Nusa Dua Beach Hotel in Bali
Jan 8th, 2011, 08:14 PM
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Nusa Dua Beach Hotel in Bali
We've booked a "package" trip through AsiaLuxe on Singapore Air to Singapore and Bali. The included hotel in Bali is the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel. We gather from past postings on this site that this hotel area is not one of the more favored places to stay. Nonetheless, we have no other choice at this point. If anyone has stayed at Nusa Dua, we'd appreciate any suggestions to help us get a real taste of Bali; for example, day trips to other parts of Bali, nearby "local" restaurants within walking distance, nicer nearby beaches, etc. We'd appreciate any suggestions regarding making the most of Bali from this Nusa Dua Beach location.
Jan 8th, 2011, 08:24 PM
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its just that ND is a tourist enclave....full of big hotels and a beach and nothing else....sterile....other than that nothing wrong with it...
hire a guide/driver to take you areound bali for a couple of day trips..... we like putu: [email protected]
he is terrific and will make bali come alive for you....his cost is about 400,000 for a full day...cheap
hire a guide/driver to take you areound bali for a couple of day trips..... we like putu: [email protected]
he is terrific and will make bali come alive for you....his cost is about 400,000 for a full day...cheap
Jan 8th, 2011, 09:14 PM
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There won't be "local" restaurants within walking distance of Nusa Dua since it is a purpose-built tourist enclave. You may find good places to eat, but they will be pricey and entirely oriented toward tourists.
Do get a car and driver and visit the Ubud area. It's a bit of a drive from Nusa Dua, but well worth it. The distance from central Bali is another problems with Nusa Dua. But since you have no choice, make the best of it, get out and explore, and spend your time at Nusa Dua enjoying the beach.
Do get a car and driver and visit the Ubud area. It's a bit of a drive from Nusa Dua, but well worth it. The distance from central Bali is another problems with Nusa Dua. But since you have no choice, make the best of it, get out and explore, and spend your time at Nusa Dua enjoying the beach.
Jan 8th, 2011, 09:33 PM
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I have stayed there and it is fine for what it is. Great buffet breakfast. Rooms reasonable for a 3-4 star hotel. Ok beach but poor swimming as it is quite shallow for a long way out to the reef. Hire a guide/driver and you can visit much of the island.
Jan 9th, 2011, 01:14 PM
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Thanks for the info regarding Nusa Dua. We will take the suggestions of enjoying the beach there, and hire a driver to explore other areas.
In doing more reading, it seems that the lush area close to Ubud would be a refreshing experience. We wondered about the idea of taking a trip to that area and booking an overnight in a hotel outside of the town area. The Komaneka Tanggayuda seems very appealing. Does this seem like a practical/doable thing from Nusa Dua? Or are there other areas equally as desirable?
Another question about Nusa Dua: Even though Balinese restaurants might not be close by, are there any restaurants/stores within walking distance from the resort?
Thanks again for feedback!
In doing more reading, it seems that the lush area close to Ubud would be a refreshing experience. We wondered about the idea of taking a trip to that area and booking an overnight in a hotel outside of the town area. The Komaneka Tanggayuda seems very appealing. Does this seem like a practical/doable thing from Nusa Dua? Or are there other areas equally as desirable?
Another question about Nusa Dua: Even though Balinese restaurants might not be close by, are there any restaurants/stores within walking distance from the resort?
Thanks again for feedback!
Jan 9th, 2011, 05:00 PM
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there is a mall within the area, but it is my understanding that it is mostly closed down now, but others could tell you...
i don't think walking is possible outside of the complex, but i can't exactly remember, but certainly a taxi is possible....go over to sanur and walk the main street there for instance...
can you take two nights in ubud....you would love it...
look at alam shanti....we love it..
i don't think walking is possible outside of the complex, but i can't exactly remember, but certainly a taxi is possible....go over to sanur and walk the main street there for instance...
can you take two nights in ubud....you would love it...
look at alam shanti....we love it..
Jan 9th, 2011, 08:18 PM
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Actually I had exactly the same thought. Leave your things in Nusa Dua and spend a night or two in the Ubud area. Komeneka Tangganuda is a good choice. I haven’t stayed there but I’ve visited and it is beautifully situated. I also like Alam Sari and the Alila.
There are dance performances every night in the town of Ubud and in various locations outside of Ubud. All of the hotels have the performance schedules. Temple ceremonies are variable. You will find them all over Bali even in Nusa Dua!
