Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide
Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is one of the best honeymoon destinations on the planet. Let’s show you why with our Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide…
We’re nothing less than obsessed with a Bali honeymoon, and it’s always one of our top recommendations.
It hits the spot for most types of honeymoon. Beach, adventure, foodie, jungle, private pools, delicious dining, island hopping – a Bali honeymoon has all this and more!
Plus, it’s one of our favourite affordable honeymoon destinations.
If you’re thinking about a Bali honeymoon, you might wonder, is Bali good for honeymoon? How do you get there? How do you get around? What are the best things to do in Bali? What are the best honeymoon hotels in Bali?
Let us help you plan the perfect trip with our Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide!
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Best time to visit Bali for honeymoon
Bali and Indonesia have a tropical climate. It doesn’t have four seasons or experience winter. Instead, it experiences monsoon or simply put, rainy season and dry season.
The best time to visit Bali for a honeymoon is from April to October, during the dry season. This is the time of year with the least rainfall and humidity.
While many couples travel during the rainy season from November to January and particularly over the Christmas/New Year period, expect some bouts of showers, including occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Discover the best time to visit Bali with our month-by-month guide!
How to get around Bali
Bali is approx 150km from east to west and 110km from north to south, but the main Bali honeymoon destinations aren’t too far away from each other.
The traffic can be heavy. Whatever time Google Map tells you to get somewhere, double it!
It’s very rare to hire a car in Bali, but many tourists rent mopeds/scooters to get around Bali. You’ll need an international driver’s licence / permit and ensure your travel insurance covers you in the event of an accident.
If you don’t have experience driving a moped or are cautious about driving in Bali (and to be honest we wouldn’t blame you!), we’d recommend using local drivers or taxis instead.
You can use Uber style local ride-sharing apps like Grab. There’s also a competing ride sharing app, GoJek, too. Either is safe to use.
Hiring a driver for the day is inexpensive, while it may not be as quick as a moped, it’s safer and a more leisurely way to travel! Book a 5-star rated driver.
Dining & Drinking in Bali
Bali resorts are usually booked on a bed & breakfast board basis because Bali has an incredible dining scene! Like the rest of Asia, the regional food is delicious.
Warungs are traditional and usually family-run establishments with super affordable Indonesian food. You get incredible value, with dishes only costing a couple of dollars and a must for diving into local cuisine.
Consider doing a cooking school shortly after arrival to immerse yourself in Indonesian cuisine (and also demystify things if you’re not adventurous eaters!).
You’ll also find many other world cuisines to choose from in the major tourist centres too. Plus, there are so many cute vegan and organic cafes with great coffee, particularly around Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud.
Bali is not only a wonderful foodie honemoon destination, but it’s ideal for couples who like a little hedonism. You’ll find plenty of nightclubs and bars and some of the most fun beach clubs on the planet.
Bali Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels
Bali has so many incredible honeymoon resorts, you’re so spoiled for choice!
The hotels and resorts are not all-inclusive and the hotel prices usually include bed & breakfast.
There is a range of accommodation types and room categories, from the world’s most luxurious five-star hotels to villa rentals to budget guesthouses.
The good news is that it’s very affordable. In fact, you get some of the best value in the world in Bali.
If you love luxury (or if you have champagne tastes on a beer budget!), Bali is your perfect honeymoon destination.
Book a suite or villa with your private infinity pool and indulge in that floating breakfast you’ve been dreaming of! Keeping reading and we’ve got some of our favourite Bali honeymoon spots below.
Bali Honeymoon Destinations
Bali is jam-packed full of things to do and sights to see. Whether it’s a day at the spa, a yoga class at sunrise, snorkelling, diving, partying, cultural pursuits, or shopping — the list is endless.
Where to go and where to stay? Let us take you on a tour to help you decide on the perfect Bali honeymoon itinerary!
West Coast Beaches – Seminyak, Legian & Canggu
Most couples will want a stay on the west coast beaches and Seminyak is our top choice to start your Bali honeymoon itinerary.
It’s full of luxury resorts, places to eat and party while still being a little classier than its more rowdy back-packer neighbouring area to the south, Kuta.
You also have Legian between Kuta and Seminyak, and Canggu, which is north of Seminyak.
Canggu has risen in popularity in recent years as it’s a popular spot for digital nomads and surfers. While the beach isn’t as nice as Seminyak, it has a laid back bohemian vibe and has some lovely Bali honeymoon resorts worth considering.
