Bali boasts breathtaking beaches lined with palm trees, verdant mountainsides layered with rice paddies, and active volcanoes—these aspects of its scenery are just the icing on the cake for this stunning destination. The true charm of Bali lies in its position at the southern end of Indonesia, where a mix of South Asian cultures—such as Indian, Malay, Japanese, and Thai—come together. Despite being part of the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Bali is mainly Hindu, which is reflected in the numerous ancient temples adorned with exquisite local architecture that showcases deities, animals, and mythical beings. The quality of light creates pastel hues in the sky during dawn and dusk, while tropical fruits like mangosteen and rambutan flourish abundantly. It doesn’t get any more romantic than this.
In summary, Bali rivals the Garden of Eden, but it’s the sincere, non-commercial warmth of the local people that gives Bali its authentic allure. Here, we consult two Bali specialists for their insights on planning the perfect honeymoon in this idyllic island setting.
Planning Your Bali Honeymoon
According to Nathan Fluellen, the creator and host of World Wide Nate, “There’s no bad time in Bali because there’s no stress on the island.” However, the optimal visiting period is during the dry season, which lasts from April to October, though those willing to endure a tropical downpour can find better discounts from November to March. Considering that U.S. travelers will spend a full day traveling to Bali, it’s advisable to plan for a stay of at least 10 days to two weeks. Ty Sinnett—who divides her time between Changgu, Bali, and Chilmark, Massachusetts—recommends splitting your time equally between the beaches and mountainous areas, with a minimum of three days allocated to each.
Here are our essential planning tips for your dream honeymoon in Bali:
Language: While Balinese and Indonesian are the primary languages, English serves as Bali’s “third language,” spoken by nearly everyone, especially in tourist hubs.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
When to Go: The dry season runs from April to October, with better travel deals available from November through March.
How Much Time to Spend: Aim for 10 days to two weeks.
Getting There: Many international airlines have flights from the U.S. to Bali, but note that none are direct; depending on your U.S. location, you may face one to three layovers. From JFK and Newark airports, Singapore Airlines operates one of the longest non-stop flights (18.5 hours) to Singapore, followed by about two-and-a-half hours to Denpasar, Bali’s capital, through regular routes.
Transportation: Most hotels and resorts provide airport transfers and shuttles to off-site attractions, but hiring a car and driver is affordable in Bali. Watching the skillful motorbikes darting through traffic can deter anyone from driving themselves.
Must-Pack: Essentials for a tropical getaway include sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and light clothing. Bug spray is essential and is often supplied by hotels. Women should pack modest, lightweight attire and a scarf for visits to temples, where men might need to wear sarongs, which are typically provided.
Places to Stay During Your Bali Honeymoon
From cozy beachside cottages to all-inclusive resorts, Bali features some of the top honeymoon accommodations in Southeast Asia. Here are some of our top picks:
Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay
This impeccable recreation of a traditional Balinese village offers villas with spacious plunge pools. The Sundara Beach Club on the property is Bali’s most fashionable brunch destination, complete with a 57-meter swimming pool overlooking the tranquil waters of Jimbaran Bay, adjacent to Bali’s most renowned fishing village.
Four Seasons Sayan
Nestled in the valley formed by the sacred Ayung River in Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, this architectural gem provides the world’s only luxury hotel transfer via white-water raft between Jimbaran Bay and this location. Couples marrying at one site can enjoy their honeymoon at the other with their WeddingMoon package.
Ayana Estate, Jimbaran
Fluellen favors this location for its diversity: a clifftop resort featuring four unique hotels, a wide range of private villas set within stunning gardens, 14 swimming pools, 22 dining venues, and access to the secluded Kubu Beach located at the base of a striking cliff. “There’s no reason to leave the property,” Fluellen exclaims.
Sumberkima Hill Retreat, situated in northwest Bali, represents Sinnett’s vision of paradise. With dreamlike views from the jungle overlooking one of the island’s “most pristine beaches,” the collection of villas guarantees maximum privacy along with a variety of “soul-altering adventures,” including jungle hikes and coral restoration dives.
Samanvaya, Sideman, is an adults-only resort nestled in the stunning Sideman Valley, featuring a secluded set of 15 villas, each with infinity pools extending over the rice fields, surrounded by natural springs and waterfalls. Sinnett describes the Ananda Spa as the ideal remedy after a jungle trek, a visit to a local temple, or a day spent at the beach.
Buahan, which is among the most highly anticipated new resorts of 2023, is located in a small town 40 minutes north of Ubud, hidden in the jungle’s heart. Mountain views and the nearby rivers and waterfalls are just a few of its many attractions. The villas at this enchanting retreat uniquely blend indoor and outdoor spaces and utilize reclaimed materials, such as wood repurposed from old boat yards.
The Royal Santrian in Nusa Dua offers a collection of contemporary villas positioned on one of Bali’s most desired beaches, perfectly balancing luxurious seclusion with access to various activities. Options include yoga on the beach, a range of water sports from jet skiing to flyboarding, and extensive spa treatments lasting five hours.
Soori Bali, located in Tambanan, is a beachfront retreat designed by the acclaimed architect and owner Soo Chan, featuring outdoor areas enclosed in peaceful courtyards that take advantage of stunning views. The combination of sleek modern design and traditional Balinese culture forms a tranquil haven, far removed from everyday life.
During your honeymoon in Bali, Fluellen recommends visiting the iconic Gates of Heaven at Mount Lempuyang, one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred locations, as well as a trip to the famous Monkey Forest in Ubud (just make sure to secure items like cellphones and sunglasses, or you may end up negotiating with playful primates).
The Ayung Valley is well-known for its numerous giant swings (easily identifiable by the sounds of joyful laughter), while Sinnett suggests making a pilgrimage to Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu shrine perched on a cliff, where one can enjoy traditional Balinese dance performances.
White-water rafting on the Ayung River is incredibly popular, along with saltwater activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and kayaking. A visit to one of Bali’s world-class spas is essential for recharging, and for those seeking romance, consider a rose-petal bath, a private picnic set against lush hills, or a hike to one of the island’s mesmerizing waterfalls.
Balinese cuisine tends to be spicy, featuring various sambals or salsas with every meal, alongside a wide range of exotic tropical treats like dragon and snake fruits. Among Fluellen’s favorite dining spots are Ku De Ta, an upscale beach club in Seminyak offering a menu that ranges from burgers to sushi; the Moana Fish Eatery, an open-air, thatched-roof restaurant in Badung known for its poke and Polynesian dishes; and Ours in Uluwatu, which focuses on Mediterranean cuisine crafted from local ingredients in a chic Scandinavian atmosphere.
Sinnett’s top choice is Aperitif, an elegant cocktail bar inspired by the 1920s at the Viceroy in Ubud, showcasing some of Bali’s finest dining options (think caviar, venison, and Wagyu beef). For authentic Balinese cuisine, we suggest Jala at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, where renowned chef Surya prepares traditional heritage dishes and also conducts the Jala Cooking Academy, which includes a tour of the Jimbaran fish market and lessons on creating a complete Balinese meal.
When budgeting for a Bali honeymoon, most costs are incurred upfront for airfare, lodging, etc., and as Fluellen points out, “the cost of living is low,” meaning that the dollar stretches far. Even indulgences such as hiring a car and driver or dining at top-notch restaurants are significantly less expensive than in the U.S. While tipping is not customary, Sinnett recommends setting aside some money for all the beautiful Balinese handicrafts you will undoubtedly want to bring home.