NUSA DUA

2008-07-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

Nusa Dua is the name of the peninsula that extends off the southern tip of the island of Bali, and it’s also the name of the island’s major international resort area on that peninsula. This area was specifically created during the 1980s to house high-end resorts and conference centers, and as a way of showcasing Indonesia in general.

The resort area is similarly as beautiful as much of the rest of the island, but in most ways it’s quite the opposite of everything else. Much of Bali’s infrastructure and all of its charm were already firmly in place when tourist began discovering it in earnest in the early 1970s. So as the tourism boom gained momentum in the traditional cities and towns, and particularly concentrated in the Kuta/Legian area, the scene always reflected local sensibilities and the unique culture of the island. But Nusa Dua was purpose-built from the ground up to be exactly what it is, so in some ways it has more in common with modern-day Las Vegas or Macau than it does with the rest of Bali.

The roads in the area are new and well maintained, and there’s even a guard gate you must pass through in order to reach much of the resort section. Few, if any, locals live independently in the area, although the massive support staffs of most of the large hotels are primarily locals so it’s not like you won’t come in contact with actual Balinese while in Nusa Dua.

Should you stay in Nusa Dua?

The answer to this question will have more to do with your budget and your goals than anything else. Places tend to be far more expensive than elsewhere, but these truly are international 3, 4, and 5-star hotels with no corners cut. On most of the rest of the island even the nicer places tend to be more casual and not as “professional” (for better or worse).

If you are coming for a honeymoon or some other special occasion, then Nusa Dua might be the ideal place. It really does have that tropical paradise dream-like feeling to it, even though there are those that criticize anyone wanting to stay in this exclusive area. But with this in mind, if you do choose to stay in Nusa Dua you’ll be cheating yourself in a huge way if you don’t explore other parts of the island. You might say that Nusa Dua is like the most expensive restaurant in Disneyland. There’s nothing wrong with having a meal there, but to visit Disneyland and skip the rides and everything else is a near criminal waste of a holiday.

If you stay in Nusa Dua you can skip the grungy surf and nightlife city of Kuta, but you should absolutely plan at least a day trip to the inland arts village of Ubud. You can arrange an excursion there from Nusa Dua, and you should try to do it as early in your stay as possible because it may inspire you to see other worthwhile parts of Bali before you leave.

Where to stay in Nusa Dua

As mentioned above, the area is mostly a collection of resort hotels that range from nice to world-class. Don’t expect to find a budget hotel in this area, and if you are on a tight budget this is the worst part of the island to visit anyway. Accommodations in Bali tend to be generally affordable, with the exception of Nusa Dua.

You can get much more information on the Bali resorts page and also on the Bali hotels page.

Getting to Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is about 10 kilometers from the Bali International Airport. You can rent a car at the airport and drive in about 20 minutes, but hiring your own driver and van for island sightseeing may cost even less, believe it or not, and that way you don’t pay for a rental car on the days you plan on staying in Nusa Dua.

A taxi to or from the airport will cost under US$10 each way and will take around 20 minutes as well. You can prepay for a taxi at a special counter at the airport, which actually costs just a bit more than if you pay the driver, but at least you know you won’t be taken the long way and charged even more.

KUTA

2008-07-20T23:02:00.000-07:00

This former Hippies' Paradise is still paradise for those who love sea, sun and sand. Besides the possibility of doing all sorts of sports such as diving, golfing, surfing and bungee-jumping, you can surely spend your money on shopping. Along the sea-side, you'll find plenty of shops and stalls. Life does not stop when the sun sets on Kuta. There are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can dance and drink the night away.

Kuta can be roughly divided into four areas: Seminyak, Kuta, Legian and Tuban. Kuta is the main centre of all the ongoing activities. Although the three other areas are becoming increasingly popular, these are still the places to head off for when all hotels and restaurants are packed in Kuta or when you simply want to have a change of 'scenery'.

==Understand==

With a long, broad beach on the Indian Ocean, Kuta was originally discovered by tourists as a surfing mecca. Long a stop on the classic backpacking route in Asia, back in the 80's they used to talk about the three Ks (which were Katmandu in Nepal, Khao San road in Bangkok and Kuta). Alas, today's Kuta is a showcase of excessive development gone wrong - a chaotic, tightly packed mass of concrete and congestion, the beach is overrun with touts and most serious surfers have headed elsewhere.