These areas are quite close together. The coastline from Kuta to Canggu is only around 15 kms.
The west coast is more built up because of the proximity to the capital and the airport and so the traffic can be heavy so we’d recommend choosing the beach area you want to spend most of your time in so you don’t have to jump in taxis the whole time.
Seminyak, Legian & Canggu are great Bali honeymoon spots for just relaxing by the beach or pool.
It’s also perfect for dining, shopping, day trips so a good introduction to Bali, albeit busy outside.
It’s a great jump off point for exploring on your Bali honeymoon. Take a day trip to Nusa Penida, learn to surf and spend the day at Potato Head Beach Club.
West Coast Bali Honeymoon Hotels We Love:
South Coast Beaches – Jimbaran Bay & Uluwatu
The Bukit Peninsula is home to Uluwatu and Jimbaran Bay and some of the most luxurious and impressive Bali honeymoon resorts.
It’s quieter than Kuta & Seminyak, but it’s only an hour away and close to the airport, too.
Some of Bali’s best beaches are in this area, like Padang Padang Beach, Dreamland Beach and Nyang Nyang.
The dramatic cliff scenery is stunning. It’s super romantic and, like Seminyak, one of the best areas to start or end your Bali honeymoon itinerary.
Visit Uluwatu Temple, go surfing, hit Sundays Beach Club and watch the most beautiful sunsets.
South Coast Bali Honeymoon Hotels We Love:
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel
Southeast Coast Beaches – Nusa Dua, Sanur & Tanjung Benoa
The south-east coast beaches around Nusa Dua and Sanur are popular with couples seeking a more resort based stay on their Bali honeymoon itinerary.
You can still get out on day trips but it doesn’t have the more thriving dining scene, independent boutiques and beach clubs you’ll find in Bali honeymoon destinations like Seminyak.
There are plenty of luxury hotels and you’ll find the Bali honeymoon resorts on this side of the island are cheaper than Seminyak, Uluwatu and Jimbaran Bay.
This area is very popular with families and it’s a great spot for watersports. One downside to staying on the south-east coast beaches is that it’s not on the sunset side (although there are beautiful sunrises for early risers!)
Southeast Coast Bali Honeymoon Hotels We Love:
Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s most famous town, and it’s really a must add on to your Bali honeymoon itinerary.
Located inland, it’s the perfect spot for jungle adventures. Known for its arts and crafts, the town is surrounded by rainforest and terraced rice paddies dotted with Hindu temples and some of Bali’s most famous landscapes.
Ubud and the surrounding area has some of the best Bali honeymoon hotels where you can enjoy the surroundings from the luxury of your own private infinity pool, complete with floating breakfast.
Take a yoga class, visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and get that insta shot on the Bali swing. Do a cooking class, make your own jewellery and take a hot-air balloon ride.
Ubud Honeymoon Hotels We Love:
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Lombok & The Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno & Gili Air
Lombok is a large neighbouring island to the east of Bali and a world away!
It’s much quieter than Bali with better beaches like Pink Beach and amazing snorkelling and diving. Plus, it has beautiful hikes where you can swim in hidden waterfalls.
A trip to the ‘hidden Gilis’, Gili Petagan, Bidara, Kapal and Kondo is a must, too. There are some lovely honeymoon resorts on Lombok.
Offshore, on the northwest coast of Lombok, there is a trio of laid-back tropical islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
While you can get to the Gili Islands from Bali, Lombok is a great jump off point to the islands as they’re just off the coast.
The Gili Islands are car-free paradises with more white sand and calm turquoise waters than Bali. They’re super laid back and ideal for snorkelling and diving.
The accommodation is a bit more rustic than in Bali or Lombok.
Gili Trawangan is a party hub and the largest and most developed of the three islands, with a bustling nightlife and beach clubs.
In contrast, Gili Meno is a serene paradise, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and seclusion.
Gili Air is a balance between the two, with a laid-back vibe while still providing a range of activities and dining options.
The Gili Islands are the place to get that insta-worthy shot of a swing in the ocean.
It’s best to take a private fast boat to the Gili Islands from Bali, which take around 3 to 4 hours and they depart from a few spots on the island.
Book your boat transfer early if travelling in high season.
During the rainy season, the seas can get choppy between Bali and Lombok and the Gili Islands and there can be ferry cancellations, so some couples will choose to fly to Lombok instead (airport code: LOP). Occasionally, the seas can be choppy during the dry season, too.
