Bali is a small chain of Indonesian islands, but it’s a prime post-wedding getaway destination where romance, adventure, tradition, and spirituality converge. Don't let the flight time and ticket price deter you; once you arrive, you can enjoy an affordable and unforgettable honeymoon in Bali.
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Is Bali a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Bali is one of the most, if not the most, popular among Indonesia’s 17,500 islands. The Java Sea borders it to the north; to its south is the Indian Ocean.
Bali has something for every type of couple — from its vibrant culture, luxury hotels, and beautiful beaches to its lushly forested volcanoes, epic trails, and serene ancient temples and rice fields. With this paradise’s tropical vibes, you will have an unforgettable experience with your loved one.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Bali?
Bali is your destination if you seek an ultra-romantic and picturesque backdrop for your once-in-a-lifetime trip. However, Bali provides more than just beautiful views. You can:
- Relax in a swimming pool overlooking a verdant forest.
- Try snorkeling or scuba diving on white-sand beaches.
- Enjoy various water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and rafting.
- Stumble upon waterfalls as you hike to a dramatic clifftop and embrace the beauty of Bali from a different angle.
- Embark on a sunrise trek at Mount Batur or Mount Agung (both are active volcanoes).
- Explore the rural side of Bali and see its amazing rice terraces and fields.
- Enroll in a cooking class and learn how to prepare Balinese dishes.
- Relax while enjoying a Balinese couples’ massage with a lush jungle backdrop.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Bali For a Honeymoon?
Being in a tropical country, the best time to enjoy Bali is between April and September, the dry season. During this time, the temperature fluctuates from 75 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the average precipitation ranges from 3.46 to 2.48 inches.
Beyond that, the island receives much more rainfall, about 7 to 14 inches per month. If you want to avoid typhoons and occasional rains, it’s best not to travel from October to March.
How Much Does a Bali Honeymoon Typically Cost?
A Bali honeymoon costs $2,000 to $4,000, covering transportation, lodging, food, and excursions per couple, but not flights. However, this figure can quickly increase if you embark on a luxurious or activities-filled itinerary.
How to Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Bali
Since it’s an exotic honeymoon destination — and one that’s significantly far from the U.S. — you’ll likely spend a large portion of your budget on your flight.
- Book well in advance to take advantage of airfare and accommodation discounts.
- Contact a travel agent to help you find a well-priced Bali honeymoon package.
- Prioritize your excursions.
- Eat at local restaurants.
- Use local transportation.
7 Best Areas to Stay In Bali For Your Honeymoon
1. Ubud
The culture-anchored town of Ubud is the place to be if you seek refuge and want to experience intimate romance within the jungle. Apart from the rice fields and top-rated resorts, you can experience authentic Balinese culture by visiting family-run eateries and sacred temples. Other popular spots include the Monkey Forest and the Ayung River (the longest and widest in Bali).
Where to stay: The city center
2. Seminyak
Seminyak is a close 20-minute drive from the airport. Many honeymoon resorts are located here, including Alila and The Legian. And if you want to party all night, this is the place to be. Because of its proximity to many great surfing spots, it’s also considered Bali’s ultimate surf town.
Where to stay: Seminyak Beach or Petitinget
3. Jimbaran
On Bali’s southern part lies the upscale beach town of Jimbaran. In this beautiful place, you can find many five-star resorts great for honeymooning (including the familiar Four Seasons). Apart from the amenities at your resort of choice, you can surf and indulge in mouthwatering seafood dishes.
Where to stay: Jimbaran Beach
4. Uluwatu
With majestic cliffs, dramatic sunsets, and Insta-worthy white sand beaches, Uluwatu is a must-visit if you’re traveling to Bali. Like Seminyak, it has great waves and parties, attracting many young travelers. If you want to slow down, visit the Uluwatu Temple and catch its daily fire dance come sundown.
Where to stay: Bingin Beach
5. Canggu
Canggu is a hidden paradise located one-and-a-half-hour away from Ubud. Also home to many resorts, it boasts two beaches great for surfing: Echo and the eponymous Canggu. If you want to take a break from water adventures, you can explore its hip cafes, awesome bars, and upscale restaurants. It’s also an excellent place for couples’ yoga classes.
