SANUR
Sanur (north of the airport and east of Kuta) attracts a more upmarket crowd than Kuta. It is quieter and is oriented towards water sports. Most of the hotels have beach front locations and air conditioning. The beaches have nice white sand but the water can be very shallow at low tide. Among the activities enjoyed here are windsurfing, parasailing and waterskiing. Bowling and golf are possible at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel. Anaïs Nin wrote about the Tandjung Hotel in Sanur.
Sanur stretches for about three kilometers on the eastern coast of Bali east of Kuta and Denpasar. It has a public walkway running along the beach off of which are hotels with well manicured lawns, nice shops and restaurants. Many of the hotels have their own private beaches. Many airlines have their offices here. There are a few hawkers here but they are less obnoxious and numerous than those in Kuta. Many of the bars are associated with hotels. Some hotels host tourist-oriented Balinese dance.
Located just 25 minutes from the international airport, 30 minutes from the Kuta area, and 15 minutes from downtown Denpasar, Sanur is renowned as Bali's first beach resort and is actually where the early tourism industry grew on Bali. Sanur is also recognized as the largest village in Bali. Sanur beach is a long stretch of beautiful white sand lined with palm trees that shade dreamy footpaths, market stalls and relaxed beach cafes. Along the beach are traditional Balinese Bale (raised shaded open verandas for lying down or relaxing). Most are no longer in use although a few are sometimes occupied by fishermen who fish in these waters.
Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main street in Sanur, has a number of outlets for car, motorbike and bicycle rental. A large number of metered taxis patrol the streets looking for passengers. Local bemos run with some regularity up and down both Jalan Danau Tamblingan and Jalan Danau Poso. Sanur is also a great place to walk. Distances are not far, the streets are relatively quiet, and there is a splendid, paved beach front path which runs the whole length of the district.
History of Sanur
Sanur Beach was first introduced by A.J. Le Mayeur, a renowned Belgian impressionist painter who arrived in Bali in 1932 and soon immersed himself in the culture of the island. He married a noted Balinese Legong dancer named Ni Polok and made her his model. Here he created some of his famous masterpieces. Today, the house of Le Mayeur has become a famous museum where visitors can view some of his artworks and gain an insight into the romantic aura of the time when Le Mayeur was one of a handful of expatriates.
As a place where tourism first flourished in Bali, Sanur has some of Balis’ historic hotels. Built in 1965, the Inna Grand Bali, formerly called Bali Beach Hotel, was the first five star and the only high rise hotel in Bali. After its construction a new law came into force where in Bali no hotel may be built higher than a coconut tree.
Here are also the Sanur Beach Hotel (Initialy called Hotel Garuda) and the Bali Hyatt. All of these hotels still operate until today with that certain touch of modernity that offers that nostalgic ambience for those who knew Bali decades ago before the onrush of tourism. But even today Sanur still maintains that pleasant ambience with places shaded by high and age old trees that continue to radiate the serene magic of Sanur.
Activities in Sanur
The waters of Sanur are protected by a long string of offshore reefs, creating large, warm shallow, safe lagoons that are perfectly clear and excellent for swimming, snorkeling and a whole array of water sports. Surfers will be pleased to know that the reefs around Sanur produce some of the best waves in the world in the right conditions although they can be very shallow at low tide. But there are more consistent waves beyond the reefs good for surfing.
Sanur is also the launching pad for visitors who want to dive and explore the splendors of the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan. Nusa Lembongan is approximately 8 square kilometers in size, and is one of three neighbouring islands, the others being much the larger Nusa Penida and tiny Nusa Ceningan. Many areas around the island are good for diving and snorkeling, with abundant marine life and healthly corals. Surfing can get a bit crowded, but the waves are good. There are several white sand beaches away from the main centers which are virtually never crowded.
Sanur's splendid paved beachfront cycle-path stretches some 5 kilometers from the Jalan Mertasari area in south Sanur, north to the main beach at Jalan Hangtuah. This makes for a lovely scenic bike ride, especially in the early morning. The more active could try one or more of the many watersports on offer at Sanur Beach. Try kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing or paragliding. For those less active, hire a banana boat and hit the calm waters. The surf here is not great by Bali standard but there are reasonable breaks about one kilometer offshore during the northwest wind season (about October to March). In that period you will have no problem locating the breaks — just follow the locals. Boards can be rented on the beach for Rp 100,000.