Lombok Honeymoon Hotels We Love:
The Oberoi Beach Resort Lombok
Gili Islands Honeymoon Hotels We Love:
Pondok Santi Estate Gili Trawangan
The Nusa Islands – Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan
Home to some of the best and most instagrammable spots in Bali, the Nusa Islands are a trio of islands off the east coast of Bali.
They’re super close, and you can hop on a speedboat and be there in 30 minutes.
For many years, most couples just took a day trip to Nusa Penida, but with the advent of Instagram, they’ve become more popular to stay for a couple of days, too. If you have the time, that is.
Some of the best beaches in Bali, like Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, are on Nusa Penida.
There are beautiful hikes, cliff jumping and boat trips, diving and the heavenly natural infinity pool, Angels Billabong.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are two tiny islands, but they’re connected by a bridge, so it’s very easy to explore both.
They get fewer day trippers from mainland Bali than Nusa Penida, so if you want something a little less busy on your Bali honeymoon itinerary, then they’re 100% worth considering.
The Nusa Islands are closer than the Gili Islands, so ideal if you only have a night or two to explore an extra island.
Although remember they are different, the Gili Islands are more flat, sand islands with beaches and bars and no cars. Whereas the Nusa Islands are more rocky, and you need transport to get around.
You won’t find ultra luxury Bali honeymoon resorts on the Nusa Islands, but that’s what adds to its charm.
You can explore the beautiful beaches and watch the sunset from Devil’s Tear. Go cliff jumping at the Blue Lagoon.
Nusa is another great spot to get a shot of the swing in the beautiful blue sea. There are beach bars and great dining on the Nusa Islands, too.
Nusa Islands Honeymoon Hotels We Love:
Adiwana Warnakali Resort Nusa Penida
The Tamarind Resort Nusa Lembongan
Hai Tide Beach Resort Nusa Lembongan
Off The Beaten Track Bali Honeymoon Ideas
While parts of the south of Bali suffer from the scourge of over tourism, it’s still possible to get off the beaten track on your Bali honeymoon!
West Bali National Park is home to one of the most untouched parts of Bali. Stay at Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa where you can cycle, trek through the jungle and visit Ijen Crater to catch the stunning turquoise coloured crater lake.
You can also visit Menjangan Island, which is a hidden gem and home to a herd of deer.
Lovina is a beach town in the more secluded north of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of the south.
It’s known as a jumping off point to find dolphins that live along the coast. The beaches are more black sand and this is a part of Bali to experience more authentic local life. Stay at Puri Mangga Sea View Resort and Spa.
Amed is a fishing village on the northwest coast with black sand beaches. One of Bali’s most famous temples and site of millions of Instagram images, Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang, also known as Gate of Heaven Lempuyang Temple, is just 30 minutes away.
Nearby Tulamben is also one of the best diving sites in Bali with the WW2 shipwreck, USAT Liberty. Stay Mathis Lodge Amed.
There are also a couple of luxury resorts by Alila Manggis and Amankila near the east coast’s much less visited Manggis.
Just an hour east of Ubud is Sideman. It’s almost like Ubud before the crowds came with rice paddy fields and waterfalls.
Nearby you can go whitewater rafting and Mt Agung is just 45 minutes’ drive, so the ideal spot for that incredible sunrise hike.
Mt Batur is a little further north and you can do a sunrise hike there, too. Plus, Batur has hot springs at Lake Batur. You can also visit these easily from Ubud.
Stay at the heavenly Wapa di Ume Sidemen or Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa.
In north central Bali, Munduk has one of the best natural treasures, the stunning waterfalls trail. Explore beautiful Sekumpul waterfall and Banyumala waterfall.
At nearby Bedugal, one of the most famous images of Bali, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple can be found.
Accommodation is much more rustic around this lesser visited part of Bali. You’ll find more home stays and guest houses, but if you’re staying in this area, Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort
How to plan a Bali honeymoon itinerary
It can be a little overwhelming trying to create the perfect Bali honeymoon. Confused about where to go and how long to stay? No matter where you go, you’ll have a gorgeous time.
Bali can be a relaxing destination where you can do nothing and pass the time away on the beach or in your private pool villa or suite, but as you can see there are lots of activities to do, islands and beaches to see, mountains to climb and foods to try!