The 5km long arcing white sand stretch of Kuta is still arguably the best beach front on Bali. The beach is safe, partially clean, well-maintained, although the vendors remain annoying. Kuta is far from the fishing village it once was: it is now a Pacific resort and its streets are clogged with traffic, particularly during the peak seasons of July and August. The northern beach resorts of Petitinget (within the greater [[Seminyak]] area) and Kerobokan are in many ways more laidback versions of Kuta, less crowded and more suitable for longer stays. Further north still, [[Canggu]] and Dalung offer even more tranquility.

Kuta is now the party area of Bali and most clubs are lined up on Jl. Legian. Also it's the base for every backpacker who starts his/her tour around Bali

==Get in==

===By plane===
The misnamed Denpasar Airport is in fact directly south of Kuta, just 10 minutes away by taxi. The fare from the airport to Kuta should be around Rp50,000. If you don't have too much luggage you can save a lot of money by walking 200 meters to the right out of the airport area and take a taxi from a company that does not pay the commission to the airport mafia (and therefore is not allowed to enter the airport for picking up customers. They are however allowed to deliver you to the terminal at your departure). For example, the metered Taxi from Bali Taksi (Tel. +62-361-701111) or Bluebird charges just around Rp20,000 for the same trip.

===By car===

===By taxi===

The airport taxi counter is immediately to the left as you emerge from customs outside in the International Arrival Terminal and the Domestic Arrival Terminal. And tourists can buy a ticket from the counter for the sedan taxis, prices are clearly marked on the notice board behind. Metered taxis operate outside the airport just beyond the entrance. Make sure they start the meter before you take off, or agree on a fare before you get in (only the Bluebird Taxis always run on meter but check if its on). If you want to take a bemo, just walk out to the intersection past the entrance and flag one down making the turn north (left) down Jl. Kartika Plaza through Tuban and beyond to Kuta.

===By bus===
Bemos (public minibuses) still ply the streets of Kuta but they can be hard to recognise. Shuttles from Denpasar's bus stations should be approximately Rp. 10,000-20,000 per person.

==Get Around==
===By Taxi===
Taxis are ubiquitous on the streets of Kuta and the best way of getting around, especially at night.

Some taxi-drivers charge you more than you should pay, especially when the meter is off. Be sure to bargain before you get in if it is not a metered taxi.

The 'Bali Taksi' from the 'Bluebird group' always uses a meter and will not overcharge you.
There is a bit of envy from other taxi-companies because of the good service from Bluebird. You don't see Bluebird taxis parked at night near the discos in Legian, Seminyak etc, as other companies have exclusive contracts with these business. However they can be found by walking up the street. The taxis outside the clubs do not use meters at night, offering a fixed price, although this is negotiable. There are plenty of others if one won't play ball.

'''WARNING''': Traffic jams occur some days around lunch and dinner. It can be better to park your car just before you reach Kuta area and walk. Kuta area is only about 1,5 kilometer length by half kilometer wide. But when stuck in traffic, you might spend 30 minutes to travel the 1,5 kilometer. However there are car parking areas in the middle of Kuta (usually Rp5000 for an unlimited stay) including a large one on JL Legian near the top of Poppies II. Kuta Beach has plenty of parking most days.

===By Motorcycle===
For those with a sense of adventure, try hopping on the back of a local's scooter, they are always looking for a rider and it just takes a quick negotiation on price. Much faster and cheaper transport than a car. You may even choose to rent a scooter for your stay. These can be as little as 50,000RP per day, and a lot of fun. Insist on a helmet for the motorcycle, for both your safety, and because police officers have been known to fine (read 'demand bribe') foreigners who do not wear one. The streets just outside Kuta, between major cities such as [[Uluwatu]], [[Sanur]] and [[Denpasar]], for example are chaotic and dangerous for unexperienced riders.

