(updated February 2026)
If you want to escape to a tropical paradise, visit the beach in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. Here white sand beaches meet balmy turquoise waters. This stunning coastal gem on the southeastern coast of Bali offers some of the most breathtaking beaches you’ll ever lay eyes on.
The enclave of Nusa Dua is known for its luxurious resorts and gorgeous beaches. Popular with families, Nusa Dua has a serene environment with gentle seas. Whether you’re seeking relaxation under palm trees or craving thrilling water sports adventures, beaches in Nusa Dua are a beach-lovers’ Mecca.
I have traveled around the globe to some of the best beach destinations including the Maldives, Seychelles, French Polynesia and Thailand. Bali’s beaches are among that prestigious list of destinations for an island getaway. During our recent trip to Bali, Indonesia we visited numerous beaches in Nusa Dua. I will share our experience in this ultimate guide to Nusa Dua beaches.
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
Nusa Dua Location
Nusa Dua is located on the south eastern tip of Bali, approximately 25 miles from Denpasar. With the Bali Mandara Toll Road, Nusa Dua is about a 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Its proximity to the airport makes Nusa Dua convenient to visit.
There are tons of things to do in Nusa Dua to keep you occupied during your vacation. From temples, excursions to the jungles of Ubud, or trips to the Nusa Islands, Nusa Dua is a central hub for sightseeing in Bali.
Check Out My Blog for Tips for Long-Haul Flights Before You Fly to Bali!
Nusa Dua Map
If you are looking for the perfect beach vacation then Bali is one of the top places to visit in the world. While there are gorgeous beaches covering all of Bali, this article focuses on the areas close to Nusa Dua.
Read This Blog About the Pros and Cons of Nusa Dua Bali!
About Nusa Dua & Nusa Dua Beaches
Nusa Dua is an 850 acre gated enclave of luxurious resorts, developed in the 1970’s. It has a tranquil setting, manicured gardens, golf, spas, and five star hotels. Its name derives from “Nusa” (Island) and “Dua” (two) because it consists of two distinct islands. With almost 400 miles of coastline, so it’s no wonder tourists from around the globe choose Bali as their beach vacation destination.
Why Should You Visit Nusa Dua Beaches?
Nusa Dua Has Calm Seas
In addition to the beauty of Nusa Dua beaches, one of the main reasons tourists flock to the area is for calm seas. Families love to stay near Nusa Dua because beaches in eastern Bali are ideal for swimming and water sports. Whereas, areas in western Bali, such as Jimbaran or Seminyak are better for surfing.
Check Out the Nusa Dua Surf Report Here . . .
Nusa Dua Is Cleaner Than Other Parts of Bali
One main reason to stay in Nusa Dua is because beaches typically have less trash. During monsoon season, western Bali has issues with trash washing over from Java. In addition, large resorts maintain Nusa Dua beaches, keeping them exceptionally clean for guests.
Seeking Stamps Tip: “Pantai” means “beach” in Indonesian.
Comparison of Nusa Dua Beaches Chart:
Use this helpful comparison chart to select the best Nusa Dua beach for you.
Keep reading to learn about the top beaches in Nusa Dua. These are listed from south to north along the shore, not by rank from best to worst.
1. Melasti Beach Ungasan (Pantai Melasti)
Once a hidden beach in Nusa Dua, Melasti Beach Ungasan is a gem surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Since the government made an accessible road, the secret is out about this breathtaking white sand beach with ombre blue water. Visit Melasti Beach jetty to reach the southernmost point in Bali! Melasti Beach is also used in “Melasti” purification ceremonies, hence its name.
Beach goers will find plenty of facilities at Melasti Beach. These include sun loungers, restrooms, local warungs for dining, and convenient parking. Hang out at Palmilla Bali Beach Club for gorgeous views and an amazing pool! Kids will enjoy renting canoes or gazing at the abandoned ships nearby.