For one of a kind experience, you should try the Sea Walker. A safe and exciting underwater adventure Sea Walker is a unique diving system, that provides an opportunity to observe the underwater world to a depth of 15 feet without certification, and without getting your hair wet. Participants actually walk along the bottom of the sea, rather than swim while numerous exotic fish and sea life are found all around.
Accommodation in Sanur
Sanur is a quiet version of Kuta that offers a decent selection of accommodation options. You won’t find the mega resorts of Nusa Dua, but you will discover a price selection, with many small personal places situated close to the beach. As a site where tourism flourished for the first time in Bali, Sanur has a complete selection of Budget, mid-Range and Luxury options. For hotels with website you can refer to our Find a Hotel, some other accommodation options are listed below:
Kesumasari Guest House
Jl Pantai Kesumasari, Semawang, Tel. +62.361.3610840, E mail: info@kesumasarihotel.com
Prima Cottage
Jl Bumi Ayu 23, Tel. +62 878 61323761, E mail: sales@primacottage.com
Ratna Beach Hotel
Jl Segara Ayu, Sanur Bali, Tel. +62.361.8070181, E mail: info@ratnabeachhotel.com
Ananda Beach Hotel
Jl Hangtuah, Tel. +62 813 37536464, E mail: info@anandabeachhotel.com
Baruna Hotel
Segara Ayu Sreet No. 3, Tel. +62 361 288 414, E mail: info@hotelbaruna.com
Arimbi villa sanur
Jl Pengembak 14, Tel. +62 361 289091, E mail: arimbi14@gmail.com
The gangsa Private Villa by Kayumanis
Jalan Tirta Akasa no. 28, Tel. +62 361 270 260, Tel. info@thegangsa.com
Mahagiri Villas Sanur
Jalan Pungutan 31, Tel. +62 361 283939, E mail: info@mahagirivillassanur.com
Restaurants and Cafes in Sanur
There are a lot of restaurants and cafes along the coastline, for budget meals you may want to try the pasar malam(Night Market) at the northern end of Jalan Danau Tamblingan where it meets Jalan Pungutan. Here are some of the restaurants and dining options you can find around Sanur:
Abian Boga Restaurant
Jl Kesuma Sari No 5, Tel. +62 361 284174
Cafe Batu Jimbar
Jl Danau Tamblingan, Tel. +62 361 287374
Kayu Manis
Jl Danau Tamblingan, Tel. +62 361 289410
Massimo
Jl Danau Tamblingan 228, Tel. +62 361 288942, E mail: massimosaccobali@gmail.com
Smorgås Café
Jl Danua Tamblingan/Pantai Karang II, Tel. +62 361 289361
Stiff Chilli
Jl Kesumasari 11, Semawang, Tel. +62 361 288371, E mail: stiffchilli@rjhgroup.com
Treo Beach Café
Mertasari Beach, Tel. +62 361 9218588
Nusa Lembongan and the Islands Off of Sanur
Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida.(15 kilometers off the southeastern coast of Sanur) are the enchanting trio islands separated from Bali by the Badung Strait. Here, one will find the pristine beauty of unspoilt white sandy beaches, exhilarating waves, crystal clear waters, stunning natural rugged beauty, and picturesque sceneries away from the vibrant sounds and vivacious atmosphere of Bali’s southern coast. It’s biggest attraction is that it is a good place to see the rare giant ocean sunfish: Mola Mola.
Being the nearest from the mainland and most developed island for tourism among the three, Nusa Lembongan is approximately 8 square kilometers in size, and is truly an island paradise. Neither hawkers nor traffic mar the magnificent scenery; this is a fine place to just lay back and relax. Jungut Batu Beach, located in the northwest is a lovely arc of white sand and clear blue water with a superb view of Mount Agung on Bali. This is the area which traditionally attracted backpackers and surfers to the island. Mushroom Bay to the southwest of Jungut Batu is a quaint, attractive and sheltered bay. Further south, the lesser known beaches either side of the Devil's Tear outcrop (A rocky outcrop on the south western coast with spectacular crashing waves and water plumes), are known as Dream Beach and Sunset Beach (or Sandy Bay). The coastal landscape in this part of the island is mostly low-lying limestone cliffs, and there are some dramatic cave formations.
Nusa Lembongan was first opened up as a tourist destination by surfers, and it has long been an established part of the Bali surf circuit. There are three main breaks, all off the top half of the west coast, with another less well known just to the southwest off Nusa Ceningan. Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks are all close offshore and reached via an energetic paddle from the beach, or in a more leisurely fashion, by a local boat (jukung) which can be chartered from the nearest beach. Whilst the breaks usually suit intermediate to experienced surfers given they all break over coral reefs, the aptly named Playgrounds is a little more forgiving and can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. There is a thriving surf scene in Jungut Batu. When compared to its tiny population, Nusa Lembongan has produced a remarkable number of international competition-quality surfers. Any keen surfer will certainly not be short of company here.
