Us We Travel

Nusa Dua means two islands (nusa ‘island’, dua‘two’), because there are two islands in the bay of Bali. Known as an enclave of large five-star resorts, it covers 350 hectares of land and encloses more than 20 resorts. But don’t let the term resort area turn you off from visiting here. Taking a trip to Nusa Dua is worth it for everything. You’ll be treated to some of Bali’s best beaches, clear waters, great snorkelling, the top golf on the island and more. There are an abundance of things to do in Nusa Dua.

Discover the beautiful beaches

The Nusa Dua area has many wonderful beaches. However, many hotels on the beach in Nusa Dua have a private beach for guests, but there are also some beautiful public beaches that are safe for families with children. The beaches here are glorious – white sand, deep, long and safe for swimming.

Some of the beaches are Nusa Dua Beach, Geger Beach, Pandawa Beach, Samuh Beach, Sawangan Beach and Mengiat Beach.

Have fun at water sports adventure

You love having fun in the water? You are looking for new thrilling adventures? Well, try the water sports activities to make your life even more exciting. There are so many water activities where you can choose from in Bali. Whether rafting near Ubud, or diving in Sanur. However, if you are staying in Nusa Dua you will find many water sports in Tanjung Benoa, which is just a short drive away.

Enjoy SNORKELLING or diving

You can hire a private boat at Nusa Dua Beach to Nusa Dua Point. They will bring you to the right snorkeling point located at long reef of Nusa Dua to Tanjung Benoa reef. Snorkeling to Nusa Dua Point will offer the great experience to overview the underwater life with fantastic colorful fishes and nice corals.

Dine at Pirates Bay

The Pirates Bay Bali is located on Nusa Dua Beach, offers a unique dining experience for couples and families. Great hide-away spot to come and relax. It can be hot during the day a little, because there is no air conditioning. However, a quick dip in the sea, a sea breeze and shades from the trees are more than enough to cool you down.

Eat authentic Balinese food

If you want to immerse yourself in local cuisine and culture you must visit – Warung Dobiel. Here, you will find authentic food action amid the bland streets of Nusa, this is a good stop for babi guling (spit-roast pig). Pork soup is the perfect taste bud awakener, while the jackfruit is redolent with spices. Diners perch on stools and share tables; service can be slow and tourists may mob the place.

ENJOY THE RIDE ON A JUNGLE Swing

Have you ever swung over the abyss? Bali Swing have 12 single swings (from 10m to 78m) 9 picture-perfect nests, helicopter and heart rock in the jungle and huge stone over the edge above the valley with an amazing view on the canyon and waterfall. Swinging time is not limited and amount of use neither. But definitely you have to queue up and come early! The package of activities includes drinks (coffee, tea, water) and lunch buffet. They are open at 08.00 till 17.00 (last entrance) every day. If you need a transfer service or book your visit, they can arrange it for you. Go to the website or contact by WhatsApp.

Explore Puja Mandala

This 2-hectare compound is known as Puja Mandala which serves as a perfect example of how 5 of Indonesia’s major religions can live harmoniously side-by-side, despite their differences in beliefs and ways of worshipping. In a single compound, this unique Nusa Dua landmark has a Hindu temple, a grand mosque, a Buddhist temple and both Catholic and Protestant churches.

Relax and rejuvenate with a spa and massage treatment

A relaxing holiday in Bali wouldn’t be complete without a blissful pampering session in one the best spas in Nusa Dua. You don’t need to pay through the nose to get pampered, with an abundance of treatments to choose from – it’s hard not to spend your entire holiday spa hopping around Nusa Dua in ITDC particularly.

I highly recommend Ocean Spa located just beside Bali Collection. I tried their Signature treatment – Avocado & Aloe Vera body scrub and Balinese Massage. This treatment is perfectly good for sunburn suffer. The fresh avocado and aloe vera will give cooling effect and soothe your skin after a day in the sun. The Balinese massage at this place was superb! Such great care from the therapists.

