Bali Honeymoon Guide

There is no doubt that Bali is one of the most romantic places on Earth. From its pristine private beaches to breathtaking brilliant sunsets, Bali is our most popular honeymoon destination in Asia. While it can get a little crowded in the summer, newlyweds can always escape the crowd with an intimate cave dinner or an easy trek to one of the volcanoes of Bali.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know to plan your dream Bali honeymoon.

Bali: An island of amusement, adventure, and awe

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches, and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as the cliffside Uluwatu Temple and the majestic Ulun Danu Batur Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur, and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

The capital, Denpasar, is the most populous city in the Lesser Sunda Islands and the second largest, after Makassar, in Eastern Indonesia. Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, with 83.5 percent of the population adhering to Balinese Hinduism.

Renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music, Bali is a popular tourist and honeymoon destination and was named by TripAdvisor as the world's top destination in its Traveller's Choice award in 2017.

Bali Climate: Perfect Honeymoon Weather

Bali is located about 8 degrees south of the equator. Therefore you can expect a tropical, warm, and humid climate all year - with two main distinctive seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season.

Bali's central mountains (volcanoes) include several peaks over 3,000 meters in elevation. Temperatures are considerably cooler at the top, and there is much more rainfall than in the coastal areas, so come prepared if you plan to trek to the top of Mt. Batur for a spectacular sunrise.

Best time to visit Bali

Bali has a high and low season, which does affect the overall price for accommodations and activities you can enjoy during your honeymoon. High season is from July to August, during the Easter holidays, and Christmas / New Year (from December until the 1st week of January) is when Bali is the busiest.

However, for many reasons, the best time to visit Bali is April, May, June, and September, just before and just after high season. It's still dry season, but it's slightly less humid, and room prices and villa rentals can be 30-50 percent cheaper than during the high season. Many shops offer sales and promotions, restaurants are less crowded in those mid-season months, and, in general, Bali is a bit more relaxed. October is not too bad either, still much less rain than November.

Those months are also the best time for water sport activities such as scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling, and swimming when the waters are clear, and the crowds have left for the most part. In addition, major activities and attractions like Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park, Marine & Safari Park, Waterbom, and Monkey Forest have fewer visitors, which can make the experience far more enjoyable. If you wish to explore the island and visit the main sightseeing spots and religious temples or go for a day trip through the surrounding countryside, then those are the perfect months to visit.

Bali People and Lifestyle

Bali’s population of more than 3 million is spread over the whole island, including those in the smaller islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Serangan, and Menjangan Islands. The overwhelming majority of Balinese are Hindus, with the increasing number of non-Hindu migrating from the closest neighboring islands of Java and Lombok.

Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriages, cremation, farming, and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called “Banjar.” A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

The Balinese culture and Hindu customs affect almost every aspect of life on the island. The unique mix between Hindu-Dharma and domestic customs has led to a variety of art and a long tradition of artists and masters. Masterpieces of art can easily be found in every corner of Bali.

Bali's culture can still be felt everywhere, from museums to hotel lobbies and, of course, the temples, where Balinese honor their ancestors and the spirit world, and perform religious rituals based on the ancient Balinese calendar. People wearing their ceremonial attires is a common sight.

Getting around Bali

Because of the size of the island, it is not difficult to get around Bali by various modes of transportation. Your best bet is to hire a professional driver and car to take you around the beautiful Indonesian island. You can also hop in a taxi or shuttle bus to make your way between destinations, or ride a bemo or ojek like a local. While renting a car or motorcycle can seem like an exciting way to embrace your adventurous spirit, be mindful of the unpredictable nature of local traffic before getting the keys to a local vehicle. Publicly and privately operated ferries and boat tours will enable you to visit the surrounding islands.

Balinese Cuisine: Fresh, healthy, and blissful

Balinese cuisine uses a variety of spices, blended with fresh vegetables, meat, and fish that demonstrate indigenous traditions, as well as influences from other Indonesian regional cuisines, Chinese, and Indian.