Nusa Ceningan is the tiny island between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, which is easily reached via the suspension bridge on foot or by bicycle/motorbike. There is a notable surf break off Nusa Ceningan which attracts some surfers away from the more crowded breaks on Nusa Lembongan. Otherwise the island offers some scenic roads and paths, and the westward views back over Nusa Lembongan to Bali are impressive. Viewing the sunset over Bali from the central Ceningan ridge is very much worth the effort. The estuarine channel between Lembongan and Ceningan is home to many seaweed farms.
Totalling some 200 square kilometers, Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands. There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Highlighting the geographical features of the island are limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre. As an addition to West Bali National Park, Nusa Penida has also become bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali white Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi).
Sights and Activities at Nusa Lembongan and the Islands Off of Sanur
While Diving, Snorkelling, and Surfing are the main theme offered by these islands, there are a still a lot of things you can do in this pristine paradise. Coming to Nusa Lembongan, families with children will not be short of options. The full gamut of typical resort-type, mechanised water sports are available, including wake-boarding and banana boats. Those who care a little about the environment may be keener to patronize the sea kayaking option. Your hotel will be able to assist with booking any of these activities. Alternatively, just head down to the beach at either Mushroom Bay or Jungut Batu, and figure it out for yourself.
While the waters and coastal area around the larger Nusa Penida Island may offer extraordinary splendors, its mainland is also a vast terrain of hidden beauty. This is a wild, rugged and largely untamed island which offers plenty to those with an adventurous spirit. Trekking and mountain-biking are rewarding with amazing coastline views. The terrain away from the coast is hilly, rising to nearly 550 meters and the vista back to Bali is stunning.
Birdwatchers who find themselves with the opportunity to visit Nusa Penida should know that a thriving population of the superb white-tailed tropicbirds breeds on the south and southeastern cliffs of the island. Keep your eyes peeled. Nusa Penida has been designated an island-wide bird sanctuary by Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). Various endangered Indonesian bird species have been released onto the island, including the Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Mitchell's Lorrikeet, Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.
Diving with Mola Molas
are regarded as world class diving destinations. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral, 562 species of fish and Green and Olive Ridley Turtles. With its adjacent deep water trenches, the main stars here are the spectacular and very rare gigantic Oceanic Sunfish or Mola- mola. Mola-mola is the heaviest known bony fish in the world and can grow to over 2 meters long. They have large, blunt heads, heavy bodies and stubbed tails, with elongated dorsal and ventral fins that can span up to 4 meters.
If elsewhere divers are lucky to meet one Mola, here they can dive with three or more of these strange fish, since these are the Mola’s “cleaning stations”. Here the warm currents of the Indian Ocean meet the cold currents from the South Pole and Australia, creating the favored streams and temperatures for the Mola, who frequent these seas to have their bodies picked clean by the multitude of cleaning fish that abound in these waters.
The best time of year for Bali Sunfish diving is July — September. During these months, the water temperature around the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan drop — creating the perfect environment for the Mola Mola (Bali Sunfish) to come up to shallower waters to be cleaned by reef fish — allowing divers to view these majestic animals. Sharing these seas with the Molas are white-tipped reef sharks, nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, and large Manta Rays that can also be found here.
There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the islands, the most notable being Blue Corner, Ped, Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay, Ceningan Point (Ceningan Wall) and Malibu Point. There are some challenging drift dives here, and dive operators will visit certain sites only when sea conditions are safe. There are also plenty of options for easier flat reef and wall dives as well. Non-divers should not feel left out, as good snorkeling is available close inshore at various spots around the islands.