I don’t find Nusa Dua all that objectionable (though it's not my first choice). It is what it is, which is a string of beach resorts.
There are dozens of resorts up and down the beach and they all have restaurants. You’ll have plenty of choices within walking distance, albeit within the context of the hotels. They all serve Indonesian/Balinese food, plus everything else you could possibly imagine.
Same for shopping and spas. Within the various resorts you'll have lots of options. They all offer dance performances as well and although the setting may not be atmospheric the quality of the dancing can be quite good.
You could easily take a taxi to Sanur, Jimbaran or Seminyak for more choices. Sanur is quite close. Jimabaran and Seminyak a little further, but taxis are inexpensive.
I spend most of my time in Seminyak so that’s what I’m most familiar with. There are tons of good restaurants: I like La Lucciola, Sardine, Sarong. KuDeTa is a Bali landmark, but I think it’s better for drinks than dinner.
Lots of good shopping in Seminyak as well -- mostly contemporary clothing and homewares. For arts and crafts, Ubud is your destination.
There are dance performances every night in the town of Ubud and in various locations outside of Ubud. All of the hotels have the performance schedules. Temple ceremonies are variable. You will find them all over Bali even in Nusa Dua!
I don’t find Nusa Dua all that objectionable (though it's not my first choice). It is what it is, which is a string of beach resorts.
There are dozens of resorts up and down the beach and they all have restaurants. You’ll have plenty of choices within walking distance, albeit within the context of the hotels. They all serve Indonesian/Balinese food, plus everything else you could possibly imagine.
Same for shopping and spas. Within the various resorts you'll have lots of options. They all offer dance performances as well and although the setting may not be atmospheric the quality of the dancing can be quite good.
You could easily take a taxi to Sanur, Jimbaran or Seminyak for more choices. Sanur is quite close. Jimabaran and Seminyak a little further, but taxis are inexpensive.
I spend most of my time in Seminyak so that’s what I’m most familiar with. There are tons of good restaurants: I like La Lucciola, Sardine, Sarong. KuDeTa is a Bali landmark, but I think it’s better for drinks than dinner.
Lots of good shopping in Seminyak as well -- mostly contemporary clothing and homewares. For arts and crafts, Ubud is your destination.
Jan 10th, 2011, 09:08 AM
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Thanks so much for the encouraging suggestions. We are beginning to pursue an overnight (or 2) to the Ubud area. Also, we appreciate marmot's info regarding restaurants and shopping accessible either by walking or taxi. We would like to visit Sanur, Jimbaran, and Seminyak. With this new info, we are becoming more excited about visiting Bali. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Regarding a hotel near Ubud, we're thinking that as long as we can get a room in a beautiful area, we can enjoy the surrounding beauty by walking the area; e.g. the river gorge, etc. Are we right in this?
Jan 10th, 2011, 03:56 PM
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Yes, definitely. The Ubud area is great for walking -- through the rice paddies, from village to village, up and down the river valley. It helps to have a guide who knows the route and can point out the flora, fauna and local customs, though this is not strictly necessary.
Alam Sari, for example, often sends its guests on a several mile hike from the resort to the town of Ubud.
You basically have two options: stay in or near the town of Ubud or stay outside of Ubud along one of the river valleys. Both are good choices and you will end up in both areas anyway.
The advantage of being in town is that you have easy access to restaurants, shops and cultural events. The advantage to being out of town is that you're surrounded by natural beauty.
Most of the out of town resorts are about a 20 minute drive from Ubud proper.
Alam Sari, for example, often sends its guests on a several mile hike from the resort to the town of Ubud.
You basically have two options: stay in or near the town of Ubud or stay outside of Ubud along one of the river valleys. Both are good choices and you will end up in both areas anyway.
The advantage of being in town is that you have easy access to restaurants, shops and cultural events. The advantage to being out of town is that you're surrounded by natural beauty.
Most of the out of town resorts are about a 20 minute drive from Ubud proper.
Jan 10th, 2011, 07:02 PM
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We're still pursuing the idea of taking a trip to Ubud from our hotel in Nusa Dua. We're wondering what the chances would be of waiting until we get to Bali the third week of January to book a hotel in Ubud, as well as to hire a taxi driver. Also, any ideas of an approximate cost of a taxi from Nusa Dua to Ubud? If things don't work out for an overnight in Ubud, how reasonable is it to do a daytrip to experience the river gorge and the natural beauty around Ubud? If we left Nusa Dua about 7 AM, would that allow enough time to get a taste of the beauty there? We don't have a handle on the length of travel time between Nusa Dua and Ubud. Any thoughts to help us clarify ideas would be appreciated.
