Built in the 1970s, Nusa Dua is a 350-hectare resort destination situated in the southern part of Bali, Indonesia, within the South Kuta District of Badung Regency. Located 22 kilometers from the provincial capital of Denpasar, this gated enclave encompasses more than 20 resorts. The area gets its name, meaning 'two islands,' from two natural landforms situated in the bay of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) grounds: Peninsula Island to the south and Nusa Dharma Island to the north.
The shoreline features tranquil stretches of water and coastal rock formations along the Indian Ocean. At nearby Geger Beach in Sawangan, calm sea conditions provide an inviting environment for swimming as well as local seaweed farming. Further north along the peninsula lies Tanjung Benoa, home to a local port that services cruise passengers and yachts. The coastal waters off southern Nusa Dua also host major marine conservation efforts, including the Indonesian Coral Reef Garden project designed to build sub-structures for coral regeneration.
Nusa Dua offers an organized atmosphere secure behind dedicated entry checkpoints. The gated ITDC core surrounds luxurious grounds, high-end international chain resorts, cultural landmarks like the Pura Nusa Dharma temple, and dramatically eroded volcanic coastlines. It particularly suits travelers seeking an upscale enclave, families looking for calm swimming spots, and visitors wanting easy access to scenic ocean views, cruise travel, and coastal lookouts.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Road | Located 22 kilometers from Denpasar in South Kuta District, accessible via road through gated security checkpoints. |
| Cruise / Ship | Benoa Port at nearby Tanjung Benoa serves as an embarkation and debarkation point for cruise passengers and yachts. |
| Air | Travelers can reach the area by flying into Bali and connecting onward by road or cruise port. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
Opened in 1983 as Nusa Dua's first hotel property, featuring luxury resort accommodations.
A 636-room property that opened in 1991 as Bali's largest single-branded hotel.
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Visitors are charged an entrance fee to access the core gated ITDC community area.
- Water Blow only occurs at high tide and requires a small entrance fee to access the guardrail-bordered lookout.
- Much of Tanjung Benoa's beach sand was washed away due to historical reef mining for construction materials.
- Hotels located in neighboring Tanjung Benoa are generally cheaper than those inside the Nusa Dua enclave.