an Astronaut in the cool space age helmets. The kids will be so excited about showing these photos off when they get back to school.

Fully relax and rejuvenate at some heavenly spas!

20. Enjoy the royal treatment: Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa (Temporarily closed)

Have you heard of the Javanese pre-marital intimacy care for women?

Traditionally before their weddings, upper class Javanese ladies go through a six-day ritual that involves vaginal smoking and love massages – which form part of an intimacy spa package.

Although such treatments are widely popular in Indonesia, it’s relatively hush-hush in Bali, and only a few spa outlets carry it. One of them is the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa.

At Taman Sari Spa, this Royal Marital Happiness package has both men’s and women’s treatments. Both include the Asmaragama massage (known to increase sexual stamina) and Pelvic floor exercise.

In the women’s package, an ‘intimacy care’ portion is also included, which is vaginal smoking in other words – to cleanse and beautify one’s vagina, and to remove unpleasant odour. The procedure is this – you sit on a chair that has a hole in the seat, and fumes from a burner containing scented dried herbs waft up under you.

As an herbal remedy, the treatment is also said to be able to prevent and cure infections, improve blood circulation and even tighten the vagina.

Does it really work? Well, it’s based on one of those old sayings and beliefs, so we leave the judgment entirely up to you!

21. Enjoy a spa-cially sweet time with the little ones: Kriya Spa at Grand Hyatt Bali

Kriya Spa is truly the best place for you to shake off any parenting blues and escape into a world of relaxation. The 24 independent spa villas all come with their own plunge pools, yoga massage mat, outdoor and indoor treatment stations, as well as a fully-equipped bathroom.

Nothing beats a quiet relaxing massage away from all the hustle and bustle of the outside world! The most basic option is the 60-minute Balinese Massage, but the therapist will take the time to sit down and ask about your preferred pressure level, and areas to avoid or focus on. It is a small touch, but one that clearly shows the level of care and attention that the spa showers on its patrons.

22. Indulge your senses with complete relaxation: Serene Spa Bali at Swiss-Belhotel Segara Nusa Dua

Located in The Swiss-Belhotel Segara Nusa Dua, ultimate peace and tranquility awaits you! There are private rooms, for those who want a little romantic seclusion, and there are open air gazebos ready for those of you who are ready to completely surround yourself with nature!

The traditional Balinese massages are carried out by locals so you know you’ll be getting a completely authentic experience! Make sure to take a shower underneath their outdoor mini rock waterfall for the ultimate finishing to the experience.

Discover a whole new side to Bali’s culture!

23. Watch harmony and peace between religions: Puja Mandala

There’s something so magical about seeing Puja Mandala. For those who don’t know, this place is the site of five different religious places of worship – A mosque, a Hindu temple, a Bhuddist temple, a Catholic church, and a Protestant church.

Living in a world with so much hate and tension between people of different races, religions, and colours, visiting Puja Mandala is a much needed reminder that the world can get along together in peace! Marvel at the gorgeous architecture and relish in its magnificence!

24. Cirque du Soleil meets culture of Indonesia: Devdan Show

What makes the Devdan dance and culture show so different from the many traditional dance performances in Bali?

It perfectly reflects the “Zeitgeist” of Indonesia, marrying the rich culture of the country with modernity and contemporary elements. The 90-minute world-class show takes you on a journey throughout Bali..

Sumatra, Java..

Borneo and Papua.

One minute you admire an intricate traditional dance, performed by an array of dancers on a state-of-the-art stage, bustling with excitement and countless stage effects ranging from torrential rain to flame bursts.

In the next, you are taken by surprise with modern solo and duo acrobatic aerial acts, so beautifully choreographed and performed.

Devdan Show is perfect for all ages; and the stories are easily understood with discreet signage of the various acts in numerous languages throughout the show.

Those eager to learn about different Indonesian regions will be leaving the visually and artistically delightful show with memories well beyond the exit door.

PS: Stage and artistic directors of the famed Cirque du Soleil were involved in the acrobatic training and stage creation when Devdan Show was launched in 2011. Devdan Show was awarded Indonesia Travel and Tourism Awards (ITTA) Foundation’s prestigious “Indonesia’s leading tourism show 2014/2015” shortly after!

Special Mentions

Special Mention 1: A spectacular show that will have you on the edge of your seat: Nusa Dua Fiesta

Since 1996, Nusa Dua Fiesta has been entertaining the masses with musical performances, cultural parades, fashion shows, and more! Happening once a year, this three day festival will have you aching for more each day! It’s truly the best way to discover more of Bali’s spectacular culture.

Don’t worry about going hungry while you enjoy the performances, they have some delicious local and western food for you to sample! Bakso in particular is something you have to try in Bali, meatballs in soup accompanied by fried wontons, delicious! Make sure you keep an eye on their facebook page for more info on when the next one is!

Special Mention 2: Let your eyes feast on the colours and lights all around: Nusa Dua Light Festival

From the creators of Nusa Dua Fiesta comes their sister, Nusa Dua Light Festival! Surround yourself with spectacular shapes of colourful lights, and wander along art installations that will make your jaw open wide! Remember to take some spectacular photos of yourself surrounded by the most wonderful glittering structures.

Happening roughly twice a year, there’s no excuse to miss this if you’re in Bali when it’s happening. Make sure to check their facebook page regularly to start planning your next trip to the Island of the Gods for when this magical event is happening!

Now that you know what the “Crazy Rich Tourists” do in Bali, tag your celebrity partner and let them know where you’re headed to next!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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