Since Melasti Beach is close to Uluwatu, spend time at the beach followed by a traditional kecak show at Uluwatu Temple in the evening.
Cost of Melasti Beach:
- Entrance fees for Melasti Beach; 12,000 IDR
- Parking fees for Melasti Beach 2,000-5,000 IDR
- Rental fees 50,000 IDR for sun loungers
Seeking Stamps Tip: When you visit Melasti Beach Ungasan, make sure your taxi doesn’t take you to the Melasti Beach by Tanah Lot Temple.
2. Green Bowl Beach
Locals know Green Bowl Beach is one of the best kept secret beaches near Nusa Dua. It’s nothing more than a small strip of sand surrounded by hues of turquoise water and natural wildlife. In high tide, it’s essentially submerged! One of the reason locals love Green Bowl Beach is the lack of tourists and crowds.
To find the beach, take Jalan Bali Cliff. Then, walk down a few hundred stairs to paradise. The walk down takes about 15 minutes, and sturdy shoes make it easier. Keep an eye on your belongings because monkeys love to steal from unexpecting tourists.
Depending on the tides when you visit, Green Bowl is great for either surfing or swimming. I recommend visiting at mid-tide. Sunbathe, relax in the shade, or explore the cool sea cave.
Cost of Green Bowl Beach:
- Green Bowl Beach entrance fee: 5.000 IDR
- Parking fees are 2,000-5,000 IDR
Seeking Stamps Tip: There are minimal facilities here, but you can buy snacks and drinks from warungs near the parking lot. Vendors also sell refreshing coconuts to sip on!
Want To Find Another Stunning Beach? Read This Blog About Visiting the Big Island, Hawaii!
3. Pandawa Beach (Kutah Beach)
Pandawa is outside Kutuh Village in the Bukit Peninsula of southern Bali. Engulfed by cliffs, Pandawa Beach was once hidden from view. Today, Pandawa is no longer a secret beach. In fact, it is one of Nusa Dua’s most popular large beaches for tourists and locals alike.
Originally named, “Kutuh Beach”, Indonesians renamed Pandawa Beach in reference to 5 brothers, or Pandavas. Pandavas are central figures to the Mahabharata epic in the Hindu religion. Along the road, pass by the interesting carvings of these 5 brothers on your way.
This boisterous beach in Nusa Dua, is easily accessible, with adequate parking and plenty of amenities. If you are looking for a lively place to hang out this is the beach for you. There are shops, restaurants, and an interesting tsunami warning tower. The Roosterfish Beach Club is a great place to grab cocktails. Paragliding, paddle boarding, swimming and surfing are some favorite activities at Pandawa Beach.
Cost of Pandawa Beach:
- Entrance fee 15,000 IDR and children 5,000 IDR
- Parking is 3,000 IDR for scooters or 5,000 IDR for cars
- You can rent loungers for 30,000-50,000 IDR
- bathroom fees 5,000 IDR
Seeking Stamps Tip: One downside of the beach at Pandawa, is it can get extremely crowded. I recommend visiting first thing in the morning before tour buses arrive and bombard the area. Also, there are rip currents in deeper water near the east side of the beach, so use caution.
4. Gunung Payung Beach
If you are looking for more solitude, journey off the beaten path to Gunung Beach near Pecatu Village. This hidden beach was named after the Balinese temple, Pura Dhang Kahyangan Gunung Payung. You can see this lovely temple perched on the cliffs within the Gunung Payung Cultural Park. There is also an open air amphitheater with expansive ocean views of the beach below.
Gunung Payung Beach is serene with white sand, gentle waves and gorgeous cerulean blue water. Escape the blistering sun in one of the shaded sea caves. If you want a remote beach escape for relaxing, sunbathing, or kayaking this is the beach for you.
While parking is farther away than other Nusa Dua beaches, Gunung Payung Beach doesn’t have crowds to contend with. Visitors used to have to trek down the steps to the beach, but a shuttle is now available.
