Roger Gary
As Bali's most enchanting corner Nusa Dua is home to some of the most intriguing attractions on the holiday isle. From stunning beaches to cultural hubs top highlights in Nusa Dua are as follows.
Also known as Pantai Mengiat in the local tongue no trip to this piece of paradise in Bali would be complete without a stopover at Nusa Dua Beach. Renowned for its pristine beauty the coastline along Nusa Dua Beach also contains a reef break just off shore. Ideal for swimming activity the tranquil waters of the beach are also perfect for snorkelling expeditions. Beyond the coast surfers can enjoy excellent surfing conditions while visitors can also indulge in a glass bottom boat ride to explore the area's coral reefs as well as engage in angling activities.
As an illustrious institution celebrating all aspects of Balinese culture Museum Pasifika is another must-visit highlight for visitors touring Nusa Dua. Showcasing a plethora of historic relics the venue also displays over 200 works of art hailing from a whopping 25 nations. Paintings by local legend Nyoman Gunarsa are also on show here alongside the works of Raden Saleh from Java. Divided in to 11 galleries the venue highlights different Balinese art forms as well international art works from various countries. Galleries one through five are devoted to Indo-European, French, Italian, Indonesian and Dutch works while galleries devoted to temporary exhibits are also found here.
Often described as Nusa Dua's Kecak Fire Dance the Devdan Show is the seminal cultural performance art piece in the island paradise. Titled Devdan, Treasure of the Archipelago, the 90 minute long performance takes place at the iconic Nusa Dua Theatre and explores the rich heritage of each island of the archipelago using dance and acrobatic elements. The intriguing storyline is told with the aid of pyrotechnics, breathtaking audio visual effects and props while dancers showcase traditional cultures of Sumatra, Papua, Bali, Java and Borneo in a spellbinding performance that is awe-inspiring from start to finish.
Tipped to be Nusa Dua's most popular religious site the iconic Geger Temple is a historic edifice that is intrinsically linked with the culture of the island. Perched at a vaulted height the temple affords some of the most panoramic views of the beach hub and its inherent natural beauty. Frequented by shutterbugs and the spiritually inclined the temple's unique location offers views of Mount Agung as well as the beach capital's picturesque bay.
Another highlight for history buffs and culture fanatics Nusa Dua's Puja Mandala is a one of a kind spiritual and historic complex that encapsulates Indonesia's five major religious orders in one space. With its name translating to the "hill of worship" this multi-religious epicentre is located within close proximity of the Bali Tourism Development Complex in Nusa Dua. Spread out across 2 ha the hilltop location contains a mosque, a Buddhist temple, a Hindu shrine as well as protestant and catholic churches. As a fully functioning centre of worship the venue is frequently used to host wedding ceremonies and religious festivals throughout the year.
Popularly known as GWK, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is another must-experience point of interest in Nusa Dua. Located in the Ungsan hills the venue's chief highlight is its larger than life statue of Lord Vishnu and the deity's mythical bird, the Garuda. Visitors based at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali can book a tour of the local through the hotel while other Bali top attractions will also be within easy reach thanks to the resort's convenient location.
