Golden sands and tranquil waters make south Bali’s Nusa Dua a magnet for resorts. From globally known 5-stars to local all-inclusives, accommodations here have been packing in tourists since the 1970s. Water sports top the list of things to do in Nusa Dua, with everything from banana boats and Jet Skis to parasailing and Seawalker helmet diving on offer. But there is also an art museum, several temples, and a theater that hosts the pan-Indonesian Devdan Show performance.
The weather is at its balmiest and Nusa Dua is at its busiest in European and US summer and Australian winter (July–August), with low humidity and generally clear blue skies. But shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer a better value. With the exception of the December–January holiday peak, Nusa Dua can feel a touch desolate in the wet season (roughly October–April).
Bali has very little by way of public transit, and there’s effectively none in Nusa Dua. Driving on the island is not for the faint-hearted—even if you comply with the ever-changing legal requirements—and riding a scooter without a license from your home country will invalidate most travel insurance. Most travelers use private drivers, hotel cars, metered taxis—Bluebird is a reputable firm—or local ridesharing apps, particularly GoJek and Grab.
Bali’s top resorts compete for the best Sunday brunch. If you’re in the mood to splurge, head to local favorite Soleil at Mulia Bali, with free-flow oysters, sushi, sashimi, and grill, not to mention desserts and foie gras.
Indonesia is home to more than 17,000 islands. The Devdan Show, a feast of acrobatics, song, and dance spanning the archipelago from Sumatra in the west to Papua in the far east, is a great way to discover Indonesia’s many cultures.