Rice is the primary grain almost always consumed as a staple accompanied with vegetables, meat, and seafood. Pork, chicken, fruit, vegetables, and seafood are widely utilized, however, just like most Hindus, beef is never or rarely consumed.

With plenty of cooking schools with daily courses of Balinese cuisine, you can bring the taste of Bali home and relive your honeymoon anytime.

Night markets, warungs (food stands), and fruit vendors sell local delicacies, and festivals include ornately prepared foods as part of the celebrations.

Best Romantic Experiences in Bali

Tour Pura Lempuyang Luhur, one of the oldest and the most revered temples in Indonesia
Visit Ubud, the artistic capital of the island, to explore several museums or take a variety of informal artist-led workshops
Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Menjangan Island with an afternoon of snorkeling, scuba diving, or sailing
Take a romantic sunset stroll along Seminyak Beach
Soar above the jungle on the famous Bali Swing
Hike to the summit of Mount Batur at sunrise for breathtaking views of villages and a scenic lake.

Canggu: Surf, splash, slide, and shop

Canggu is a resort village on the south coast of Bali. Surrounded by terraced rice paddies and known for beaches like Berawa and Echo, it offers a much more relaxing atmosphere of dining, culture, and beach activities.

Canggu has gained popularity among surfers as a longboard-friendly surf spot, one of the few on the island. Along the beach, there are two main temples, Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Batu Mejan, which are both hundreds of years old and were initiated for building by Dang Hyang Nirartha.

Things To Do In Bali For Honeymooners – Canggu

Ride the massive waves together at Berawa Beach or wade in the calm waters of Nelayan Beach.
Check out local street art or explore the Sunday Market at La Laguna for unique souvenirs.
Visit the sacred Tanah Lot Temple at sunrise for breathtaking views without the crowds.
Go horseback riding through Canggu’s lush rice fields and along beautiful Pererenan Beach.
Spend the day at Waterbom Balo, Asia’s best waterpark and home to Asia’s steepest waterslide (if you dare).
Enjoy authentic Indonesian dinner at one of the many cool local restaurants.

Nusa Penida District: Stroll, scuba, cycle, and swim

The Nusa Penida District is made up of three islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Dua, Nusa Ceningan) and is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Things To Do In Bali For Honeymooners – Nusa Penida District

Stroll across the Yellow Bridge, known as the Bridge of Love, that connects Nusa Lembongan with Nusa Cenengan.
Attend a prayer ceremony at Pura GoaGiri Putri Cave temple.
Take a bicycle tour around the island.
Hike to Seganing Waterfall for a picnic lunch on the rocks or try your luck at fishing in the falls.
Swim in the crystal clear natural sweet water pool of Tembeling Beach.
Be awed by the enormous waves and ocean spray explosions of Devil’s Tears.
After a day of scuba diving and cliff jumping, relax with a cold drink and delicious dinner on Mushroom Bay Beach.

Kuta: Nightlife, cheap eats, and island magic

Kuta is a beach and resort area in the south Bali best known for its party-centric atmosphere and feels more touristy than other parts of the island. Kuta's long, consistent waves make it a popular surf spot, particularly for beginners, with plenty of outfitters offering board rentals and surf lessons.

Things To Do In Bali For Honeymooners – Kuta

Witness a magic cultural show at the Kuta Theatre with dazzling Balinese dance costumes, modern illusions and tricks, and unique twists that unfold throughout the show.
Party the night away on Poppies Lane, known for its cheap eats and vibrant nightlife.
Join a Kuta Street Food Tour for a culinary exploration of traditional Balinese food and deep dive into the rich culture of the area.
Shop ‘til you drop at one of the many souvenir shops or Beachwalk mall.
Enjoy any one of the tourist attractions like Armada Wave House, Upside Down World Bali, Bali Beach Shack, Pandora Experience Bali, Dream Museum Zone, 5GX Bali Reverse Bungee, or Circus Waterpark.