Cost of Gunung Beach:
- Entrance fee for Gunung Beach is 8,000 IDR
- Parking fees are 2,000-5,000 IDR
- Shuttle 10,000 IDR for shuttle
Seeking Stamps Tip: Facilities are limited, so bring your own drinks and snacks.
5. Sawangan Beach (Pantai Sawangan)
Next visit Sawangan Beach, or Nikko Beach, to locals. This beach has natural caves and beautiful rocks with golden sand.
Pantai Sawangan is clean and well maintained by luxury resorts such as the Hilton Bali Resort. Facilities are available at hotels and scattered rustic warungs.
Although this beach has a more relaxed vibe, the waves are bigger than other Nusa Dua beaches. During your visit there are water sports such as jet skis, kayaks, snorkeling and paddle boards. Pay attention to the tides before you visit, because the water is very low when the tide is out.
Believe it or not, you can also ride camels at Sawangan Beach. When I heard someone mention camel rides here, I honestly thought they were joking! Nonetheless, you can book your camel ride on Sawangan beach here.
Cost of Sawangan Beach:
- Entrance fee for Sawangan Beach: FREE
6. Pura Geger Beach (Pantai Pura Geger)
Pura Geger Beach is one of Nusa Dua’s smallest beaches. Just south of Geger Beach, this hidden gem is tucked away behind the rocks near the Pura Geger Temple. The stairs to this beach were covered in lush foliage when we visited, and we wouldn’t have found the beach access with help from a local.
At Pura Geger, turquoise waves lap the jagged rocks along the shore. Pay attention to tides when you plan your day. For the best lounging, visit when the tide is low. If you want to swim, come at mid-tide to avoid hitting the reef.
Pura Geger is remote and does not offer any facilities. Make sure to bring your own snacks and water.
Cost of Pura Geger Beach:
- Entrance fee for Pura Geger Beach: 5,000 IDR plus parking fees
Seeking Stamps Tip: There is a small access path if you want to walk to up to Pura Geger Temple. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees if you plan to see the temple.
7. Geger Beach Nusa Dua
Geger Beach is a large public beach in Nusa Dua. Once known for its seaweed farms, Geger Beach is an extension of Nusa Dua Beach. In case you are confused by the similar names, Geger Beach is bigger compared to Pura Geger. To visit Geger Beach, enter near the public access point by the Mulia Resort.
Geger Beach has lots of amenities at local warungs and large hotels. You can walk along the boardwalk, rent paddle boards or kayak. Geger is a fabulous place for swimming in the gentle waves and shallow water.
Cost of Geger Beach:
- Entrance fee for Geger Beach: 5,000 IDR
- Sunlounger rentals 50,000 IDR
Shop My Favorite Travel Dresses for the Beach Here!
8. Nusa Dua Beach (Pantai Mengiat)
Nusa Dua Beach, also called Mengiat Beach. is the most popular beach in Nusa Dua. Close to Bali’s south peninsula it is known for its crystal clear ocean water and warm, white sand.
Pantai Nusa Dua spans about 2500 feet along several luxurious 5-star resorts. Stroll along the boardwalk and admire the manicured gardens and upscale surroundings. Many resorts have areas where guests can order food and drinks. Shopping at the Bali Collection is also within walking distance or a quick shuttle.
There are no shortage of fun activities to fill your day at Nusa Dua Beach. The surf break is offshore, which keeps the area clear for swimmers and snorkeling. Explore glass bottom boat tours, stand up paddle boards, snorkeling and more.
Nusa Dua Beach is very clean and well maintained by nearby luxury hotels. We saw maintenance workers clearing sea grass and debris every morning. It’s understandable why Mengiat Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Nusa Dua.
Cost of Nusa Dua Mengiat Beach:
- Nusa Dua Beach entrance fee: Free
- Parking fees are 3,000 IDR
- 50,000 IDR to rent beach chairs
Seeking Stamps Tip: You can easily rent snorkel gear from vendors along the beach, but we found it wasn’t in the best condition. If you plan to do a lot of snorkeling, consider bringing your own gear from home. We did experience a day with lots of small jellyfish, so check out the water before you dive in.
