Balisama: luxury resorts and villas in Bali

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Nusa Dua vs Nusa Lembongan

Choose Nusa Dua for a shorter airport transfer, families, calm water and walkability; choose Nusa Lembongan for lower prices, nature, diving and sunsets.

Nusa Dua

Pristine beaches & all-inclusive luxury. Best for: Families, all-inclusive seekers & business travelers.

Choose Nusa Dua for a shorter airport transfer, families, calm water, walkability.

  • Beach: White sand on a reef-protected lagoon: calm water, best for swimming at mid to high tide.
  • Nightlife: Mostly resort bars and shows; very little outside the hotels.
  • Prices: $$$$ · Expensive. Expensive inside the resort enclave; cheaper food in Bualu village outside the gates.
  • To the airport: 13 km · 20–30 min
  • Climate: Hot & humid · coast
  • 59 resorts on Balisama, from about $34 a night

Nusa Lembongan

Small island, big ocean. Best for: Divers, surfers & couples.

Choose Nusa Lembongan for lower prices, nature, diving, sunsets.

  • Beach: White-sand coves (Dream Beach, Mushroom Bay); swimming depends on the tide and currents.
  • Nightlife: Sunset bars and a few beach bars; mostly early nights.
  • Prices: $$ · Moderate. Moderate: a little pricier than mainland Bali, since everything comes by boat.
  • To the airport: 1½–2 h. Drive to Sanur, then 30 minutes by fast boat
  • Climate: Hot & humid · coast
  • 9 resorts on Balisama, from about $80 a night

Nusa Dua and Nusa Lembongan are about 28 km apart, with a boat trip between them.

Ratings

  • Beaches: Nusa Dua Excellent (5/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
  • Calm-water swimming: Nusa Dua Excellent (5/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
  • Surfing: Nusa Dua Fair (2/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
  • Diving & snorkeling: Nusa Dua Fair (2/5), Nusa Lembongan Excellent (5/5)
  • Sunsets: Nusa Dua Poor (1/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
  • Nightlife: Nusa Dua Poor (1/5), Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5)
  • Restaurants & cafés: Nusa Dua Good (3/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
  • Culture & temples: Nusa Dua Poor (1/5), Nusa Lembongan Poor (1/5)
  • Nature & landscapes: Nusa Dua Poor (1/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
  • Yoga & wellness: Nusa Dua Very good (4/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
  • Family-friendly: Nusa Dua Excellent (5/5), Nusa Lembongan Good (3/5)
  • Peace & quiet: Nusa Dua Very good (4/5), Nusa Lembongan Very good (4/5)
  • Remote work: Nusa Dua Fair (2/5), Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5)
  • Walkability: Nusa Dua Very good (4/5), Nusa Lembongan Fair (2/5)

Our ratings, from 0 (none) to 5 (excellent), compare Bali's areas with each other.