Since currents are strong here, divers should stick to groups. Many good divers have been carried by the currents almost to the open ocean that leads to the South Pole before being rescued. From the extraordinary encounters with the giants of the deep sea, exhilarating rides on the ocean tides; to gazing the spectacular sunset on the indulging white sands, the islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida are truly a pristine paradise just a boat ride away from the fabled island of Bali. For more information on Diving with Molas check the following website: balisunfish.com
Accommodation at Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida
Virtually all of the accommodation is on Nusa Lembongan with just a handful of very simple homestays on Nusa Penida and one solitary bed and breakfast on Nusa Ceningan. Here are among some of the accommodation options:
Nusa Lembongan: 1) Waka Nusa Resort, Mushroom Bay, Lembongan Island, Tel. +62 361 484 085, E mail: info@wakanusa.com, Website: wakanusa.com; 2) Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida; 3) Nusa Lembongan Resort, Mushroom Bay, Lembongan Island, P.O. Box 3846 Denpasar 80001, Bali - Indonesia,, Tel. 62 361 725864, fax: 62-361 725866, E mail: info-nlr@nusalembonganresort.com, Website: nusalembonganresort.com; 4) Mainski Lembongan Resort, Jungutbatu-Sunset Coast, Nusa Lembongan, Tel. +62 361 9237322, fax: +62 366 24481, E mail: sales@mainski-lembongan-resort.com, Website: mainski-lembongan-resort.com; 5) Molamola House, Mushroom Bay, Nusa Lembongan, Tel. +6282897081147, E mail: info@molamolalembongan.com, Website: molamolalembongan.com
Nusa Ceningan: Jenny's Bed & Breakfast, Nusa Ceningan, Tel. +62 812 3627 7650, E mail: paeittreim@yahoo.com
Nusa Penida: There are some small, simple homestays and bungalows on Nusa Penida. These are in the north between Toyapakeh and Sampalan. Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high center and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (Kepala Desa). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping. 1) Friends of National Parks (FNPF), Bird Sanctuary Center, Ped village, Nusa Penida, Tel. +62 361 977978. 2) Bungalow Pemda Sampalan, Nusa Penida, Tel. +62 813 38539435. Ring Sameton Inn, Tel. +62-813-51542596 / +62-813-37985141, E mail: info@ringsameton-nusapenida.com, Website: ringsameton-nusapenida.com/welcome/
Getting Around Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida
To get between Nusa Lembogan and Nusa Penida, Public boats depart daily at 6AM close to the suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour near Sampalan in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. Charter boats are also available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to the suspension bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen. From Nusa Lembongan, you can cross by foot to the small neighbouring island of Nusa Ceningan via a scenic suspension bridge.
Although Bicycles and Motorbikes are also available for rent, Nusa Lembongan is a nice place to walk, with coastal paths linking nearly all the guest houses, hotels and restaurants. Most walks will take less than two hours. The less developed southwestern area of the island has some spectacular coast paths which provide easy walking, great views back to Bali, and spectacular sunsets.
In Nusa Penida, Renting a Bicycle and motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 80,000-120,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you). You may be able to find a rental vehicle but they are not common.
Getting to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida
The only way to reach Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida from Bali is by boat with approximately crossing time of 30-40 minutes. There are several options according to budget and speed. It is straightforward to reach Nusa Lembongan, and visitors to Nusa Penida usually come via Nusa Lembongan, although direct services from Bali are available. Most of the scheduled services leave from Sanur Beach at the end of Jalan Hangtuah Street, Denpasar, and involve getting your feet wet as there are no jetties to speak of. The exact departure and arrival point on this beach depends on the tide. Other services run from Benoa Harbour, and there are local public boat services to and from Padang Bai and Kusamba in East Bali, but these may have some safety and comfort issues.
From Sanur Beach here are the alternatives: Daily Fast Boat Transfer (include pick up and drop in around Bali and Lembongan). Tickets can be purchased at Jl Hangtuah 78, Sanur in front of Ayu Salon (Mushroom Beach Tel: + 62 361 281974, Email: sales@lembongancruise.com). Departs daily from Sanur beach at 8:00am, 9:30AM, 11.30AM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM. Departs daily from Lembongan at 8:00am, 3:30PM, 4:30PM.
Perama, a local transfers-only operator for the budget traveller. Boat departures daily at 10:30AM. The ride across is approximately 90 min. and there is no same day return option. The Sanur office of Perama can be found at Warung Pojok in Jalan Hangtuah.
Public Boat (slow), departs daily from Sanur beach at 8:00am and 10:30AM in front of the Ananda Hotel or near the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel (depending on tide). These boats can be a bit sketchy at times, and are usually very crowded. No same day return facility. The ride across is approximately 90 min.
Public Speed Boat, Sanur Beach,Phone: +62 361 743 2344. Departs daily from Sanur beach to Jungutbatu Bay at 9AM, 12:30PM, 3:30PM and returning at 8:00am, 10:30AM and 3PM. To Mushroom Bay leaves Sanur at 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 2:30PM and 4:30PM, and leaves Lembongan at 9AM, 1PM and 3:30PM. Book in advance as seats may be limited.
