The Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide [ Updated 2023 ]
Okay friends – a ton of you have slid into my DM’s on instagram asking for honeymoon recommendations for Bali lately, so I figured it’s about time we write a post all about honeymooning in Bali on the blog!
If you’re still deciding where to honeymoon, I’m here to tell you to stop your search right here. When it comes to luxurious honeymoon destinations, Bali is quickly topping most of our short lists, and it’s easy to see why! It is BEAUTIFUL, exotic, relaxing, fun, and adventurous all at once — everything you could possibly want in a honeymoon. Did I mention it’s affordable? You can live like kings and queens for a week in Bali for a fraction of the price you’d spend in Europe or Bora Bora. Major win.
A honeymoon in Bali is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of trip, meaning there is something for every type of honeymooner. You can have the relaxing, beachfront vacation of your dreams in Uluwatu…. or you can wake up in a private villa or suite high above the jungle in zen Ubud. Or maybe you’re looking to blow of some wedding-stress steam in world-renowned party spots like the Gili Islands, Seminyak, and Canggu. Or maybe you guys want to get adventurous and dive with manta rays in Nusa Lembongan and hike the gorgeous coast of Nusa Penida. You can spend choose to spend your days sightseeing, adventuring, and soaking in the rich Bali culture, or you can simply lay back at a five-star Balinese resort and call it a (fantastic) day.
But – with so much to do and so many places to choose from comes a lot of questions – which is where I come in.
Let’s play a little Jetset Honeymoon Q&A…
Q: Christina – I’ve heard Bali is incredible! But there are so many different areas and it’s such a big island! What area of Bali is best for a honeymoon??
A: They’re all amazing in their own ways, so I would recommend traveling to at least 2 different areas of Bali during your trip here to get the ultimate Bali experience.
Uluwatu
My personal favorite area of Bali is the epically stunning coast of Uluwatu, about 40 minutes from the airport. The aqua-blue waters and the relaxed, off-the-map vibe is just I would want in a honeymoon. Your days will be filled with rolling waves, cold tropical drinks, and epic sunsets that light the sky on fire.
Ubud
About an hour away from the airport, Ubud is just what you think of when you think of Bali – lush jungle, beautiful waterfalls, and a zen calm unlike anywhere else in the world. Ubud in my opinion is a must on any trip to Bali, and a perfect honeymoon location. Make sure to make a romantic dinner reservation at KUBU in a cocoon! Or at any of my other favorite Ubud restaurants.
Seminyak & Canggu
About 20 to 30 minutes from the airport lies the heart of Bali’s tourism and ex-pat community – Seminyak & Canggu. Seminyak is busy and bustling, and hosts some of the best dining and nightlife on the island. Canggu (where I’m based) is a little further up the coast and has more of a hip-surfer vibe. Canggu is the land of chic sunset bars, instagram models, and avocado toast.
Nusa Lembongan
Just a short less-than-an-hour boat ride away from Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a perfect honeymoon destination. Nusa Lembongan is just one of the three Nusa islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Cenigan), but it’s the one with the most going on and best places to stay (Nusa Penida is gorgeous and well-worth a day trip – you can read more about that here –but there just aren’t many places to stay (and it’s a lot tougher to get around, etc). Nusa Lembongan is around 8km square in size and is easily the most popular of the three islands. From Nusa Lembongan, you can dive or snorkel with manta rays (it’s known as one of the world’s best dive sites), do yoga, rent a bike, or just sit back and enjoy some cocktails and sunsets on the beach. For the best food on the island, check out The Deck, Lembongan Reef Bar, and Blue Corner Dive.
Photo via The Trip Guru
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a hotbed of luxury resorts in Southern Bali. The area is known for its white-sand beaches, sprawling golf courses, and beautiful resorts, and it’s often where people end up staying when they come to Bali. It’s full of gorgeous hotels and a great place to be based for a few relaxing resort days but I personally wouldn’t spend my whole trip here, since it’s a bit touristy and not as traditional Bali – plus it’s removed from the other areas of Bali.
The Gili Islands
Floating off of the coast of Indonesia are three little islands with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, swaying palms, horse-drawn carraiges (yep, there are no cars or motorbikes on these islands!), and un-bali-evable sunsets. You can have a romantic, idyllic atmosphere on remote Gili Air, or take on the lively party scene on Gili T. The Gilis are your perfect blend of beaches, buzzes and bliss. They’re not easy to get to (a 2+ hour drive and then an hour boat ride), but, they’re worth it.
READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE JETSET GUIDE TO GILI AIR
Q: Where should we stay in Bali for a honeymoon?!