Where to stay: Batu Bolong
6. Kuta
This town in Lombok is one of the best areas to visit if you want a thriving nightlife scene, including foam parties, pulsating music, and a wild crowd. Alternatively, there is the Kuta Beach Sea Turtle Program, where you can release a baby turtle into the vast sea from April to October. On the northwest of Lombok Island, you can visit Gili Islands on a day trip via ferry and be mesmerized by its gorgeous seas and coral reefs.
Where to stay: Poppies Lane
7. Nusa Dua
Among Bali’s regions, Nusa Dua exudes the most luxurious vibes. If you want to splurge on your honeymoon, book your stay in one of its top-class resorts (The Mulia is among the most recommended). Beyond its golden beaches, visit Bali Collection, a shopping center with many fashion retailers and art shops.
Where to stay: Mengiat Beach
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Bali?
Because Bali is an island, the only way to travel is by plane. Its international airport is Denpasar International Airport in Kuta, and popular stopovers from the U.S. are Singapore and Hong Kong.
Most flights take about twenty hours from the United States.
Traveling Within Bali
If you have the proper license and are knowledgeable about riding a motorcycle, renting one is the cheapest way. But if you want to be safer, use ride-hailing apps, call a taxi, or hire a car and driver. Ride a ferry to access some of the smaller islands in Bali.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Bali?
Being a prime destination for newlyweds, Bali has many honeymoon accommodations, including all-inclusive and adult-only options. There are beachfront and jungle-nestled luxury resorts with infinity and plunge pools.
Whether you’re looking for a place with incredible ocean views, a beach club, vibrant nightlife, or a more peaceful resort experience with wellness and spa treatments, Bali has you covered.
You can also find Airbnb rentals that range from budget-friendly lodgings to luxurious private pool villas.
Should You Stay at a Honeymoon Resort in Bali?
Staying at world-class honeymoon resorts will surely provide a fantastic experience. You’ll get easy access to sandy beaches, excursions, gourmet restaurants, and many other amenities and services. All-inclusive resorts, in particular, can help you save money.
Nonetheless, one downside is that most of these resorts are tucked away in isolated locations. This can limit your exposure to the Balinese culture and friendly locals.
3 Local Foods to Try While Honeymooning in Bali
- Sale Lilit. This is grilled meat wrapped in tangy-tasting lemongrass. You can often find this on the streets of Bali, along with other popular food like the Martabak pancakes.
- Bebek and Ayam Betutu. This sumptuous dish is a Balinese favorite. It’s a duck stuffed with flavorful spices commonly used in the region’s cuisine. It comes with steamed white rice and traditional sauces.
- Gado-Gado. This is Bali’s take on a salad. Gado-gado mixes steamed vegetables, tofu, potato, and a hard-boiled egg with peanut sauce.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences I Can Include in My Balinese Honeymoon?
As one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world, Bali is where you can immerse yourself in various cultural experiences.
To feel a sense of spirituality, visit a Hindu temple or a shrine. Hinduism is the dominant religion in Bali. In many cities, you can visit healers, rice paddies, and art galleries and markets, depending on the cultural immersion you aim for.
To learn more about their rich history, visit historical places such as Taman Tira Gangga and Taman Gili Kerta Gosa. Another famous cultural attraction is the Kecal or Bali fire dance, held on Uluwatu cliff daily at 6 p.m.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Bali
Bali’s laid-back vibes and tropical climate call for casual wear and sandals. For your beach attire, pack your favorite bathing suits. For that romantic dinner, wear smart casuals. Also, don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen and bug repellant.
Is Bali Safe to Visit on Your Honeymoon?
Bali is a generally safe place to visit. As a safety precaution, it’s good to follow these tips:
- Store your valuables in a safe place within your lodging.
- When going out in public places, put your phone and bags away from the roadside.
- Trust your gut feeling and research common Bali tourist scams.
- Use only safe ATMs, as card skimming is a common scam on the island.
- Have a safety net: travel insurance can be a lifesaver.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Bali?
U.S. passport holders and tourists can enter Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa. If you exceed that, you will receive a fine of about $70 per day.
Bonus: More Bali Travel Tip
- To avoid Bali belly, only drink filtered water. Even when you’re brushing your teeth, don’t use tap water.
- The only currency accepted in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah ($1 is INR15,244 as of writing).
- When exchanging currency, only do so at authorized money changers to avoid getting scammed or being a victim of theft.
- After Indonesian and Balinese, English is unofficially the third language on the island. Most locals can communicate with you on a basic level.