Legian: Longboards, local arts, and luxury stays

Legian is a suburban beach area on the west coast of Bali, just north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. Less hectic than its more popular neighbors, Legian still boasts plenty of captivating magic with stunning beaches and world-class surf perfect for beginners. It offers a melting pot of unique shops, culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife with rows of exclusive five-star hotels, a huge waterpark, and a colorful local art market.

Things To Do In Bali For Honeymooners – Legian

Learn to surf at the world-famous Rip Curl School of Surf, one of Asia’s leading board-riding schools.
Soak up the sun with a good book for a relaxing afternoon on Legian Beach.
Haggle for the best price on unique handcrafted gifts at one of the many local boutiques at Merta Nadi Art Market.

Seminyak: Puras, plunges, and pampering

Seminyak is a beach resort area at the southern end of Bali with many luxury hotels, villas, and spas, as well as high-end shopping and restaurants. Sleek bars and clubs with busy sunset scenes line Seminyak and Petitenget beaches, which are wide, west-facing stretches of Indian Ocean shoreline with gray sand and good surfing conditions.

Things To Do In Bali For Honeymooners – Seminyak

Hunt for great deals on eclectic souvenirs, apparel, and jewelry at the Seminyak Flea Market.
Spend the day at one of many world-class spas to indulge in a traditional Balinese spa package with aromatherapy, body scrub, foot bath, warm oil massage, or yoga.
Learn to scuba dive at Adventure Scuba Diving Bali and explore the beautiful underwater world of Bali.
Visit Pura Petitenget, one of six important sea temples in Bali that line the coast, or Pura Masceti, an agricultural temple which is used by farmers.

Ubud: Culture, cuisine, color, and crafts

Ubud is a place where traditional Balinese culture imbues every waking moment, where colorful offerings adorn the streets, and where the hypnotic strains of gamelan are an ever-present soundtrack to everyday life. It's also somewhere that is relentlessly on-trend – a showcase of sustainable design, mindfulness, culinary inventiveness, and the very best that global tourism has to offer.

Things To Do In Bali For Honeymooners – Ubud

Snap an Instagram-worthy pic under the stunning Tegenungan Waterfall.
Stroll through the lush Tegallaland Rice Terraces and enjoy lunch overlooking the scenic tiered hillside of rice paddies and greenery.
Cleanse your soul at Pura Tirta Empul, a water temple Balinese Hindu worshippers have visited for over a thousand years for purification in its sacred springs.
Book a fireflies tour for a magical and whimsical evening experience.
Explore Ubud Market for beautiful silk scarves and shirts, handwoven bags, baskets, kites, and other handcrafted goods.
Spend the afternoon with 600+ macaques (also known as the Balinese long-tailed monkey) at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Jimbaran Bay: Dramatic cliffs, fire dances, and golden beaches

Jimbaran is a quintessential seaside town in Bali where you’ll find golden sands that lead to limestone cliffs and calm waters perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. Jimbaran is a popular surf spot lined with seafood restaurants and backed by tropical forest.

At its northern end, colorful boats sit in front of the lively, open-air Kedonganan fish market. To the southwest are Dreamland Beach and Balangan Beach, known for their strong surf waves.

Things To Do In Bali For Honeymooners – Jimbaran Bay

Sip a refreshing drink under coconut trees lining Jimbaran Beach or savor delicious treats at one of the numerous beachside restaurants.
Visit the iconic Uluwatu Temple perched on top of a steep cliff above the waves to enjoy splendid sunset views and a Kecak fire dance performance.
Take a leisurely walk along Padang Padang Beach, Dreamland Beach, or Balangan Beach.
Design your own fragrance at a perfume workshop and relive your honeymoon anytime with just a spritz.
Raft the Telaga Waja River for a 3-hour thrill ride that flows through one of the holiest places in Bali as well as through a sparkling waterfall.
Take a sunset cruise after enjoying a candlelit beach dinner for the ultimate romantic evening.