Jan 10th, 2011, 07:39 PM
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Do you mean third week of January 2011 as in next week? Because Bali is quite busy right now and we're running up to Chinese New Year, I suggest booking your resort in advance. Having said that for a night or two you'd be able to find something at the last minute. Finding a driver would be no problem.
A day trip to Ubud is doable from a time and transportation standpoint. You'd most likely retain a car and driver (maybe a guide) by the day. Rates are variable, ~$US80 to 100 depending on time and how much your driver/guide is expected to do for you.
The downside is that day trips often involve too much car time and after a while your eyes glaze over. What you'd miss are the small charming experiences like early morning coffee on the veranda while a procession passes on the opposite bank. Moonlight in the rain forest, listening to the night creatures. Bali, to me, is best in slow motion.
A day trip to Ubud is doable from a time and transportation standpoint. You'd most likely retain a car and driver (maybe a guide) by the day. Rates are variable, ~$US80 to 100 depending on time and how much your driver/guide is expected to do for you.
The downside is that day trips often involve too much car time and after a while your eyes glaze over. What you'd miss are the small charming experiences like early morning coffee on the veranda while a procession passes on the opposite bank. Moonlight in the rain forest, listening to the night creatures. Bali, to me, is best in slow motion.
Jan 11th, 2011, 07:01 AM
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To marmot: Thanks for your replies. Very helpful information. Yes, we are leaving in 2011. . .next week! We are encouraged by your comments that finding a driver will be no problem. In delving into more of the details of our "package" with AsiaLuxe, we realized that Ubud (probably stop in city center only) is included in an all-day tour for our Day 1. Although we're not usually a tour group couple, we're going to use it as an opportunity to get somewhat of an overview. It goes as far as the volcano area and Lake Batur, stopping at several places en route. As you described above, our desire to spend a night in the Ubud area is for those wonderfully peaceful experiences, like coffee on the veranda, beautiful lush surroundings, etc. We're hoping to play our options and work in a stay there.
We have a couple of questions which don't relate to Nusa Dua Beach, but to preparation for our trip. Perhaps we should start another thread? But here goes one: We've read suggestions regarding bringing an anti-biotic prescription as a just-in-case either of us gets hit with "Bali belly". In this regard, is the food/drink in the hotel areas up-to-cleanliness standards? Do you take all the precautions such as no salads, peeling your own fruit, drinking only bottled water, etc. when you're in a hotel? And, in general, do the drivers speak enough English to be helpful guides? Thanks again, in advance, for any ideas.
We have a couple of questions which don't relate to Nusa Dua Beach, but to preparation for our trip. Perhaps we should start another thread? But here goes one: We've read suggestions regarding bringing an anti-biotic prescription as a just-in-case either of us gets hit with "Bali belly". In this regard, is the food/drink in the hotel areas up-to-cleanliness standards? Do you take all the precautions such as no salads, peeling your own fruit, drinking only bottled water, etc. when you're in a hotel? And, in general, do the drivers speak enough English to be helpful guides? Thanks again, in advance, for any ideas.
Jan 11th, 2011, 06:38 PM
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When hotel options in Bali were very limited and resorts were still in favour I stayed ,between 1982 and around 1995 ,probably 8 times at Nusa Dua in various hotels .I have stayed all over this coast in a variety of hotels during my 20 ++ trips to the island .
The first hotel built at Nusa Dua was your hotel .The only other was the Bualu which was inland and a training hotel for staff. I stayed at the Nusa Dua Beach in 1984 and subsequently about 6 different hotels at ND .
The Nusa Dua Beach has been refurbished and has a well regarded spa complex .
It is on a lovely beach of white / golden sand and clean water , protected by an outer reef .Although at the change of moon the sea gets wild and pounds over the Nusa Dua ( two islands ).Sure it is all neat ,tidy and to some sterile and unreal . But I rather like lush tropical gardens , not being hassled by hawkers on my walks and the ability to escape the pandemonium that can be Bali .So in my mind ND can offer many positives and really be quite splendid as an oasis or a place to rest if that is what you want to do .
