As Bali experts we know about every hidden corner of this special island and therefore we know about the best things to do and where to stay in Bali. Reasonably this means that when friends have questions about Bali, they approach us (and we love that!). And so when one of my best friends was getting married she came to me. Surprisingly more worried about her honeymoon than about the wedding itself, she wanted to know all about the things to do and where to stay for her honeymoon in Bali. We saw this as a good opportunity to go and find out about the best places for honeymoon in Bali, also called “the island of the Gods”.
Although it seemed a little weird for me as a single girl & single traveller to research this subject, it was soon agreed that I should go and find out. And so we created a list of best things to do & places to stay for a honeymoon in Bali and we love to share this list with you. We might even become a part of your future happiness with these tips!
Honeymoon in Bali
With its varied landscape of hills and mountains, perfect beaches, rugged coastlines, barren volcanic hillsides and aligned rice terraces, it is no wonder Bali is often referred to as paradise. And the combination of amazing scenery, friendly people, rich culture and tasty food make Bali one of the world’s most popular island destinations. We believe that Bali should be on everyone’s list of honeymoon destinations!
Without doubt honeymoon is connected to romance. After a hectic time organizing your perfect wedding and an unforgettable day with family & friends and then… you are together! Only the two of you… No other people around… Just you and your – now – husband or wife… This means quality time!
Best things to do for Honeymoon in Bali
But with so many things to do in Bali, it might seem like quite a task to create your own Bali honeymoon itinerary. And how to plan the days or weeks (or sometimes even months) of your honeymoon will be different for every couple. Some couples love beach-time with a cocktail in their hands, others prefer an active honeymoon climbing the highest mountains and camping in the wild, while other couples like to combine these options one way or another. Here are some suggestions that might help you to create your own Bali honeymoon package.
Photo shoot
Your wedding photos have been taken and during your honeymoon you probably keep a close eye on your email hoping to receive the results soon. And what better place than Bali to continue your photo shoot while on honeymoon?
Choose for a harbor shoot while sailing on a luxurious catamaran around Benoa harbor, with the clear blue ocean and sunset behind you as the perfect romantic backdrop. Or capture the perfect photographic moment when being kissed by an elephant, holding the hand of your loved one in Bali Zoo!
And real photo-geeks can even book a private and tailor-made photography tour with a professional photographer and expert of Bali. Choose three to four shooting locations on the island, at a famous temple, in front of green rice fields, sunset on the beach, wet & wild at the waterfall or many other special places.
What an excellent opportunity for sending out your “thank you” cards in style and more importantly: bring home this everlasting memory!
Wellness
Although you wished it would last forever, unfortunately every honeymoon comes to an end. So before you go home bringing back all those incredible memories of your honeymoon in Bali, don’t miss out on as many real Balinese massages as you can plan in. Enjoy this chocolate-indulging spa (for her) and coffee-blend spa (for him) and you will return home all revived.
Romantic picnics & dinner
No honeymoon in Bali is complete without a romantic meal served by their always-hospitable people.
This can be a gourmet picnic at the quieter side of the Ayung river in the middle of the jungle where you will sink in plush cushions while your private waiter serves you a delicious meal. Or on the beach, with your feet in the sand, blinking stars above you and the sounds of the ocean in the background when an exquisite beach barbeque dinner is served with discreet 5-star service.
Or you may find yourself in the jungle under a canopy of stars in a unique natural setting on the top of an infinity pool or a bird nest above the Ayung River Valley. The beautifully plated food will taste even better eaten at such an amazing scene with your loved one opposite you! Enough choices to fill your bellies on a few incredibly romantic moments.
Animal encounters
You haven’t been to Bali if you haven’t been close to its natural inhabitant; the elephant. This well-known friendly giant loves to bathe and you can do this with them! As a unique experience, this is one of the best things to do for a honeymoon in Bali. Several combinations are offered for your elephant encounter, like this bath and breakfast with elephants (and they won’t just feed you green) where you will wash, caress, feed and interact with the elephants in a spectacular and personal setting.
