Bali Honeymoon Guide: Where, When, What, and How to Visit

It might just be a dream come true.

That Bali honeymoon you’ve been wistfully thinking about for years? It’s finally in the works. With its white sand beaches, gorgeously clear waters, and vibrant landscapes, it’s fair to say that heaven on earth might actually exist in Indonesia.

While this tropical paradise has plenty to offer for all kinds of honeymooners, planning your Bali honeymoon itinerary is no easy task. Do you want a palm-fringed island escape? A verdant adventure in the jungle? A chilled-out week of yoga and meditation? A cultural getaway of great restaurants and boutique shopping?

As a bonus, this guide isn’t just sourced from info found on the web–our Zola writer has lived in Bali for over four years. Our local expert compiled everything you need to know for the ultimate Bali honeymoon in this guide. From when to go and where to stay to activities and eateries, you have first-hand knowledge at your fingertips.

Our tried-and-tested resources will keep your Bali honeymoon as seamless as possible. You’ll see recommendations on everything from how to find drivers, how to book excursions, what to order and where to visit if you have extra time.

In short, you bring your sunglasses and your recently betrothed, and we’ll bring the local expertise. Meet you at the airport?

Planning a Bali honeymoon

Consider this your 101 when it comes to a seamless Bali honeymoon vacation experience.

What language do they speak in Bali?

Bali has two official languages, Bahasa Indonesia and Balinese. In the tourist-heavy areas, most people speak some English, but this is limited the further north you go.

What currency is used in Indonesia?

Bali (and wider Indonesia) uses the Indonesian Rupiah. You may be able to pay for some things in USD, but it’s best to take cash out in advance. The island heavily favors cash over card payments, especially in smaller stores or when paying for excursions in person rather than online.

When should I go to Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which is from April to October. Temperatures stay between 80-90°F (27-32°C), and humidity is relatively low. While prices tend to be lower during the rainy season (November to March), the weather can be unpredictable, humidity is higher, and boats to the islands can be canceled at short notice.

How much time to spend in Bali?

You can explore Bali in 10 days to two weeks, depending on how much you want to see and do. If you've got more time, check out the Indonesian islands of Lombok or Labuan Bajo, which are an hour's flight away from Denpasar, Bali.

How to get to Bali?

You’ll need to take at least one connecting flight to get to Bali from the U.S., as there are currently no direct flights available. Many flights connect via Singapore, Japan, or Malaysia. From there, you can catch a flight to Denpasar, the capital of Bali, in about two-and-a-half hours.

How to get around Bali?

Most hotels and resorts offer airport transfers. You can also easily hail a taxi through the Grab or GoJek apps (Bali's equivalent to Uber). Public transport is sporadic and unreliable, but you can hire a driver for around $75 per day or take taxis.

Don't drive in Bali unless you're super confident. Motorbikes are frequent, but driving conditions are stressful.

What should I pack for Bali?

Bring everything you need for a tropical vacation: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and light clothing. Mosquito spray is essential, too. Bring a modest, lightweight outfit and a scarf for visiting temples or an outfit that covers your shoulders and knees. If you'll be hiking, bring a warm layer—it gets chilly at the top of the volcanoes.

Where to stay in Bali for honeymoons

Despite being a pretty small place (Bali is 95 miles wide and 70 miles north to south), Bali’s landscapes and climates vary hugely as you explore the island.

Read on for our recommendations about where to stay in each place.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a honeymooner’s dream, particularly if you’re a fan of rainbow-hued sunsets, world-renowned beaches, and impressive, surfer-friendly waves.

Stay at The Bulgari Resort Bali, with its private villas with views of the Indian Ocean and a spa that utilizes exotic oils and volcanic stones. Popular with celebrities, this Bali honeymoon spot is considered one of the most exclusive hotels in the world.

The Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort comes complete with beautiful Balinese decor and a multi-layered oceanfront swimming pool. The Anantara is blessed with some of the island’s best surf breaks and sunset views.