Nusa Dua Village ( just outside the main entrance gate where security checks of cars etc are done since the terrorist troubles / bombs )used to have some good cheap eateries . The Galleria is OK if you want to buy a reasonable quality designer fake and other bits or get an icecream , a meal or have your feet cleaned by toe sucking fish .If you like Golf there is a good course in ND .
The Hotel can arrange an excellent quality car and driver or you just walk into the hotel car park and the drivers will all approach and you can haggle . Pay about US$60 to 80 each for a full day guided car trip to Kintamani etc . Others will likely give a more accurate opinion if I am wrong as I did not use a hotel to arrange my driver last year .Allow 2 days to do two distinct trips .
It is no longer an easy 15 - 30 minute drive from ND to Seminyak or Sanur as the traffic is hellish . But worth going if you want to eat exceptional food at cheap prices or shop a lot.Sanur was the original smart spot to stay in the 70's and into the 80's ( Hyatt / Tanjung Sari) and then fell out of favour . Seminyak is the hot spot for food , shopping , bars etc . Ubud is lovely but become chaotic in the main market area .
Do what my sister and her husband did on their first trip last year to Bali ( and stayed at ND which they loved )and hire your driver and car to do day or half day trips .They can take you in to shop in the afternoon and pre book dinner at Metis or Sarong or Sea Circus in Seminyak at 7.30ish and your driver can wait and after you finish dinner drive you home .Or do a day trip to Ubud , have a wonderful lunch there , visit the water temple and other sights to or from and then stop somewhere nice for dinner on the way back to ND.
Have a look at www.balidiscovery.com and www.balieats.com as starting points for a little information and of coursae this board has a wealth of past reports etc of great value.
The first hotel built at Nusa Dua was your hotel .The only other was the Bualu which was inland and a training hotel for staff. I stayed at the Nusa Dua Beach in 1984 and subsequently about 6 different hotels at ND .
The Nusa Dua Beach has been refurbished and has a well regarded spa complex .
It is on a lovely beach of white / golden sand and clean water , protected by an outer reef .Although at the change of moon the sea gets wild and pounds over the Nusa Dua ( two islands ).Sure it is all neat ,tidy and to some sterile and unreal . But I rather like lush tropical gardens , not being hassled by hawkers on my walks and the ability to escape the pandemonium that can be Bali .So in my mind ND can offer many positives and really be quite splendid as an oasis or a place to rest if that is what you want to do .
Nusa Dua Village ( just outside the main entrance gate where security checks of cars etc are done since the terrorist troubles / bombs )used to have some good cheap eateries . The Galleria is OK if you want to buy a reasonable quality designer fake and other bits or get an icecream , a meal or have your feet cleaned by toe sucking fish .If you like Golf there is a good course in ND .
The Hotel can arrange an excellent quality car and driver or you just walk into the hotel car park and the drivers will all approach and you can haggle . Pay about US$60 to 80 each for a full day guided car trip to Kintamani etc . Others will likely give a more accurate opinion if I am wrong as I did not use a hotel to arrange my driver last year .Allow 2 days to do two distinct trips .
It is no longer an easy 15 - 30 minute drive from ND to Seminyak or Sanur as the traffic is hellish . But worth going if you want to eat exceptional food at cheap prices or shop a lot.Sanur was the original smart spot to stay in the 70's and into the 80's ( Hyatt / Tanjung Sari) and then fell out of favour . Seminyak is the hot spot for food , shopping , bars etc . Ubud is lovely but become chaotic in the main market area .
Do what my sister and her husband did on their first trip last year to Bali ( and stayed at ND which they loved )and hire your driver and car to do day or half day trips .They can take you in to shop in the afternoon and pre book dinner at Metis or Sarong or Sea Circus in Seminyak at 7.30ish and your driver can wait and after you finish dinner drive you home .Or do a day trip to Ubud , have a wonderful lunch there , visit the water temple and other sights to or from and then stop somewhere nice for dinner on the way back to ND.
Have a look at www.balidiscovery.com and www.balieats.com as starting points for a little information and of coursae this board has a wealth of past reports etc of great value.
Jan 11th, 2011, 07:40 PM
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I don't worry too much about eating salads, ice, fruit at resorts/hotels/tourist oriented restaurants. I would stick with bottled water though.
Digestive upsets are fairly common in Indonesia and as long as the symptoms are mild I just ride them out without medication.
There are a lot of "bugs" in Indonesia -- bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi -- and it's VERY difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. I don't like to overdo antibiotics unless I'm sure of what I have as they don't help with viruses and parasites.