9. Samuh Beach (Pantai Samuh)
Samuh Beach is one of the top beach destinations in Nusa Dua. One of the best features of Samuh Beach is its fine sand and calm, shallow waters. With its eastern position, Samuh beach is the perfect place to watch the colors of the sunrise over the horizon.
Luxury hotels provide facilities such as bathrooms and lounge chairs to their guests. Pantai Sumah is close to the Westin Nusa Dua Bali Kuta Resort and is easily accessible. The beach is groomed, flat, and shaded by swaying palm trees. There are plenty of places to grab lunch at hotels and warungs. You can also find vendors selling souvenirs, henna tattoos, massages and hair braiding.
This is a great swimming beach in Nusa Dua. Along with calm seas, the shore is sandy and gentle on your feet. At low tide, the sea recedes giving access to interesting tide pools. Kids will enjoy searching for sea life hiding among the rocks.
Adults will enjoy jet skis, water sports or surfing. Scuba divers and snorkelers should check out Badung Underwater Cultural Park (BUCP). Located off of Samuh beach, this attraction opened in 2012. It contains 26 underwater sculptures that form an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Cost of Samuh Beach:
- Entrance fee for Samuh Beach: 5,000 IDR
10. Tanjung Benoa Beach (Pantai Tanjung Benoa)
North of Nusa Dua is Tanjung Benoa Beach. Benoa beach was once a small fishing village, but it is now one of Bali’s busiest beaches. To be honest, there are more desirable beaches for sunbathing and scenery. However, it is well known for hosting a multitude of water sports for thrill-seekers.
It is important to note that Benoa beach has large fluctuations in tides. Visit in the morning or late afternoons for the best water sports experience. A fun thing to do at Benoa Beach is try an underwater sea walk excursion.
Cost of Tanjung Benoa Beach:
- Entrance fee for Benoa Beach: Free
Seeking Stamps Tip: We made the mistake of trying to snorkel at Benoa when it was crowded, and it felt like complete chaos. We felt very unsafe trying to swim with our kids when jet skis and boats were zipping through the area. I recommend checking out the crowds in the area before you book any water sports.
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Nusa Dua
The best time to visit beaches in Nusa Dua is during Bali’s dry season. Dry season is typically April-October. The temperature in Bali averages 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Yet, precipitation and humidity fluctuate by season.
Bali’s wet or rainy season is November through March. January is typically the wettest month. We visited Bali in December and had beautiful weather, so you can really visit anytime.
Once you arrive in Bali, pay attention to the tides. The tides can greatly impact the look and safety of Bali beaches. Download a helpful tide tracker app here.
Read My Blog About Day Trips to the Nusa Islands of Indonesia . . .
Bali’s Beach Trash Problem
During monsoon season, eastern Bali has a significant issue with trash washing up on its beaches. Unfortunately, monsoons sweep trash across the Bali Straight from Java to Bali. Areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Jimbaran Bay are affected. If you plan to visit Bali from early December to late March, stay in Nusa Dua for cleaner beaches.
Are You Planning to Visit Ubud? Check Out This Blog Post for Travel Tips!
What to Bring to the Beaches in Nusa Dua
When you visit the beaches in Nusa Dua, bring some travel essentials with you. Shop some of my favorite beach products on Amazon with the links below:
- packable fedora sun hat
- my favorite Gucci sunglasses
- reef safe sunscreen
- quick-dry towel
- waterproof dry bag to keep phones & cash safe
- go-pro camera for fun underwater photos
- snorkel gear
- hydro flask water bottle
- quick dry sandals to protect your feet from rocks or water shoes for sharp reefs
- a cute one-piece bathing suit
- Bring toilet paper or wet wipes (and prepare for some squat-type toilets).