See the Monkeys at the Sacred Forest Sanctuary

There are over 1000 monkeys in the forest. Great experience to watch the monkeys being carefree. Just don’t touch them and don’t get too close as they will grab anything loose around you like sunglasses, especially if you have food. So make sure not to bring any food with you – even some that you may have forgotten in your pocket or bag. I’m saying this base on my personal experience. Seriously, within 30 seconds of me walking through the gate, a monkey jumped on me and snatched a plastic bag of sweet corn. I was terrified though.

CLIMB AT THE Tegenungan Waterfall

It is located at the Tegenungan Kemenuh village, in Gianyar, North from the capital Denpasar and close to the artist village of Ubud. The waterfall used to be isolated but has become a popular tourist attraction. Prepare your feet for steps on steep pathway down. If you’re keen to take a dip, watch your footing on the uneven bottom, as it has a few rocks that can cause one to stumble. The waters are relatively clean, though I certainly wouldn’t be drinking the stuff! The waterfall itself isn’t magnificent indeed to look at all. It’s not as crystal clear as I expected based on the photographs available in the website. It’s just nice experience but not that great. Overly crowded you would hardly enjoy or get a decent picture without anyone in background.

See the stunning ‘batik’ artwork

You will get fascinated to see how everyone was showing the meticulous working that completes a Batik garment. The weaving of complex designed sarongs was amazing! The women draw the outlines with wax and others weave colored threads on a loom to make beautiful fabrics. Inside the spacious retail showroom, you will be spoiled with the best selection of colorful handmade clothing that is only available Bali.

Craft your own Bali silver jewellery

The island’s gold and silver communities are mostly located in the villages of the Gianyar regency, particularly Celuk, Mas and Ubud. Some have showrooms alongside workshops that welcome you to watch the creation process, and some go further by handing you the silver beads, tweezers and wireworks to learn from the local artists in creating your own piece to take home.

Watch Bali’s famous Mythological dance performance

There are several venues showing the Barong and Kris dance in the village of Batubulan. It took as about an hour to travel and it was a one hour show which signifies a mythological internal fight between good and bad spirit. The Barong and Kris dance shoes are managed locally. They’re performed by local villagers and are always accompanied by a live gamelan orchestra. A piece of paper is handed out to every viewer at the ticket booth prior to the start of the show. Otherwise, it can be difficult to follow the story as the scenes unfold due to the lack of narration.

Play golf

I don’t play golf but if you do or you’re interested you can try it if you’re staying in Nusa Dua, being a home to one of the best golf courses in Bali, the Nusa Dua Golf and Country Club. It’s closely located to a number of resorts making it easy to get to.

Stay at Courtyard Marriott Nusa Dua

Loved the tropical feel of the hotel as we arrived. We were greeted by a friendly team and staff playing traditional Balinese instruments… there’s something so relaxing about Balinese music.

We had an awesome experience in the resort! Extremely well maintained. Ample food varieties for buffet. Spacious, cozy and neat room with pleasant and caring service staff.

The hotel is not actually on the beach, however Courtyard by Marriott Nusa Dua does have a private beach club for guests. It is accessible and will take you about less than 5 minutes to get there. Head to the driveway and the shuttle bus takes you right to the beach club. There are beach lounge chairs, umbrellas and towels as well as food and drinks at the bar. We spent hours here having a swim, read and a little snooze!

Chill out by the pool

There are two huge pools nicely shaded by the trees. Pool bars are lovely. Happy hour is from 3-5pm at the gardens and 6-9pm at the courtyard. Such a perfect place to chill out at the same time you could swim while listening to live acoustic band.

Note: Wine and spirits are expensive here, but they are everywhere in Bali so if you enjoy a drink with your dinner get used to drinking local beer, or bring your own duty free.

How to get there?

It is 15 kilometers about half an hour by car between Denpasar Airport and Nusa Dua Marriott Courtyard.

You can book an individual tour at the hotel lobby with a private driver and create your own itinerary if you only want to visit best instagram spots. Another option is, you can directly deal with the driver to get a good price. A professional driver will also advise what else is interesting you can see nearby.

I can give you the contact number of the English-speaking professional driver based in Bali. Also, I can share with you my itinerary. Just write your comment below!

Here is your guide to explore Bali!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which Life TWOgether earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. Life TWOgether is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.