So, you’re looking for the best honeymoon destinations in Bali? Congratulations on planning the big day! We actually can’t think of much that could make it better than a trip to the legendary Isle of the Gods over in the bath-warm seas of the Indonesian Nusa Tenggara. It’s a cracking place to go to calm the nerves and get your fix of hard-earned R&R, there’s no doubt about that.
Bali actually comes packed with excellent honeymoon options. From areas that are known for their uber-deluxe hotels and fancy spas to more remote beach towns that put dolphin watching and waterfall visits on the menu, there are plenty of places to consider.
This guide is here to help, too. We’ve whittled down the abundance of the best honeymoon destinations in Bali to a selection of just seven. It includes the usual customers of Ubud, the jungle town in the hills, Seminyak, known for its chic hotels, and Nusa Dua, the jet-setter escape of the Bukit Peninsula, along with a whole host of other spots…
Ubud
There’s no doubt that Ubud is up there with the best honeymoon destinations in Bali. This jungle-shrouded town of temples and scented Hindu offerings is one of the most mystical locations on the Isle of the Gods. It’s hailed as Bali’s cultural capital for its wealth of art galleries and craft workshops and is the place to go if you’re keen to spend your wedding money on batik fabrics or kopi luwak coffee.
You can fill your days in Ubud munching on veggie food in one of the town’s many warung (traditional Indonesian cookhouses), visiting intriguing temple complexes like the Goa Gajah, or wandering the macaque-filled Monkey Forest, where simians have overtaken ancient religious ruins.
More than anything for honeymooners, though, Ubud – and Ubud’s hotels – occupy a stunning part of the Balinese backcountry. The cream of the crop when it comes to accommodation will be perched on lush plateaus in the midst of the jungle just outside of town. They offer luxuries like indoor-outdoor bathrooms and infinity pools that gaze over emerald rice paddies. Check out the likes of highly rated The Purist Villas & Spa or Natya Resort Ubud if that’s stoked the wanderlust a little.
Lovina
Lovina isn’t sat with the popular holidaying areas of Bali on the south and west coastlines of the island. Instead, it languishes up on the north coast, below the rugged rises of northern highlands with the shadow of Batukaru Mountain hazing in the horizon heat just behind. Lovina isn’t actually just one town, either. Instead, it’s a string of small villages that are all charmingly underdeveloped, at least compared to Kuta et al.
The main things to do are laze on the beach and watch the dolphins. The former is, surely, self-explanatory. The latter means heading out on a boat to catch the spinners and bottlenoses in the waters of the Bali Sea. The elegant creatures are best seen between May and January, when the swells are at their calmest.
We’d also recommend making time to do daytrips out from Lovina. The town is right on the doorstep of Bali’s waterfall country. Some of the best within easy reach are the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and the exquisite Gitgit Waterfall (talk about shots for your new couple’s Instagram feed!). Oh, and the Banjar Buddhist Temple is another must, especially since there are hot springs attached for bathing at the side!
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua makes it onto this list of the best honeymoon destinations in Bali because it’s home to two things: Beaches and luxury hotels. Yep, this side of the Bukit Peninsula is famed for having some of the most pristine white sands on Bali (an island that’s actually quite short on proper white sands), along with unquestionably the most opulent resorts on offer.
Nusa Dua Beach is the center of it all, though the resort actually spreads north and south from there, up the sides of reef-dashed Benoa Bay. Where it all spills into the Bali Sea is a symphony of glowing sand and turquoise water that’s perfect for any honeymoon travel brochure. Adding to that is a seemingly endless array of spas and fantastic restaurants serving chic fusion food and great imported wines.
None of Nusa Dua comes cheap, mind you, so this isn’t the spot for romancers on a budget. What you do get for stretching the purse strings just a little is a hit of five-star service at hotels that bear uber-famous global names – think the Hilton Bali Resort, the Ritz-Carlton Bali, and the absolutely stunning Apurva Kempinski Bali.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran marks the point where south Bali bends into the Bukit Peninsula. It’s an area known for its surf breaks (the likes of Ulu’s and Padang Padang make their home here) and the incredible temple of Uluwatu (where you should totally go to catch the Kecak Fire Dance at least one night during the honeymoon), but it also offers spectacular sunset shows and pristine beaches.