Nusa Dua

Concerning Bali honeymoon destinations, Nusa Dua might just be the most quintessential around. Nusa Dua is a stretch of white sand and calm waters in the southeastern part of Bali. You’ll find countless luxury hotels here, with an oceanfront promenade complete with watersports and cycling paths.

Consider the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, a five-star hotel with a private beach and a huge range of delicious restaurants. Spend your days chilling in the lagoon pool and eating Japanese, Italian, or Indonesian dishes for dinner.

The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is perfect for some well-overdue relaxation. This accommodation is the ideal choice for yoga, meditation, and workouts. It has seven swimming pools and a private beach. The Laguna is a Marriott hotel, too, which means you might be able to make good use of your points.

Ubud

You’ll fall in love with Ubud before you’ve even arrived, thanks to the rice-field roads and canopy-like vines that welcome you to this town. Ubud is all about traditional wellness culture, with vegan restaurants, countless yoga retreats, and beautiful walking paths.

The Pita Maha Resort is swathed in greenery, and you’ll love Pita Maha’s jungle-front infinity pool and Balinese customs. Book one of the hotel’s private villas, or go all out with one of Pita Maha’s exclusive Bali honeymoon packages.

If you’ve searched “Bali honeymoon” on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably already admired The Kayon Resort Ubud’s multi-level pool. Surrounded by the holy Petanu River and the tropical rainforests, this is a top spot for ultimate relaxation.

Canggu/Seminyak

We’ve listed these two together as they’re right next to each other. Canggu and Seminyak are Bali’s digital nomad hotspots, complete with black sand beaches, laid-back beach bars, an international restaurant scene, and thriving nightlife.

Stay at the COMO Uma Canggu. It’s perched on Batu Bolong beach, and you can quite literally walk from your room to the ocean in mere footsteps when staying here. This luxe hotel is a popular choice for honeymooners, and its poolside cabanas are perfect for watching the sunset.

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is a beachfront hotel that sits between Seminyak Beach and Petitenget Beach, which means you’re perfectly located for swimming, tanning, and enjoying countless iced coconuts. Not a fan of the sea? Its huge pool overlooks the water, too.

The Nusa Islands

Just a thirty-minute boat from Sanur harbor, on Bali’s southeast coast, you’ll find The Nusa Islands: Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida. These tranquil isles offer a more relaxed pace of life for your Bali honeymoon than the mainland. Lembongan is your best choice for a honeymoon, with a bridge connecting it to Ceningan and an hourly boat crossing to Penida for day trips.

You’ll find Mahagiri Resort on the island’s largest stretch of white sand. Famous for its vibrant sunrises, this spacious hotel has a great seafood BBQ on the beach and is an easy walk up to Lembongan’s best beach bars and restaurants.

Indiana Kenanga Boutique Hotel is a place where luxury comes at a lower price on the islands, as it certainly doesn’t hold back when it comes to honeymoons. Each villa blends Balinese charm with French details, from its white-fringed cabanas to its sun-bleached wood interiors.

The Gili Islands

While most Bali honeymoon tours don’t come here, if your Bali honeymoon is longer than two weeks, you can venture a little further afield to the Gili Islands. Accessible via a three-hour boat or a one-hour flight to neighboring Lombok, the Gili Islands offer classic island vibes.

Base yourself on the largest of the three, Gili Trawangan, with its incredible snorkeling opportunities and world-famous sunsets. Take a day trip to Gili Air and Gili Meno, stopping by the underwater statues at Meno and cycling through the palm trees on Air.

Pearl of Trawangan is a lovely place to stay. Made of artistically-styled bamboo, it is a luxury boutique spot on a 115-meter stretch of white sand beach. Based just beyond the main strip, it’s home to teak cottages, a stylish restaurant, and an oversized pool.

Not only is Hotel Lumi utterly beautiful with its palm-tree backdrop, but it’s also home to the island’s best beach club: Skinny Dip. If you drink alcohol, try a frozen strawberry margarita (or two). Motorized vehicles are banned on the Gili Islands, so rent a bicycle or order a Cidomo (horse and cart!) to carry your luggage to this spot.