You can also find various cruises at Sanur Beach that offers transportation and package tour services to the islands. If you wanted to, you can charter speedboats to get into either Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida from Sanur or Padang Bai. Contact the speedboat operators or make enquiries in person at the relevant point of departure one day in advance.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua (southeast of the airport, 40 kilometers from Denpasar) is Bali’s most developed beach resort designed with help from the World Bank to exploit the “elite tourism” and international convention market. Situated o the eastern side of the peninsula south of the airport, it is an enclave with five-star hotels and resorts oriented around a large Galleria shopping mall,. Payment often in dollars. No hawkers are allowed. Among the resorts are a Club Med, a Grand Hyatt and two Sheratons.
Nusa Dua is a special, self contained tourism estate, built comprising a large Bali Convention center and complemented with super-de-luxe resorts. Here you will find some of the world’s best known hotel names, like the Grand Hyatt, the Westin Resort, the Laguna Resort & Spa, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Within Nusa Dua are Bali International Convention Center and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center
Some twenty years ago Nusa Dua was a barren and deserted area, where just a few fishing communities lived. A French company entrusted with compiling the Bali master plan recommended that Bali’s unique culture be protected from an undiscriminating onslaught of tourists to the island. In order to do this, the bulk of hotels and tourist facilities must be kept apart from the essential way of life and culture of Bali. Thus the development of the Nusa Dua resort was envisaged in this barren area, which would not encroach on the lush agricultural land of Bali, and provide routes inland to access the myriad attractions that the island offers.
Today, Nusa Dua is Bali’s top venue for important international conventions. The historic December 2007 Climate Change Conference that produced the Bali Roadmap and the Bali Action Plan was held here. This conference was attended by no less than 10,000 delegates from 180 countries, comprising heads of governments, ministers, international organizations and NGOs. In October 2011, Indonesia hosted an important APEC Summit in Bali, attended by Heads of State from all Asia Pacific countries.
Nusa Dua is easily accessible from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport directly by a wide highway. Hotels usually provide their own transportation. There is a shuttle bus between the hotels in Nusa Dua. Since all hotels are situated rather far in from the main gate, you must hire a taxi to see sights outside of Nusa Dua.
Convention Centers at Nusa Dua
The Bali International Convention Center (at Nusa Dua, 30 minutes from Bali’s International Ngurah Rai Airport) is widely accepted as the venue to choose for prestigious and successful international Summit Meetings. Its prime location among luxurious hotels set amongst spacious gardens on the exclusive Nusa Dua Peninsula facing the Indian Ocean ensures that more often than not tough disputes find positive solutions here. In these magical and peaceful surroundings, world leaders and delegates calm down from their hectic diplomatic pace to return refreshed and inspired to meetings. For information on the Convention center contact: Bali International Convention center (BICC), PO Box 36, Nusa Dua Beach 80363 Bali, Indonesia, Tel. +62361 773623, 77624, fax: +62361 772047, E mail: Meetings.BICC@westin.com, Website: baliconvention.com
The Bali International Convention Center (BICC) is the only Southeast Asian conference center on the beach away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. It has the largest, best equipped and most flexible conference and exhibition facilities on Bali that includes an exclusive bonded warehouse that greatly facilitates custom clearance and delivery. The Convention center itself is a two storeyed red-brick building, where on the ground floor are the Nusa indah Plenary Hall, an Exhibition Hall, VIP room, an Auditorium, and a number of boardrooms and smaller meeting rooms able to seat between 150 — 300 delegates for break-out sessions. The main 2,000 square meters Nusa Indah Hall at the Convention center seats 2,500 theatre style or 1,200 in classroom configuration, while the Auditorium can seat 506 persons with folding trays. Its unusually high 10 meters ceiling accommodates virtually any kind of production or exibit. On the upper floor are more function and meeting rooms, the largest of which, the Nusantara Room, can seat 1,500 participants theatre style or 1,000 classroom style. The Convention center is directly linked to the Westin Resort, with 350 luxurious rooms. Eight other Resorts within the Nusa Dua complex are within a short distance from the Centre.
Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC, 20 minutes away by car from Bali’s international airport) is Busa Dua’s other — newer — convention center. Made ready for the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in November 2011, BNDCC covers an impressive 70,000-square-meter garden landscape with breathtaking Balinese architecture, including a total 25,000 square meters of building area, which are all integrated to create a complete infrastructure for any kind of events. Its large convention can seat around 5,000 people theater style. This hall is dividable into 5 smaller units with capacities ranging between 270 seats to 2,200 theater-style seats.