Or surprise your loved one with this romantic sunset horse-riding trip on the seemingly endless beaches of Tabanan. Imagine you and your husband or wife riding a horse on a Bali beach next to a crystal clear ocean at the time that the sun is setting and your honeymoon experience is complete!
Even though it’s your honeymoon, some people still like to get up early to get the most out of the day. If you are one of those early birds, don’t miss out on this early morning dolphin show at Lovina beach with succeeding tour to the natural highlights on the island like Banjar hot springs, Gitgit waterfall, Tamblingan lake and Blimbing rice terraces.
Once in a lifetime adventures
Are you more the kind of couple for an active honeymoon? Bali offers plenty of activities that most people will only experience once in a lifetime!
Trekking
Discover Bali joining this sunrise trekking tour to the summit of Mount Batur (1,717 meters) and experience the thrilling beauty of an active volcano. While you are enjoying the stunning morning views of the crater and lake, breakfast is cooked on the steam of this active volcano. You can taste adventure in this delicious meal!
Diving
Bali is located in the Coral Triangle Region, also called the “Amazon of the Seas”. Home to over 3,000 different species of fish including some of the largest fish in the world, this island is an underwater museum. For dive-lovers, this will be reason enough to include a dive trip in their Bali honeymoon itinerary. As one of the only places in the world to encounter a Mola Mola or Ocean Sunfish, we recommend this diving day trip at Nusa Penida for advanced divers. Bring your underwater camera for evidence of this special species back home!
For first-timers, an active fill of your honeymoon package is to take a Padi Open Water Course. This 3-day course will teach you how to feel like a fish the waters of Bali. As a certified diver you are then able to dive anywhere in the world accompanied by another certified diver. The only risk is that you might never find one more diving spot in the world as special as here…
Want to read more about the diving opportunities in Indonesia? This article Top 10 Best spots to get your Scuba Diving Certification in Indonesia will tell you all about it.
Cruising around Bali
The beautifully clear waters of Bali offer the best opportunities in the world to float around in a boat. Combine this with a beautiful sunset and the perfect romantic moment is here!
This romantic dinner cruise by catamaran on the southeast coast of Bali is a wonderful way of seeing “the island of the Gods” from the water, possibly even with dolphins playing in the water around you.
Or you can surprise your husband or wife with this private sunset cruise by catamaran. For a while you will feel like the only people in the world, just you and your loved one!
Immerse yourself and your loved one into the Balinese culture
Experience the amazing Balinese lifestyle by this tour to a local village named Sukahet Sari where the inhabitants will include you in their daily lives. The quiet, beautiful environment and the enchanting view from your room create instant romance. A trekking and several activities will teach you about the local culture and you might never want to leave again…
A shorter cultural activity is to be enjoyed during a day tour to this local village, far away from the crowded tourist places. The people will be happy to show you their school and sarong factory (traditionally hand-weaving), teach you about Arak distillation and tasting, enjoy making palm leave decoration and many more interesting activities that will make you understand the Balinese culture better.
You can also choose for a romantic getaway in this local village with dinner in between the rice fields of Bali! After dinner you are invited to release a paper lantern into the night sky, a sign of your lucky star.
Best places to stay for Honeymoon in Bali
The beach often is synonymous for honeymoon and makes a perfect start and/or finish of your honeymoon. During weeks of preparing for the wedding and all the stress that comes with it, you can’t stop fantasizing about the place(s) you have booked for your honeymoon. And then, finally the time is there! Your bags open on the bed in your honeymoon suite, the only thing you need is your bathing clothes and with bare feet you take your first steps on the beach, feeling the soft sand between your toes. Hand-in-hand with your now married loved one you run to the water and jump in, realizing that this must be the most beautiful moment of your live!
There are so many places in the world to enjoy your perfect honeymoon, although we believe that Bali offers some of the most special ones, especially related to soft sand & clear waters! But once you have chosen this destination, how do you choose where to stay in Bali?