==See==

Surf, shopping & party

==Do==

*'''Surfing''' — Kuta is an well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Sandy beaches and a lack of dangerous rocks or coral makes the areas an attraction for beginners and more advanced surfers alike.

a)3-day surfing course in an accredited school costs approximately 100 USD. [http://www.balilearntosurf.com/ Bali learn to surf] is one of good schools, that offers equipment in good condition and premises for surfing introduction in calm water (swimming-pool). The lesson lasts 2.5 hour, the students are offered transfer from/back to hotel and fresh water. 5-day course includes also "surfari" to some other surfing spot.

b)It is also possible to rent the equipment from locals on the beach for anywhere between Rp20,000 and 80,000 per half day. If you rent from the same guys for a few consecutive days you will almost certainly get a better price. The equipment quality is worse than in surfing-schools. These guys can also give you some basic lessons and look after your stuff while you are in the water.

* '''ARC Anti-aging Beauty clinics''' [http://www.arcclinics.com/] with clinics in Jakarta and Bali, Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai No 1 Kuta (Simpang-siur). +62 361 767- 543. Australian-managed and staffed with Australian-trained cosmetic physicians providing popular anti-ageing treatments. Fully licenced. Offers Botox, Aquamid, and APTOS stitch face lift among many other treatments. Offers free cosmetic consultantion. Clinic hours 10am-6pm, Monday-Friday, and 10am-3pm on Saturday.

* Enjoy the sunset. In the evenings plenty of people come to the Kuta beach or seaside cafes to watch the wonderful sunset

==Learn==

==Work==

==Buy==
* There are a lot of shops of popular surf brands Volcom, Rip Curl, Rusty, Billabong, Quiksilver selling surfing clothes, accessories and other stuff.
* A lot of brands (such as Levi's, Polo, Rip Curl etc.) have outlets on the island.
* '''Kuta Square''', Jl. Kartika Plaza. A shopping complex that is so popular. There are small shops on both sides of the street and a big '''Matahari''' department store, with a cheap and utterly wacky collection of T-shirts on the 3rd floor.
*'''Discovery shopping mall''' located across from Waterbom Park on busy Jl. Kartika Plaza in Tuban is a big mall with plenty of shops of international brands and cafes/restaurants with wonderful seaview.
* Be aware that if you buy things from people on the beach, you will attract dozens more pushy vendors who'll try to make you feel bad for not buying something from them also at a special "good luck price" or "morning/sunset price". The trick is to not look them in the eye and respond to their offers with a stern "no thank you". Always stay polite!
* You can buy shirts for 30.000. Just keep telling them that you want them for 10.000.

==Eat==
{{infobox|Great balls of fire|''Bakso'' ("BAH-soh", meatball) soup is cheap and tasty any time of the day. The vendors wander the streets with their steaming wooden food carts, and are easily located by the 'tink-tink-tink' sound of a spoon hitting a soup bowl. The soup is a small-ish bowl of MSG-laden meaty broth with some thick yellow egg noodle, meatballs, and the optional extras of: fried wanton, fried tofu, hard-boiled egg and occasionally some others. Add some mild chili sauce and sweet soy for a bit more flavour.}}

===Budget===
Beach-stall food is delicious, filling and very cheap. These are dotted along Kuta and Legian beach beneath trees or awnings near the road.

* '''Aromas Cafe''', Legian St. (''near the Rip Curl shop''). Some of the best vegetarian food in Bali.
* '''Warung Indonesia''' between Poppies 1 and 2 is popular with locals and long-termers and is packed out most nights - a good sign. The best food is not on the menu but stalled out behind a glass display from where you can pick any ingredient you want and are charged Rp1000 - 2000 per ingredient.

===Mid-range===
* '''Made's Warung''', Jl. Pantai Kuta (''near intersection with Jl. Legian''), [http://www.madeswarung.com/]. The first restaurant in Kuta, now on two floors and still doing a roaring trade. The menu covers Indonesian, Balinese and Western food, try the pork ribs with green papaya. Rp. 50,000.
* '''Yut'z Place''', Jln. Werkudara 521,Legian. Good european food, tasty steaks.
* Belgian cafe on Jalan Pantai Kuta, not far from the beach offers good coffee and ice-cream.

===Splurge===
* '''Macaroni''', Jl. Legian, [http://www.maccaroniclub.com/home.php] near the Bombing memorial. Italian restaurant & lounge with good Italian food and some Asian influences. Excellent service and lushious desserts

==Drink==
Kuta is the party center piece of Bali but after the bomb blasts in 2002 & 2005 security increased at nightspots. Indonesia has imposed an alcohol import ban that slightly affects the accessibility but you are able to buy high quality spirits & wine at slightly increased prices.

