Nusa Dua Cultural Experiences: What to See and Do
Nusa Dua cultural experiences offer a close look at Bali’s living heritage. Temples, dance and craft are part of daily life on the island, not only attractions for visitors, and the Nusa Dua area gives you easy ways to see them. Here is what to discover nearby, and how to experience Balinese culture at Paradisus by Meliá Bali.
Temples in and around Nusa Dua
Pura Geger stands on the cliffs above Geger Beach, looking out over the Indian Ocean, close to the resort area of Nusa Dua. Balinese Hindus come here to pray, and a spring at the temple is used for melukat, the Balinese purification ritual. Visitors are welcome to see the temple from the outside areas; dress respectfully and follow local guidance.
Puja Mandala, on the hill above Nusa Dua, brings together five houses of worship side by side: a mosque, a Catholic church, a Buddhist temple, a Protestant church and a Hindu temple. It is a quiet, moving place that shows the island’s spirit of tolerance.
Further along the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu Temple sits on a clifftop high above the ocean, one of Bali’s most important sea temples.
Balinese arts, crafts and shopping
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Ungasan, on the Bukit Peninsula, is home to the monumental statue of Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda, one of the tallest statues in Indonesia. The park also hosts cultural performances and offers wide views across the south of Bali.
Bali Collection, the shopping and dining complex in the Nusa Dua resort area, is a convenient place to browse Balinese crafts, textiles and souvenirs without leaving Nusa Dua.
Balinese dance and performance
The Devdan Show, Treasure of the Archipelago, at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre combines traditional dance from across Indonesia with acrobatics and stage effects. It is an easy evening out for the whole family.
At sunset, the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple retells an episode of the Ramayana, the Hindu epic. It is performed without musical instruments: a large chorus of men chants the rhythm, with the ocean and the setting sun behind them.
Balinese culture at Paradisus by Meliá Bali
You do not need to leave the resort to take part in Balinese traditions. The daily Life Enriching Program includes afternoon culture workshops, among them batik and art, penjor making, Balinese janur art from young coconut leaves, canang sari offering-making and a sarong and dance lesson, as well as a guided visit to one of the two temples in the resort grounds. In The Kidsdom, children learn Balinese dance and make canang sari too.
On an all-inclusive stay, the Destination Inclusive® excursions are included: Uluwatu on Monday and Thursday, and Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun Temple on Tuesday and Friday. The Devdan Show is included for The Reserve and Family Concierge guests on an all-inclusive stay, and The Reserve guests on an all-inclusive stay also have the Balikaru Village Experience near Mount Batukaru. Guests on other rates can join for an additional charge.
Terms & Conditions
Activities and schedules are subject to change, modification, or cancellation at any time due to weather conditions, operational requirements, safety considerations, or unforeseen circumstances.
We appreciate your understanding and recommend checking with our team for the latest updates.
Visiting temples respectfully
- Cover shoulders and knees, and wear a sarong and sash. Many temples lend or rent them at the entrance.
- Do not step over or on offerings placed on the ground.
- Keep to the areas open to visitors, and do not climb on shrines or walls.
- Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temples.
- At Uluwatu, keep sunglasses, hats and loose items secure: the monkeys are quick to grab them.
Plan your stay
Paradisus by Meliá Bali is a Destination Inclusive® beachfront resort in Nusa Dua, 12 km, about 20 minutes by road, from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, with all-inclusive and bed-and-breakfast rates. It is a comfortable base for discovering Balinese culture, both in the resort and beyond the gate. Read why Nusa Dua makes a good base, then plan your stay.
Frequently asked questions
What cultural experiences can I have in Nusa Dua?
Visit Pura Geger on the cliffs above Geger Beach, see Puja Mandala, where five houses of worship stand side by side, watch the Devdan Show at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre and browse Balinese crafts at Bali Collection. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple are a drive away on the Bukit Peninsula.
Where can I see the Kecak dance near Nusa Dua?
The best-known Kecak performance is held at sunset at Uluwatu Temple, on the western tip of the Bukit Peninsula. It retells a story from the Ramayana and is performed by a chorus of voices, without musical instruments.
What should I wear to visit a temple in Bali?
Cover your shoulders and knees and wear a sarong and sash; many temples lend or rent them at the entrance. Follow any signs at the temple and do not enter areas reserved for prayer.
Can I learn about Balinese culture at Paradisus by Meliá Bali?
Yes. The daily Life Enriching Program includes afternoon Balinese culture workshops such as batik, penjor making, janur art, canang sari offering-making and a sarong and dance lesson, as well as a guided visit to one of the two temples in the resort grounds. Children learn Balinese dance and canang sari in The Kidsdom.