The Bukit peninsula and its beautiful beaches
The Bukit peninsula at the southern end of Bali offers something for everyone. Divided up in three main regions – Nusa Dua, Uluwatu and Jimbaran – you will easily find the accommodation of your choice.
Nusa Dua is located only 40 kilometers south of Denpasar and is known as an enclave for 5-star resorts. It has perfect white beaches, safe swimming condition and a security check for everyone entering this part of the peninsula. In fact, Nusa Dua is made for honeymooners where lovebirds will find the intimacy they need whether on a private beach or in a sumptuous spa treatment room, Kayumanis Private Villa and Spa or the Grand Niko Bali are some of our recommended options for a romantic stay with your significant other.
Uluwatu is at the southwestern tip of the Bukit peninsula. It was “discovered” in 1972 as a surfing destination, due to the making of the classic surf film “Morning of the Earth”. As the number four surf destination in the world, it attracts surfers of all abilities.
The famous Uluwatu temple is the main attraction in this area. Perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring Indian Ocean waves makes you shiver thinking of the builders of this temple. This must be one of the most special spots in the world to witness sunset with your loved one before moving to your honeymoon suite in one of the luxurious resorts in this area.
The lively fishing town of Jimbaran is well known for its beachfront seafood restaurants. It also offers one of the best spot to admire the romantic view of the sun setting over Jimbaran bay, this view is to-die-for and a definite must-do for honeymooners! Its location makes it convenient for honeymooners to sightsee around and also offers visitors the chance to get an insight on Bali’s popular nightlife.
In Jimbaran, you will also find 5 stars resorts where you and your loved one can cocoon yourselves away, Ayana Resort And Spa is one of them. Do not miss the Pergola romantic dinner by the beach, it guarantees your romantic gateway an unforgettable one!
Ubud and its amazing jungle
The popular jungle resorts are mostly found in the middle of the island around Ubud, the cultural center of Bali. In this town you will find yourselves surrounded by good restaurants, cafes and streets of shops, many of them selling goods from the region’s artisans. Ubud offers accommodation for every budget; all artful, creative and serene.
The popularity of this place has grown rapidly due to the bestseller Eat, Pray, Love. Ubud is the ideal place to try a famed Balinese massage or check in for a unique spa adventure.
Lembongan & Gili islands – best getaways for lovers
One of our favorite trips for a real getaway for honeymooners combined with a special overnight stay is the cruise from Bali to Nusa Lembongan, where you will stay the night in a wonderful en-suite beach hut. This the perfect place to just put your feet up and relax, kayak on the ocean, snorkel in the crystal clear waters or ride a bike around the small island.
What better way to pamper yourself and your loved one in total luxury on a private charter boat? This is your honeymoon, a perfect excuse for some real luxury! Rent a boat for the most special 3-day charter cruise off the coast of South Lombok and the “secret Gili’s”. You will be spoiled in luxury and comfort, the only worry you have is when to throw out your fishing rod or jump in the water for snorkeling action and the most difficult choice is whether you want freshly caught tuna or squid for dinner, or both. The ultimate form of relaxation after the stressful wedding-period that will make you feel like a real movie star on holiday!
Enjoy your honeymoon in Bali!
During this trip we have learned so much finding out about the many things to do for your honeymoon and many places to stay for your honeymoon in Bali. We realize that you need a whole year to enjoy all the best places in Bali and hope that this information will make the choices a little easier for you. Most importantly is that you will enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience as a newly wedded couple as much as you both can!
Have you already enjoyed your honeymoon in this fascinating part of the world? And want to share any tips for the honeymooners stepping into your footsteps? Please let us know so you can also become part of the future happiness of newly-weds!
For me it is now time to find a man who wants to marry me, so next time I can enjoy my perfect honeymoon in Bali with my husband!
Have an incredible honeymoon!!
By Inge.