A: If you’re anything like me, a great villa or hotel means everything on a vacation – and especially on your honeymoon! Luckily, thanks to a huge surge in tourism in the last decade, the island of Bali is blessed with some of the most incredible accommodation options in the world – at every budget. Here are some of my favorites:
*Please note that the below contain affiliate links to some of the hotels! If you choose to book one of the hotels I recommended, I would so appreciate you using these links to do so! An affiliate link basically just means that at no cost to you at all, I get a small kickback from the booking site for bringing them your business! You just need to purchase on the same device/browser you click the below links 🙂 I never, ever recommend any hotels that I don’t 100% LOVE & think you will, too! If you have any questions at all, please see my advertiser & affiliate policy page here.
$$$$ Honeymoon hotels
(around $500 a night)
Four Seasons Resort Sayan in Ubud
It’s hard to beat the Four Seasons‘ sixty-room stunning setting – a complete sanctuary cocooned in Ubud‘s Ayung valley. In fact, it was just ranked the #1 hotel IN THE WORLD by Travel & Leisure. Each villa is adorned in dark teak and Indonesian stone and many of the villas boast a private pool and outdoor living rooms. In the restaurant, you can dine on contemporary Indonesian cuisine on a picture-perfect terrace, or sip a passion fruit martini overlooking the valley at Jati Bar. Staying here is once-in-a-lifetime – perfect for a Bali honeymoon. I definitely recommend splurging for a pool villa – the views are unmatched in all of Ubud, and you’ll have your own private infinity pool like this one!
How to get Jetset perks on your stay at Four Seasons Ubud:
Fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book!)
Capella Ubud
This hotel was recently ranked by Travel & Leisure as the BEST in Bali, and with good reason. The ultra-luxury Capella Ubud is a fantastic hotel choice for a Bali honeymoon. As one of the Leading Hotels of the World, Capella Ubud is an ultra-luxurious tented camp set within dramatic jungle landscape and lush rainforest, rice paddy fields and the sacred Wos River, in an authentic Balinese artist village called Keliki. The concept takes you back to 19th Century Southeast Asia, and is an amazing choice for any art lovers or anyone looking to really tuck away in a unique, very-Bali experience.
View this post on Instagram
How to get Jetset perks on your stay at Capella Ubud:
Fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book!) Perks for booking through us here include: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, daily breakfast for 2, complimentary 50-minute couples’ massage, and early check-in / late check-out.
Amandari
Aman’s luxe Ubud resort is one of the best hotel choices for a Bali honeymoon. Serene gardens, lotus ponds, spacious rooms, and an ideal location, Aman is always a great move. At only 30 suites, it’s boutique and exclusive feeling, with signature Aman service.
photo via Booking.com
How to get Jetset perks on your stay at Amandari:
Fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book!) Perks for booking through us here include: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, daily breakfast for 2, $100 resort credit, and early check-in / late check-out.
Viceroy Bali in Ubud
The Viceroy is a jungle retreat perfect for a honeymoon. Each of its luxury villas is a sanctuary that you’ll never want to leave – did I mention they all have a private infinity pool that can turn into a hot tub whenever you want it to? (HOW AMAZING IS THAT). The service is absolutely amazing and its restaurant – Cascades – is one of my favorites in all of Bali (Leave your wedding diet in America, you’re gonna want to order the coconut milk banana french toast for breakfast every morning)!
Bulgari Resort Bali
Photo courtesy of Bulgari Resort – Expedia
This ultra-luxury resort in Uluwatu is absolutely stunning, and worth the price, especially for a Bali honeymoon! A roundtrip airport shuttle, a poolside bar, and a seaside terrace. Add in a private (breathtakingly beautiful !) beach, beachfront dining, and lots of places to relax in the sun, this hotel is the perfect romantic getaway in Bali. Treat yourself to a massage, a body treatment, or a facial at The Spa, the onsite spa. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 3 onsite restaurants, which feature international cuisine and ocean views. Yoga classes are offered at the 24-hour health club; the property also has designer stores on site, a garden, and a hair salon.
Kayon Jungle Resort in Ubud
For a jungle pool villa that is SO quintessential Bali, at a less expensive price point than Viceroy or Four Seasons, Kayon Jungle Resort is a great pick for a honeymoon.
Photo via Kayon Jungle Resort
Alila Villas Uluwatu
The eco-modern villas at Alila are vast and super-stylish. Each comes with a butler, swimming pool and a chic poolside cabana. You can get to a private beach but you’ll have to descend over 600 stairs to reach it – and then climb back up again – so most guests choose to hang by the beautiful 50-meter pool instead, or retreat to the yoga center and the gorgeous spa.
Six Senses Uluwatu
The Six Senses is the newest luxury resort in Uluwatu – and it is easily one of the most stunning. Located on its own clifftop that feels like your own end-of-the-world oasis, this is the ultimate Bali Honeymoon luxury resort. It’s also where I got engaged!! (which you can read more about here 🙂
The Legian in Seminyak
The Legian Bali is Balinese laid-back luxury at its finest. With its understated elegance, emphasis on service, traditional Balinese design, and delicious food, the Legian is hard to beat. It’s also located right in the heart of bustling Seminyak – providing easy access to everything from fun brunches (Sea Circus Bali), to adorable shops and cafes, to an amazing nightlife (some of my favorites nearby are Motel Mexicola for dinner and drinks and La Favela for late night dancing). 