Jl. Legian is the main party area between Poppies Gang I & II. The biggest three clubs are:

* '''Mbargo''', Jl Legian. Airconditioned, security is tight and they hire models to serve you drinks. Fashion show at 1230am Thursday nights.

*'''Bounty''', Jl Legian. Looks from inside like a torn ship with several different areas + pool tables. Party every from 10pm but really starts at midnight. Mostly Oz

*'''Paddy's''', Jl Legian & next to Bounty. Irish pub with TV corner (ESPN). Several special parties (e.g. all-inclusive drink & food for 250 kRupees etc.) every week

There are (in-)numerous smaller bars etc. in Poppies I & II and very touristic places like Hard Rock Cafe.

==Sleep==

===Budget===
There are a lot of cheap guesthouses (10-20.000RP PPPN) on Poppies 2, but you can find nicer places on the lanes between Poppies 1 and 2. Always see room first & haggle!

===Mid-range===
* '''Fat Yogi''', Poppies Gang 1. Jan Vleeming sleep here.
* '''Masa Inn''' [http://www.masainn.com], Poppies Gang 1. 400 meters of Kuta beach, McDonald's, Hard Rock Café and KFC. Rooms are clean, quiet and the staff friendly. Two wonderful pools. Small breakfast. 175,000 Rp, sigle, 250,000 Rp double (they have rooms for until 6 persons with good prices). Booking can be made on the website by mail. This service works very well and you don't need to send credit card number or payment order.
* '''Sorga Cottages''', Sorga Rd.
* ''' Sri Ratu''' [http://www.users.bigpond.com/rhinorok/] The hotel is situated behind the All Seasons hotel, 10 minutes walk from the ocean. It consists of one building with rooms, patio and small swimming-pool and a bungalow complex. It is better to choose rooms upstairs far from the swimming-pool and dining area sounds. The staff is helpful, by booking for more than 10 days you'll get a discount.
* ''' Sari Bali Cottages ''', between Poppies 1 and 2 has spacious rooms with double bed, a nice communal swimming pool and basic breakfast from Rp 60,000 for cold water and Rp 80,000 for hot water.

===Splurge===
* '''Bali Mandira Hotel''', Jln. Padma, Legian, Kuta. tel: +62-361-751381. Luxurious hotel and spa. Located on the beach front, it is a quieter surrounding area yet just a 10 minute walk into the heart of Kuta.

* '''Hard Rock Hotel''', Jln. Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas, Kuta. tel: +62-361-761869. Worldwide chain, offers nothing but fun. The hotel has the largest free form pool in Bali which offers an array of activities for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Just across from the beach, the hotel is also in the heart of the tourist filled district. The hotel also has 6 places where you can get food and drinks, whilst being entertained by the hotel's very own radio station! From USD100 (superior room).

* '''Bale Bali''', Jl. Pendidikan no. 86 Sidakarya Denpasar - Bali, tel +62-361-7400442 [http://www.balebali.com]. This private villa agency provides a wide range of private staffed villas for rental. From budget private villas to luxury villas. All private villas are fully staffed and feature private swimming pools.

*'''Poppies Bali''' Poppies Gang I [http://www.poppiesbali.com/]. Undisputed flagship in central Kuta with lush tropical garden just 24 bungalows, excellent service and very calm. An oasis next to shopping & parties. Book in advance and haggle hard (60 USD++ single/70 USD++ double)

==Contact==

==Stay safe==

* In the ocean it is prohibited to swim near the special flags, that are put by beach staff near the places where the currents are very strong. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards have deemed it safest and will be the most patrolled area.
* The water in Kuta can be filthy. Stay healthy and try not to swim in the polluted areas.
* Touts and scammers will constantly look for their chance. Be wary of deals to good to be true, they probably are.
* At night, drunk driving & big potholes in the streets are a problem, so be careful in the dark.
* When changing money, either go to an official money changer or ask always for the biggest 100.000 Rp. notes. Otherwise scammers give you small 20.000 Rp notes and make you tired of counting. When asking you for a small note to match the calculated amount he will try to very quickly take back some money from the bunch of notes.

===International===
*Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) has many international flights. Departure tax is a hefty Rp 150,000 for those, for domestic flights the fee is 30,000 Rp.

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