BNDCC has a pre function lobby of 2000 square meters and 17 meeting rooms along with the extremely spacious Nusa Dua Convention Hall in the ground floor. Added to this is the open air facility and meeting room foyer that is air conditioned with natural lighting. The specialty of this venue is in its manpower that is dedicated to provide best Convention Services and its Audio Visual Team. The Wi Fi connection, Broadband internet access in all meeting rooms also makes it a technologically sound venue. It also has a parking space of 600 lots. Contact Address: Bali: Nusa Dua Resort Block NW/1, Badung,Bali, Indonesia 80363, Tel. +62-361-773000, E mail: info@baliconventionecenter.com, Website: baliconventioncenter.com, Jakarta Sales Office: The City Tower 7th Floor, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. B1 Jakarta 10310, Tel. +62-21-3199 6026, +62-21-3199 6027, +62-21-3199 6127, fax: +62-21-3199-6126
Nusa Dua Hotels
The Nusa Dua Peninsula has nine de-luxe hotels offering more than 3,000 rooms and suites, with each one itself providing large function and meeting rooms, first class international cuisine and service, and some of the best, world renowned Spas of Bali. Nusa Dua offers some of Bali’s best Spas for ultimate pampering and relaxation. There are also good golf courses and Olympic sized swimming pools. At Laguna Hotel you can have your own private pool by your room. All hotels in Nusa Dua offer fine dining, or have their own coffee shops. There are no roadside stalls here.
Nusa Dua is a special, self contained tourism estate, built comprising a large Bali Convention center and complemented with super-de-luxe resorts. Here you will find some of the world’s best known hotel names, like the Grand Hyatt, the Westin Resort, the Laguna Resort & Spa, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Melia Bali, Nikko Bali, Novotel Nusa Dua, and the Ayodya. The sprawling hotels offer beautifully manicured gardens, fantastic panoramic views of the blue ocean beyond, long stretches of white beaches and swaying palm trees. And, adhering to the architectural rule here, no hotel is built taller than a palm tree, making Nusa Dua a truly tropical dream paradise. Within Nusa Dua are Bali International Convention Center and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. Bali has more de-luxe hotels and exclusive venues outside the Nusa Dua that area that are ideal for conferences, weddings, exhibitions and performances. For detailed information on the Nusa Dua hotels, click their websites below:
The Westin Resort, westin.com/bali
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, nusaduahotel.com
The Laguna Resort & Spa, luxurycollection.com/bali
Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort, solmelia.com
Grand Bali Hyatt Bali, bali.grand.hyatt.com
Inna Putri Bali: http://hotelputribali.com
Ayodya Resort Bali, ayodyaresortbali.com
Novotel Nusa Dua, novotelnusaduabali.com
Nikko Bali Resort & Spa, nikkobali.com
South Coast of Bali
South Coast of Bali is known for it rugged coats, cliffs and superb surfing spots. The Ulu Watu area is regarded as Bali’s premier surfing spot. the waves are pretty consistent but often crowded. Ulu Watu has been featured in a number f surfing films. From the cliffs it is possible to check out the best surfing spots. On the way to Ulu Watu, is Garuda Kencana Cultural park, a huge classical-Greece-like facility with an amphitheater and towering columns that is being built in a limestone quarry and is expected to take at least 10 years ro complete.
Many of Bali’s mos renowned surfing beaches are along the Bukit Peninsula at the southern end of Bali. They include the Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach, Padang-padang Beach, Dreamland Beach, Impossible Beach and Balangan Beach. Uluwatu is the most famous wave of Bali. There is always some swell here so it's also always crowded. The spot offers several waves which are working with different swells and tides. Suluban Beach is known as a place where world-class thrilling waves meet jaw-dropping scenery. Located not too far from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple, this beach is the actual site of the famous Uluwatu surf break. This beach extends right up and joins the Uluwatu Beach. Together they are the Mecca for wave chasing junkees who come to Bali.
The other popular name for Suluban Beach is Blue Point Beach and this is not without reason since if you want to reach the beach you will have to pass the Blue Point Bay villas and spas. Luxury ocean front villas located in the Southern Peninsula of Bali, right on Uluwatu and Suluban Beach facing the Indian Ocean, offer the perfect accommodation if you want to spend your time on Suluban Beach or at the Bukit Peninsula. Aside from the Blue Point Bay Villas and spas there are also several other accommodation options that you can find near the Suluban Beach. Here are some of the accommodation options available around Suluban Beach:
Uluwatu: Bali’s Most Famous Surfing Spot
Uluwatu (one hour drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport) is the most famous surfing spot of Bali. There is always some swell here so it's also always crowded. The spot offers several waves which are working with different swells and tides: 1) The Peak: best at mid and high tide. Closes out at low tide. In front of the cave. it's the most consistant. Short and powerful waves, tubes. The take off is moving. It works from 1ft to 8ft. The most crowded. One of the sections closes more than the others. 2) Racetracks: 100 meters further. fast wave, a lot of sections with easy tubes. Best at low tide and at 6ft. Can hold bigger swell. On the right tide and the right swell, "The Peak" connects with "Racetraks" (you need to be a good tuberider). Over 10ft, Racetracks breaks until "The Corner".
