Best Beaches Around Nusa Dua

When it comes to sun, sand, sea and luxury, Nusa Dua easily ranks among Bali’s finest. This golden coastline offers everything from glamorous resort-backed shores to quiet hidden coves that feel like they were made for daydreams. Here’s a guide to the best beaches around Nusa Dua, ready to help you decide where to spread your towel first.

Here’s a guide to the best beaches around Nusa Dua, ready to help you decide where to spread your towel first.

Geger Beach

Geger Beach feels like the slightly quieter sibling of Nusa Dua Beach. You’ll start by parking for a small fee, then descend a set of stairs down to paradise. Luxury resorts line the shore, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, and day passes at The Mulia are a serious upgrade for those who want resort-style lounging without staying overnight. Between dips in the ocean, you can graze on local bites at beachfront restaurants or sip something cold while soaking up the view. Swimmers and snorkelers love it here, and if you’re up for watersports, some resorts have equipment ready, though usually at touristy prices.

Gunung Payung Beach

If you crave peace and solitude, Gunung Payung Beach is your gem. It takes a 500-step descent to reach the sand, which explains why it rarely gets crowded. Bring what you need from the small warungs near the parking lot, because once you’re down there it’s just you, the ocean, and a whole lot of tranquility. Come at low tide for the gentlest waters or later in the day to hear the Indian Ocean crash onto the shore. There’s even a little cave if you need shade. On your way, don’t miss the quirky Boeing 737-200 abandoned plane nearby since it is an unexpected Instagram magnet.

Mengiat Beach

Mengiat Beach in Nusa Dua is like Bali’s best-kept chill-out secret — soft white sand under your toes, calm turquoise waves that won’t knock you over, and not a single trace of the chaos you’d find in Kuta or Seminyak. Families love it because the water is as gentle as a giant bathtub, snorkelers and divers love it because the reef is buzzing with colorful marine life, and couples love it because sunrise here feels like Bali’s way of showing off. Add in the fact that the nearby resorts keep the place squeaky clean, and you’ve got yourself a dreamy little slice of paradise where relaxing feels almost too easy.

Nusa Dua Beach

The heart of the area, Nusa Dua Beach is flanked by some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts, which means you get spotless sands and crystal-clear waters. The coral reef just offshore keeps waves calm, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or learning a new watersport without fear of being tossed around. Despite the high-end vibe, the beach is public, so you can enjoy it without booking a resort stay. White sand that feels like powdered sugar underfoot makes long walks dreamy, and if you fancy a pool dip after the ocean, many hotels let you use their facilities for a fee.

Pandawa Beach

Pandawa Beach is a showstopper. Tucked behind limestone cliffs, it requires a toll road and small entry fee, but what awaits is worth every rupiah. The calm water is ideal for swimming, and the wide stretch of white sand begs for a barefoot stroll. Lounge chairs are easy to rent, and beach warungs serve up food and cold drinks on demand. This beach also has extras you will not find elsewhere: traditional massages right on the sand, canoe rentals for exploring the gentle waves, and the striking Panca Pandawa statues carved into the cliffs. Until the toll road was built, this was a hidden treasure. Now it is a must-see.

Samuh Beach

Tucked right next to Nusa Dua Beach, Samuh Beach has some of the calmest waters you will ever swim in. It is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who just wants to float without a care. Sunseekers can lounge in hammocks and swings set up for that perfect holiday photo, while plenty of nearby shops and warungs keep the snacks and drinks flowing. For pure relaxation with zero waves, Samuh Beach is unbeatable.

Sawangan Beach

Sawangan Beach sits behind the Hilton Resort, a little more hidden than most. Reaching it requires tackling a steep path down the cliff, but those who make the journey are rewarded with a peaceful, crowd-free stretch of sand. Swimming is great here, and you can also opt to pay for Hilton’s pool facilities if you want a change of scene. What sets this beach apart is the chance to ride camels along the shoreline. Some people think it is a quirky must-try, others scratch their heads in confusion. Whichever camp you fall into, it is certainly a memorable way to experience Bali.

Tanjung Benoa

Once a fishing village, Tanjung Benoa has transformed into Bali’s ultimate watersports hub. Expect jet skis revving, parasails floating overhead, and banana boats zipping across the horizon. You can even try sea walking, where you wear a helmet and stroll on the seafloor like a sci-fi adventurer. Certified dive schools also operate here for those keen to earn their PADI badge. If you would rather just chill, there are plenty of luxury resorts backing the beach, although much of the sand is busy with equipment setups.