While you can base yourself on one area, if you have time, we’d recommend picking a couple of spots / islands and moving around a little.
How much time you have and how much you want to relax vs sightseeing will help you decide on your Bali honeymoon itinerary.
When planning your itinerary, remember that 2 nights will only give you 1 full day to explore/relax, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, and so on.
You’ll definitely want some relaxing days, but you’ll also want to get out and explore this magnificent island.
Here is what we’d recommend for a Bali honeymoon:
If you have 7 nights, pick a beach area like Seminyak, Uluwatu or Nusa Dua (if on a budget) and take day trips or split your stay into 4 nights at a beach and 3 nights in Ubud.
If you have 10 nights, either add another beach to the end of your itinerary or consider adding the Nusa Islands or Gili Islands for 3 nights in the middle of your itinerary.
If you have 14 nights, relax by the beach / pool in Seminyak or Canggu for 3-4 nights, then pick some islands and come back to Bali to do Ubud and finish up with 3 nights in Uluwatu.
If you’re lucky enough to have over 14 nights, add in an off the beaten track area. We love Sideman, Munduk and Amed.
Good to know about Bali
Time Zone: GMT +8
Language: Indonesian
Capital: Denpasar
Population: 4.5 million on Bali
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah Rp
A few phrases:
Hi: Halo
Thank you: Terima kasih
Goodbye: Selamat tinggal
About
Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia, just north of Australia, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. There are over 17,000 islands in this archipelagic nation
The population is 280 million, making it the planet’s 4th most populous. The religion is mostly Muslim, although Bali is mainly Hindu.
Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It’s East of Java and west of Lombok.
The province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore islands, like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.
Bali Honeymoon Frequently asked questions
Is Bali good for a honeymoon?
Yes! Bali is one of the best honeymoon destinations. There is a wide range of luxurious and affordable honeymoon resorts and hotels with private pools and floating breakfasts.
There are many romantic activities for honeymoons – sunrises, sunsets, hikes, culture, and adventure. The food is delicious, and Balinese people are very hospitable!
However, it does have issues with over-tourism, so if you can, try to get off the beaten track a little.
Is Bali safe for LGBTQ+ couples?
Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, so it is a conservative destination.
While homosexuality is not illegal, LGBTQ+ people can face discrimination and harassment.
Bali, being mostly Hindu, is a little more liberal than the rest of Indonesia. However, it is still a conservative island, and even heterosexual couples should be mindful of local sensibilities regarding public displays of affection and expressions of sexuality.
In the large international resorts, LGBTQ+ couples usually won’t encounter issues in terms of honeymoon amenities, but elsewhere, discretion is advised.
Overall, Bali is considered a relatively safe place for LGBTQ+ couples to travel.
How long should we stay in Bali on our honeymoon?
We recommend at least 10 nights for a Bali honeymoon for a good mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and experiences.
However, the ideal duration of a Bali honeymoon will vary depending on personal preferences and budget.
A longer stay will give you more time to explore different areas and islands around Bali, allowing a balance between adventure and relaxation.
When planning your Bali honeymoon itinerary, keep in mind that 2 nights will only give you 1 full day, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, 7 nights = 6 full days, and so on.
How do we get to Bali?
The capital city of Bali is Denpasar, located in the south of the island, where the main airport is also situated (airport code: DPS).
Although there are currently no direct flights from Europe or the US to Bali, it is easy to reach via several hubs in Asia, such as Singapore (3 hours), Bangkok (4 hours), or Kuala Lumpur (3 hours).
Plus there are flights through Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai (9 hours), Istanbul (12 hours), and Doha (10 hours).
Direct flights are available from all major Australian cities (4-6 hours) and other regional Asian airports such as Tokyo (7 hours), Ho Chi Minh City (4 hours), or Manila (4 hours).
Do we need a visa for Bali?
A visa is required for Bali. Most nationalities can enter Bali for up to 30 days by obtaining an eVisa online.
You can arrange your Indonesia eVisa on iVisa.com.
Ensure that you have at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport.
Do we need travel vaccinations for Bali?
Bali has a lower risk of malaria, though anti-malarial drugs may be recommended for rural areas of Bali and other parts of Indonesia.
We encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or consult with a Tropical Medicine Specialist.
Is a Bali honeymoon package expensive?
Bali is an inexpensive honeymoon destination from a Western point of view, known for its luxurious yet affordable resorts, boutique hotels, cheap eats, and affordable transportation and activities.