In fact, one of said beaches is appropriately named Honeymoon Beach. It’s got some of the most protected waters in the region, which means its better for snorkeling and swimming that carving up the waves, even if the beach is a little hard to reach. If you don’t fancy venturing too far, that’s fine – Jimbaran Beach is a pretty dash of cinnamon-hued powder with hotels right behind.
Talking of hotels, there’s no shortage of top-quality spots to bed down in during your honeymoon in Jimbaran. The IHG InterContinental Bali Resort is right there, touting a big swimming pool and ocean-view suites. So too is Belmond’s Jimbaran Puri, where you can score yourself a private couple’s villa with its own mini splash pool attached.
Seminyak
Seminyak is the see-and-be-seen part of the Bali tourist strip. Wedged onto the surf-washed south coast of the island between Canggu and buzzing Legian-Kuta, it’s a land that’s almost entirely given over to slick hotels. You’ll find names like the Impiana Private Villas and W Bali here, touting five-star service and infinity pools and palm-dotted gardens.
But it’s not just a place to crank up the R&R after the big day. This whole stretch of coast is perfect for hitting Bali’s famous beach clubs. Some of the most iconic names in the mix make their home in and around Seminyak, including KU DE TA and La Plancha Bali, where you can munch on Spanish tapas under colorful umbrellas by the side of the Indian Ocean.
During the day, there’s surf that’s good for beginners and intermediates all up and down the main stretch of sand that is Seminyak Beach. On top of that, there’s some of the best shopping on the island, courtesy of Seminyak Square and the markets that stretch down Jalan Kayu Ala.
Padangbai
Padangbai is a small little port town on the eastern shoreline of the island. There are a few reasons why we think it deserves to be up here on this list with the best honeymoon destinations in Bali. First off, it’s a charmer in its own right, with yellow- and black-sand beaches right on the doorstep; places like Bias Tugel Beach and the Blue Lagoon Beach that offer tropical vibes with just a fraction of the crowds you get in Kuta.
Secondly, Padangbai is a diver’s mecca. Trips from here can take you out to some of the most fish-teeming reefs around the Isle of the Gods, so it’s certainly one worth thinking about if you’re a couple who like to strap on the bubble blowers.
Finally, Padangbai is a ferry terminal for fast boats going across to the Gili Islands. That means you could go for a two-pronged honeymoon approach: Stay on Bali to enjoy the chilled vibes of this beach-fringed port and then head over to get the deluxe hotels of Gili Meno or the party nights of Gili T.
Canggu
Canggu has come a very long way in the last 10 years or so. Once a simple village at the tail end of the main south-coast tourist strip, it pulled itself into the spotlight by developing into a hub for digital nomads and professional travelers. That’s balancing out now as the surfers and the honeymooners alike are flocking Canggu’s way, and there are more luxe hotels and chic eateries than you can shake a pair of boardshorts at.
Canggu is a big place. The backstreets extend through ever-dwindling pockets of rice paddy that look epic at sunset, though you’ll need to be in the know to seek out the best spots. The buzzy heart of the town is around Echo Beach and Batu Bolong, where you’ll find a smattering of boho bars overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Behind that is a medley of surf shops and designer clothes emporiums, along with all manner of tempting gastronomy, from sourdough pizza kitchens to Vietnamese pho outlets. The vibe is very international, the nightlife is pretty lively, and the other resorts of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are never too far away if you want to sample something different.
The best honeymoon destinations in Bali – our verdict
This list just scratches the surface of the best honeymoon destinations in Bali. The fabled Isle of the Gods is nothing short of legendary when it comes to loved-up holidays after the big day. You can find pamper-ready hotels with five-star service almost anywhere you go, along with uplifting temples, quality spas, and stunning beaches. Of course, you could also venture to nearby islands like Gili Meno (a tropical paradise that’s nicknamed The Honeymoon Island) or Lombok (the more secluded and authentic next-door neighbor to Bali across the strait.