Drivers generally have enough English to get you where you want to go. For a guide, you should specifically request good English.
Digestive upsets are fairly common in Indonesia and as long as the symptoms are mild I just ride them out without medication.
There are a lot of "bugs" in Indonesia -- bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi -- and it's VERY difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. I don't like to overdo antibiotics unless I'm sure of what I have as they don't help with viruses and parasites.
Drivers generally have enough English to get you where you want to go. For a guide, you should specifically request good English.
Jan 12th, 2011, 08:36 AM
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we have never had any trouble communicating in bali at all---drivers, clerks, restaurant people, people on the street... this is not an issue...
we do not eat salads in bali... we observe all the unofficial eating rules for SEA in bali, just to be safe and not ruin even one hour of our stay... bottled water for sure!!
we do not eat salads in bali... we observe all the unofficial eating rules for SEA in bali, just to be safe and not ruin even one hour of our stay... bottled water for sure!!
Jan 13th, 2011, 05:49 AM
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Again, thanks to all for the helpful information. As we do more research and planning, we're definitely planning some day excursions from Nusa Dua.
We're planning on a day in the Ubud area, and thinking that maybe it would be best to hire a driver for the day. We want to get out of the city center a bit. . .maybe have lunch at the Four Seasons near there. Does an all-day driver seem best for this?
The Seminyak area seems really appealing to us. Would it be practical to get an early morning taxi from Nusa Dua to Seminyak, spend the day and evening there, and get a return taxi from Seminyak back to Nusa Dua. Do taxis run in the evening? We wouldn't want to be "stuck" with no return transportation available. About how long does it take to go from Nusa Dua to Seminyak? And if we were going for the day, what area of Seminyak would be a good one for us to "settle in" to enjoy the beach and restaurants? Would appreciate any thoughts.
We're planning on a day in the Ubud area, and thinking that maybe it would be best to hire a driver for the day. We want to get out of the city center a bit. . .maybe have lunch at the Four Seasons near there. Does an all-day driver seem best for this?
The Seminyak area seems really appealing to us. Would it be practical to get an early morning taxi from Nusa Dua to Seminyak, spend the day and evening there, and get a return taxi from Seminyak back to Nusa Dua. Do taxis run in the evening? We wouldn't want to be "stuck" with no return transportation available. About how long does it take to go from Nusa Dua to Seminyak? And if we were going for the day, what area of Seminyak would be a good one for us to "settle in" to enjoy the beach and restaurants? Would appreciate any thoughts.
Jan 13th, 2011, 06:32 AM
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you could do all of that as you suggest, but for ease i would have a driver for the whole day both times.... it should only be about $45 for a full day with a driver...
a taxi driver would do the same for you probably at an hourly rate.... most taxis are good, but some cars have seen better days, so shop around once you are there..... be aware that if you take taxis from nusa dua you probably will be charged a higer rate--why cause they can...
i would hire a driver like putu who is often spoken of here...mybalifriend.com
a taxi driver would do the same for you probably at an hourly rate.... most taxis are good, but some cars have seen better days, so shop around once you are there..... be aware that if you take taxis from nusa dua you probably will be charged a higer rate--why cause they can...
i would hire a driver like putu who is often spoken of here...mybalifriend.com
Jan 13th, 2011, 07:22 AM
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We thought that Seminyak was a bit closer to Nusa Dua, and wondered what a taxi driver would do all day as we stayed at the beach, ate lunch, enjoyed sunset, maybe early dinner, etc. That's why we thought about just having separate transportation to and from Seminyak. Now we're thinking that it's a bit farther than we thought. Do cab drivers just "hang around" all day waiting. . .or how does that work? Appreciate feedback on this. Thanks!
Jan 13th, 2011, 07:56 AM
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It wouldn't make sense to me to hire a car and driver for a day just to go to Seminyak and hang around, shop, eat, etc. Seminyak is a well-developed resort area, and you could easily get a taxi back to Nusa Dua.
You will want to hire a driver when you go to Ubud to explore or to visit craft villages or temples, etc. There is a lot to see and do on Bali.
Do you have a guidebook yet? If not, do buy one. There is much, much more to Bali than we can describe here.
You will want to hire a driver when you go to Ubud to explore or to visit craft villages or temples, etc. There is a lot to see and do on Bali.
Do you have a guidebook yet? If not, do buy one. There is much, much more to Bali than we can describe here.
