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After 4 days spent on Gili Air and tons of mixed feelings about the suffering marine nature and unsustainable tourism there, we took the speedboat and travelled back to Bali. All in all, it took us about 2.5 h from Gili Air to Padang Bai Pier and another 1.5 h transfer by car from Padang Bai to our hotel in Nusa Dua.
The volcano situation in Bali was still not under control and out of danger. During our last week on the island, the volcano alert was raised to the highest level. The number of earthquakes was still high and a chance of a tsunami could not be completely ruled out.
We were going to spend our last 3 nights in Nusa Dua, but it wasn’t sure if Bali’s airport would be closed as the volcano alert raised to the highest level. On our way from Padang Bai to Nusa Dua, we also saw many of the buses that the Indonesian government had provided to transport tourists to Java’s airports in case of a volcanic eruption in Bali.
Although my thoughts were occupied with the idea of having too long a way back home (including endless transportation to Java, panic at the airport and a possible fight for “who-will-get-the-next-ticket-to-Europe” …) we were kind of missing the Bali feeling during the stay on Gili Air. But you know, we all should stop worrying about things we cannot control… And as far as the sun is shining, the weather is sweet, and the flights are flying – everything is gonna be alright!
And it was alright!
Facts about Nusa Dua
Welcome to Nusa Dua – the Kingdom of the all-Inclusive type of tourists… But not the type of place where I want to be for longer than 2 days. Nusa Dua is completely cut-off from the rest of Bali. Nusa Dua is cut off from the real Bali! You could stay in a similar 5-star resort with a beach view anywhere in the world and have the same feeling. Because Nusa Dua is not Bali. Here you cannot see Bali. You cannot even feel it. If you are missing out on experiencing Bali you definitely have to escape the concrete Kingdom of the Rich Kids.
Nusa Dua has its pros and cons but I can imagine that it could be the perfect place for a family holiday with kids or a romantic getaway. Many visitors choose Nusa Dua for their wedding, honeymoon or some other special occasion.
The first fact and the reason why we chose to spend the last 3 days in Nusa Dua were the beaches. The second – it was the closest-best destination to the Airport (just in case…).
… Because there is no doubt – the beaches of Nusa Dua are the best beaches I saw in Bali. There are several beautiful beaches here where you can soak up some sun and enjoy your holidays: Samuh Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Geger Beach, Sawangan Beach and Pandawa Beach.
Since the 1970s Nusa Dua became famous for being the romantic nest and luxury getaway on Bali. On the same beaches where the sea turtles used to lay their eggs during the last thousands of years, nowadays you’ll find an enclave of luxurious hotels and chained-brand resorts. On the awesome stretch of white sand, you can also spot a bunch of rich (or wanna-be-rich) Chinese and Russian tourists who came here for the weekend, probably not to discover the culture of Bali. At least I had this expression.
Nusa Dua is all about beach walking, sunbathing, swimming or water sports. Nusa Dua is almost in its own Bali bubble and if you want to spend your holidays in Indonesia like you’re not actually in Indonesia – go for it! But if you’re searching for a cultural trip and kind of adventure – I don’t think that this place won’t meet our expectations…
Location
Nusa Dua is situated in the southern part of Bali, Indonesia. The area was built in the 1970s and since then is famous for its quiet location, wonderful beaches, and 5-star resorts. Nusa Dua is located 25-30 km south of Denpasar and 12 km and 20 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
If you have to drive to Ubud it will take you between 1h and 1h 30 min (40 km). The distance from Kuta is about 12 km (25 min by car), from Amed 100 km (2h 30 min by car), from Sanur 25 km (35 min by car), and from Padangbai 60 km (1.5 h by car).
Enjoy the Day!