Getting to Nusa Dua Beaches
You can take a scooter, taxi or rideshare to reach the beaches in Nusa Dua. Gojek and Grab are popular ride sharing options in Bali. However, it is important to note that ride shares cannot enter some beaches due to disputes with taxi “mafias”. Prepare to walk back to the entrance at beaches such as Pandawa and Geger Beach. Ride share drivers will let you know where they can pick you up for your return trip.
Beach Tours and Things to Do in Nusa Dua
If you want to take the guesswork out of visiting the best beaches in Nusa Dua, there are several fun tours you can do:
- Book a tour in Viator to see several Nusa Dua Beaches
- Try a banana boat or jet ski tour
- Soar with a Flyboard tour
- Take a day trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
- From Pantai Mengiat, walk for 15 minutes to reach the Bali Water Blow. Here waves crash in a breathtaking spectacle. Go when the tide is high for the most impressive waves.
Check Out This Guide To the Nusa Dua Water Blow Before You Visit!
Where to Stay in Nusa Dua
In addition to stunning beaches, there are fabulous Bali beach resorts to choose from. Some of the best places to stay in Nusa Dua are:
- The Laguna Resort
- St. Regis Bali Resort
- The Mulia Resort Bali
- Sofitel Bali Resort
- Amarterra Villas Resort Bali
When we traveled to Nusa Dua, we stayed at The Laguna Resort on Nusa Dua Beach. We loved the central location. There are seven relaxing pools, luxurious cabanas and impeccable service. The delicious food and opulent amenities are everything you expect from a 5-star Nusa Dua beach resort. The two bedroom villa was one of the best hotel rooms we have ever stayed in!
Nusa Dua Beaches: FAQ’s
1. Do You Have to Pay to Visit Beaches in Nusa Dua, Bali?
Popular beaches in Nusa Dua often require parking and entrance fees. Entrance fees range from 5,000-15,000 IDR (about $0.32-$1 USD). Parking fees are based on scooter and auto prices and range from 2,000-5,000 IDR. Other small beaches, such as Sawangan Beach are free, but offer fewer facilities.
2. Are Nusa Dua Beaches Private or Open to the Public?
Nusa Dua Beaches are open to the public, but many of the large resorts have private areas for hotel guests. If you plan to use parasols and sun loungers on Bali beaches, you have to pay rental fees.
3. Can You Swim at Nusa Dua Beaches?
You can swim at beaches in Nusa Dua. Calm seas are one of the main reasons visitors come to beaches in Nusa Dua. It is important to pay attention to tides and use caution near strong currents. Most Nusa Dua beaches do not have lifeguards.
4. What Is the Most Beautiful Beach in Nusa Dua?
Choosing the most beautiful beach in Nusa Dua is subjective. Samuh Beach, Melasti Beach Ungasan, Green Bowl Beach and Nusa Dua Beach are my personal favorites.
5. Are Nusa Dua Beaches Good for Snorkeling?
You can snorkel at Nusa Dua beaches. Marine life is dependent on season, tourism and weather. At more crowded and popular beaches, sea life is not as abundant. The best places in Bali for snorkeling are the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
6. Is Nusa Dua a Clean Beach?
Nusa Dua Beach, or Pantai Mengiat, is one of the cleanest beaches in Bali. During monsoon season, western Bali has issues with trash from Java. Whereas eastern beaches have less trash accumulation. In addition, the large resorts maintain Nusa Dua beaches, keeping them exceptionally clean for guests.
Best Beach in Nusa Dua: Final Thoughts
As you can see, beaches in Nusa Dua are an idyllic paradise. With pristine white sand shores, crystal-clear seas, and sprawling luxury resorts, it offers an unparalleled tropical escape. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Nusa Dua has something for everyone. From indulging in water sports, exploring the vibrant marine life, or simply lounging on the beach with a cocktail in hand, this dreamy destination will leave a lasting impression.