3) Inside Corner: best at mid and low tide with a 6ft swell. At first, it's a fun wave and the final bowl is a tube. Don't do a cutback just before the bowl! Take plenty of speed, stay high in the face and trim. You will pass the tube. 4) Outside Corner: the REAL Uluwatu. Works only with big swells (more than 8 feet) and at low tide. The lower is the tide, the better is the wave. Take at least a 7' board. It is a succession of long walls good for carving and, sometimes, a beautifu l final tube. The length is around 300 meters. 5) Temple: less surfed. Two waves in fact ("Outside temple" and "The Bombies"). Only for experts because the water is very shallow. For them, it is a incredible tube when it works.
Spot information for surfing at Uluwatu: 1) Type of break: reef break; 2) Type of wave: hollow barreling wave; 3) Direction: left hand; 4) Bottom: coral; 5) Average lenght of ride: long; 6) Suitable for : expert level. Detailed information: 1) Crowd level: a big crowd; 2) Best tide: mid; 3) Ideal board size: 6'8-7'4 Mini gun; 4) Ideal wind direction: south-east; 5) Wavesize & wetsuit: Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Overhead: 6'- 8', Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts. [Source: globalsurfer.com]
You can use a taxi from the airport. Or you can go to Denpasar and to find a travel agent or auto rental. Many rentals also provide motorcycles. There are many accommodations from warung (warung is a traditional cafe), motels, hotels to villas. The prices range from $5 to $2000 for a day. If you stay in a warung you just need to pay for the meals. You'll find better accommodations like starred hotels near resorts. Various restaurants and cafes throughout Uluwatu, from cheap food stalls to luxury restaurants.
Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach (at Uluwatu) is a is where World-class thrilling waves meet jaw-dropping scenery. paradise of Suluban Beach. Located not too far from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple, this beach is the actual site of the famous Uluwatu surf break. This beach extends right up and joins the Uluwatu Beach.
Located at the Pecatu Village, in the South Kuta sub-district, Badung Regency, Suluban is beach is blessed with a breathtaking cliff-top views of the Indian Ocean. Approaching the area, visitors will be greeted by white rock cliffs that stretch as far as the eyes can see. Descending some 50 meters down to the shore, a vast white sandy beach kissed by turquoise blue waters and pounding waves.
The character of waves at Suluban Beach is similar to those at Uluwatu Beach: powerful, long swells and consistent barrels. Here waves can reach to between one and four meters feet with the average wave size being one and two meters, feet, perfect for advanced and professional surfers. The best season for surfing at Suluban Beach is during the dry session (April to August) when the wind blows from east to west creating the perfect waves for surfing.
The word Suluban comes from the Balinese language “mesulub” which translated means: to bow down. It is suggested that the name was adopted since visitors must first crouch or bow down when they pass the crevice between boulders that resembles a cave, before reaching the beach below the rocky cliff. The Beach is also known by many people as the Blue Point Beach since it is closely associated with the Blue Point Bay Villa located on the top of the cliff which shade Suluban Beach.
Accommodation, Restaurants and Transport at Suluban Beach
The other popular name for Suluban Beach is Blue Point Beach and this is not without reason since if you want to reach the beach you will have to pass the Blue Point Bay villas and spas. Luxury ocean front villas located in the Southern Peninsula of Bali, right on Uluwatu and Suluban Beach facing the Indian Ocean, offer the perfect accommodation if you want to spend your time on Suluban Beach or at the Bukit Peninsula.