However, the cost of a honeymoon in Bali will vary widely depending on factors like the time of year, accommodations, length of stay, and planned activities.
The biggest expense with a Bali honeymoon package is usually the airfare, but once you arrive, Bali is undeniably affordable.
That said, if you opt for 5-star hotels, dine only in your luxury hotel, and book tours via the concierge, the price will increase.
For savvy couples, it’s easy to arrange things with local companies or book excursions online beforehand to save.
Should we use a travel agent to book our honeymoon in Bali?
A good travel agent who books Bali regularly can take care of all the nitty gritty details of your Bali honeymoon.
They might even have preferential rates, so it’s definitely worth checking things with a trusted travel agent. Using a travel agent has a lot of advantages.
If you prefer to book a D-I-Y Bali honeymoon package, we’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com.
You can book transfers and ferries, along with tours and excursions on GetYourGuide or Viator.
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change airplanes.
We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience.
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!
What about travel insurance?
Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible. Safety is paramount, so it’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon.
If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
What should we pack for a honeymoon in Bali?
Bali is a place full of adventure, but it’s also a destination with sophisticated bars, beach clubs, and hotels!
So while we’d say leave the heels at home, bring attire for adventures, but also some chic, casual summer clothes for romantic dinners and partying the nights away.
Check out our Ultimate Bali Packing List for everything you need to know!
Should we bring cash / should we tip in Bali?
While you can use credit and debit cards in Bali at most luxury hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, you will need cash for incidentals and when visiting the islands around Bali.
You can take out cash at the ATMs on Bali rather than bringing a lot of cash with you.
Tipping is not part of the customs in Bali, but it is still appreciated for good service. Rounding up the bill by the rupiah equivalent of a couple of dollars is ideal.
Where can we tag on to Bali for a multi-destination honeymoon?
As you can see, whether you have a week or a month, Bali has so much to offer that even two weeks might not feel like enough time to explore!
So if you decide to spend your entire honeymoon there, you won’t be disappointed.
However, it is very easy to add on other Indonesian islands like Java or Flores. Neighboring countries are also great to combine with Bali.
A city stopover in Singapore is one of our favorite combinations.
Malaysia, Vietnam, India, China, The Philippines, and Japan are also great options for couples with more time.
Bali is also well connected to the Middle East. If you’re traveling via Europe, you could add city stops in places like Istanbul. Dubai is one of our favorite city stopovers, and Abu Dhabi has a lot going on too.
If you’re torn between Bali and Thailand, we have the lowdown on what makes them different.
Or if the Maldives is on your bucket list, while there is no direct flight between Bali and Maldives, you can easily travel via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
Bali & The Maldives make for one of our favorite multi-destination honeymoon ideas.
Short on time and need to decide between Bali and Maldives? We’ve got a comparison to help with that decision, too!
Bali, albeit different, si also a wonderful alternative to the Maldives.
Things to consider before you book your Bali honeymoon
While we love to recommend a honeymoon in Bali, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream honeymoon!
- Weather: Bali’s monsoon season from November to March, can occasionally lead to regular heavy rains which can spoil your honeymoon.
- Over Tourism: Bali is a popular destination, attracting tourists from around the world. Popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, along with the popular sights can get crowded, which means the romance is dialled down if you’re out and about.
- Traffic Congestion: The traffic in Bali can be chaotic, especially in the more tourist-heavy areas. This can make traveling around the island time-consuming.
- Environmental Concerns: Bali faces environmental issues such as pollution and waste management problems. Beaches and streets can be littered in some parts of the island.
- Distance: Depending on where you are in the world, Bali may be further away and if you only have a short time for your honeymoon, it may not be worth travelling so far away.
You don’t want to have to deal with jet lag for your whole honeymoon! If you’re flying more than 15+ hours make sure you have at least 10 nights.
Map Of Bali
TL;DR?
key Points
We would love to hear from you if you are planning a Bali honeymoon. Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information!
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please chat with us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!
Happy Planning x
Related Indonesia honeymoon articles:
The Best Time To Visit Bali For honeymoon
50 Things To Do In Bali On Honeymoon
Gili Islands Guide – which Gili Island is best for honeymoon
Off The Beaten Track Bali Honeymoon Destinations
10 Indonesian Islands to add to your Bali honeymoon itinerary
Countries to combine with Bali
Honeymoon Planning resources
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