Things to do in Bali

Here are a few memorable, fun, and romantic things to do on a Bali honeymoon.

Indulge in a Balinese spa treatment

Bali is known for its holistic natural spa treatments that use local ingredients, like herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. Pamper yourself and your partner with a relaxing massage or a soothing body scrub.

Bali's varied landscapes make room for dozens of types of spa venues, from beachfront cabanas to jungle huts or private villas.

Some of the most beautiful spas in Bali are the Bodyworks in Seminyak (try the Self-Love Club package) and The Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. If you choose the latter, finish your evening with a sunset drink at a neighboring restaurant, Sayan House.

Get your heart rate up with an adventurous activity

If you and your partner’s ideal Bali honeymoon is more about fast-paced adventures than long walks on the beach, try whitewater rafting, zip lining, or quad biking through Ubud's jungles.

You can also hike up to the summit of Mount Batur, an active volcano in the center of the island, and watch the sunrise from the top.

Staying in Bali for longer? Book a night or two at Volcano Terrace in Kintamani and go to Akasa for a coffee above the clouds.

Lean into your spiritual side

Bali is rich in culture and spirituality, and you can experience it by visiting some of the island’s endless temples and ceremonies.

Spend an afternoon admiring the Hindu shrine of Tanah Lot and watching the sunset, or watch a traditional Kecak fire dance in Uluwatu. You'll also find yoga shalas and meditation centers throughout the island, like Yoga Barn in Ubud and Radiantly Alive in Canggu.

Explore Bali's underwater world

Bali is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with some of the most diverse and colorful marine life in the world. Swim with turtles, manta rays, sharks, and thousands of fish in the clear blue waters, particularly around the Nusa islands and the Gili islands. If you're more into seeing the sights than getting up close and personal yourself, you can take a glass-bottom boat around the Gili islands.

Where to Eat on Your Bali Honeymoon

Bali doesn’t hold back when it comes to great restaurants, no matter where on the island you’re based or what you’re looking to sample. Classic Indonesian dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice, served with veg or chicken) or beef rendang, a rich, subtly sweet, slow-cooked beef dish.

Some of Bali’s best restaurants include:

• Sangsaka - Seminyak: stylish Balinese small plates served with Indonesian-inspired cocktails.

• Kynd Community - Canggu and Seminyak: A can’t-believe-it’s-vegan brunch spot. Expect smoothie bowls with fruit letters and great burgers.

• Sayan House - Ubud: a picturesque spot set above a rainforest with a fusion of Japanese-Latin dishes. Visit for sunset and book a table in advance.

• Lola’s - Canggu and Uluwatu: Mexican dishes with a potent menu of margaritas. Try the kiwi jalapeño margarita and a Baja fish taco.

• Ours - Uluwatu: Come to this surfer-friendly cafe for an Aussie-inspired brunch before a day at the beach.

• Penny Lane - Canggu: A pink and green, palm-fringed day and night spot. Warning: the portions here are hefty in the best way.

• Zest - Ubud: Perched high up in the treetops, this plant-based cafe has beautiful green views and a real-life tree growing through its center.

• Crate Cafe - Canggu: One of the most popular brunch spots, everything here has a set price of 60k (around $3.80). It also serves incredible iced lattes.

Tips for your Bali honeymoon

Some final on-the-ground honeymoon advice from our tried-and-tested Bali resident.

• For a two-week Bali honeymoon itinerary, pick three of the above spots to visit.

• Bali honeymoon costs tend to be lower than honeymooning in many other parts of the world, other than the up-front cost of getting to Indonesia. If you’re in the early planning stages, turn on Google’s flight alerts to keep an eye on the best deals.

• Most things in Bali are communicated via WhatsApp. So, don’t be surprised if your hotel, tour operator, or driver contacts you this way.

• Restaurants and boats can book up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance if there are specific places you want to visit and/or eat.

• When visiting the islands, book your transfers via Whatsapp rather than online to support local businesses and to get better prices. For boats, drivers, or other recommendations, check out Facebook communities like Bali Bogans or Bali Expats.

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