Aside from the Blue Point Bay Villas and spas there are also several other accommodation options that you can find near the Suluban Beach. Here are some of the accommodation options available around Suluban Beach: 1) Blue Point BayVillas & Spa, Jl. Labuansait - Uluwatu, Pecatu, Bali 80364, Indonesia, Tel. +62 361 769 888, 3009729 ~ 31 (Hunting),, fax: +62 361 769 889, 3009728, E mail: info@bluepointbayvillas.com, Website: bluepointbayvillas.com; 2) Gong, Jl Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu (on the main road to Uluwatu Temple about 500 meters before the temple gates), Tel. +62 361 769976, E mail: thegongacc@yahoo.com; 3) Sandat Mas Cottages, Jl Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu, Tel. +62 361 769965, E mail: info@sandatmas.com; 4) Suluban Cliff Bali Villa, Jalan Pantai Suluban No.9, Pecatu, Uluwatu, E mail: info@sulubancliffbali.com, Website: sulubancliffbali.com.
Restaurants: Despite its secluded location, eating facilities around Suluban Beach are not hard to find. Restaurants and cafes serving international, Indonesian, and typical Balinese food can be easily found on the path leading down to the shoreline of the beach. Some of these restaurants and cafes have astounding views on the ocean, making it a perfect relaxing place after an exhausting surfing adventure.
Getting There: Located at the Bukit Peninsula, Suluban Beach is connected to Kuta and Denpasar through Jimbaran by the busy Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in. Approximately 34 Kilometers from Denpasar, the beach is about 30 minutes’ drive from the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport or about 45 minutes from the tourist resorts of Kuta-Legian.
From Denpasar or Kuta, Take the main road (Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua) south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 kilometers and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Follow the road southward until you reach the outer post of Uluwatu Temple where you will find a signpost to Suluban Beach to the right. Follow that road until you reach the Beach.
A taxi from Kuta to Suluban or Uluwatu will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes over winding roads and will cost about Rp 120,000 one-way. If you are just visiting for the day, consider asking the driver to wait for your home trip as it can be difficult to find transport back. Figure on paying the taxi driver Rp 20,000/hour to wait. Joining a tour can be a cheaper way of getting to the area as this destination is very widely offered by tour operators all over the island.
Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach (10 kilometers from the Ngurah Rai Airport or 45 minutes from Denpasar) is famous for and its long left-hander surf breaks. Ranked 1st in CNN Go’s “Bali's best 5 hidden beaches”, this beach lies just a little to the north of nearby Dreamland Beach. Flanked between two rock cliffs, the coastline of Balangan Beach stretches for about one kilometer and has mixture of white and black sands and unique green and dark brown stones.
For surfers, this is where one of Bali’s longest left-hander breaks are found and, when the swell is big enough, there may well be one or two tube sections. The sheer length of this wave means that it has several starting points, as well as varied sections — in a word, everything the surfer’s heart desires: whether steep or simple drops, sharp faces or smooth longboard sections, there’s something for everyone. Even advanced surfers can learn something here. With the best waves size averaging from 4 to 8ft, Balangan features very classy waves, meaning, surfers will be challenged by the fast waves on some good days with smaller swell during dead low tide days. From April to November constant south-west swells and off-shore winds ensure perfect waves, and loads of point breaks and tubes.
Accommodation around Balangan Beach includes: 1) Balangan Sea View Bungalow Address: Balangan Beach 2 Cengiling, Jimbaran-Bali, Tel. +62 361 7800 499 Mobile: +6281 236 792 12, E mail: info@balanganseaviewbungalow.com, Website: balanganseaviewbungalow.com; 2) La Joya Villa & Bungallow, Jalan Uluwatu Pantai Balangan - Pecatu Kuta, Badung, Tel. +62 361 7450501, +62 818 565 839, E mail: informations@La-Joya.com, Website: la-joya.com/index3.php; 3) Indah Balangan Villas, Jalan Pantai Balangan, Tel. + 62 857 372 43219, E mail: bookings@indahbalanganvillas.com, Website: indahbalanganvillas.com; 4) Flowerbud Bungalow, Address : Balangan Beach Street Jimbaran Bali Indonesia., Tel. +62 361 8572062. Mobile : +62 8164722310, E mail: wellehnick@yahoo.com, Website: flowerbudbalangan.com.
Getting There: To go to Balangan from Kuta or Denpasar take the South Bypass Ngurah Rai route to Nusa Dua until you arrive at Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu. Pass through the Garuda Wisnu Kencana complex until you find a small intersection where you should take the right small road until you find the sign “To Balangan”. Follow the road until you find the metal fence to the beach parking lot. The Trip from Kuta will take roughly 30 to 40 minutes, and from Denpasar it will take about 40-50 minutes depending on the traffic conditions.
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons
Text Sources: Indonesia Tourism website ( indonesia.travel ), Indonesia government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Japan News, Yomiuri Shimbun, Compton's Encyclopedia and various books and other publications.
Updated in August 2020