Karma Kandara in Uluwatu
Perched on a cliff 300 feet above the Indian Ocean, Karma Kandara is an amazing choice for a honeymoon. Think villas hidden among tropical gardens, a serene spa, gourmet restaurants and an awesome beach club (that you have to take a cable car to get down to). The stunning Karma Kandara has perfected the art of Bali beachfront relaxation.
Ayana Resort in Uluwatu
If magical sunsets and incredible oceanfront views are what you’re after, the Ayana is your paradise. It is one of Bali’s most acclaimed and awarded hotels, and deserves every honor. There are 19 restaurants and bars including the famous Rock Bar; an exclusive private beach; 12 swimming pools; a world-class spa and fitness center.
353 Degrees North, Nusa Lembongan
With views of the ocean and the volcano, 353 Degrees North is a stunning clifftop villa in Nusa Lembongan, and is one of my very favorite places I’ve stayed in Bali. It is secluded, quiet, tucked away, and a wonderful choice for a honeymoon. You can read more about my experience there in this blog post on Nusa Lembongan.
An awesome villa with a view in Uluwatu
$$$ Honeymoon hotels
(around $2-300 a night)
COMO Uma Canggu
This gorgeous surf-town haven in Canggu is a great hotel option for a couple days exploring low-key surfer town Canggu The contemporary white-and-grey decor and modern vibe is hard to find in a traditionally more casual hipster-paradise Canggu, I wouldn’t call it ULTRA-luxury like the Ubud and Uluwatu hotels, but that’s not what Canggu is about! That being said, COMO does modern-meets-Canggu vibes right. From their Beach Club (full of seafood feasts and fresh-fruit-packed frozen cocktails),to their beautiful lagoon pool, to the spacious rooms, to their panoramic views of the beach and rolling waves, this is the spot I stay in Canggu the most.
The Beach Shack in Nusa Lembongan
This beautiful beach-chic beach-front villa is a gorgeous choice for a honeymoon.
Bambu Indah in Ubud
As called out as one of the best eco-friendly places to stay in Bali by the Wall Street Journal recently, Bambu Indah is a quiet eco-lifestyle hotel tucked in Ubud defines eco-chic. Bambu Indah is the perfect choice for the yogi couple who’s looking for their zen in the jungle for a couple nights. It’s lush & green and its uniquely Ubud-calm defines serenity. Even if you don’t stay here, the restaurant is worth a brunch or lunch to check out the gorgeous hotel.
Cicada Luxury Villas in Seminyak
These luxury townhouse villas are a great budget-friendly option for a few nights of your honeymoon! They are in a perfect location to start or end your trip in bustling Seminyak (walking distance to lots of shopping, eating, beaching and drinking!), the rooms are HUGE and really nice, and feature an outdoor shower and bath, and access to a gorgeous pool.
Colony Hotel in Seminyak
The Colony Hotel is insta-famous for it’s picture-perfect colonial-style courtyard pool in the heart of Seminyak. It may not be beachfront or suspended in the jungle, but it does make for a perfect home base in the Seminyak/Canggu area – where much of the nightlife, shopping, and ex-pat scenes are in Bali.
Q: If we don’t want to just sit around at a resort all day, what should we do when we get there?
A: There is SO much to do! Once you’ve nailed down the areas you’ll be staying in – revert to my Ultimate Bali Travel Guide for details on where to eat, drink, sightsee and play when you get there. For a couple quick favorites – my favorite spots for a sunset drink are La Brisa Beach Club in Canggu, La Laguna, The Lawn Canggu and Potato Head in Seminyak. My favorite beaches are Bingin Beach and Thomas Beach. And my favorite day trips are to the waterfalls & rice fields!
Q: My wedding is in the middle of Summer! Is it going to be brutally hot in Bali? What time of year is best for a Bali honeymoon?
A: USA Summer is Bali’s dryest (and most popular) season. Rainy season runs November-February and it can get very, very rainy. That being said, many people visit during this time and get plenty of sunshine during their trip – you just need to be prepared for some rainy afternoons! The best months in my opinion are March through June and September/October.
Q: We want to do our honeymoon in Bali, but we don’t want to break the bank. Is it really as affordable as they say?
A: Bali can be as affordable – or as luxurious- as you want it to be. To me, it’s all about being smart about where you spend your money. While there are 5-star resorts like the Four Seasons and the Hanging Gardens that aren’t exactly affordable, you can stay at luxury spots and then choose to eat at affordable spots in town (as opposed to at the resort), get cheap massages nearby instead of at the resort spa (I have some awesome recs on The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide), etc. etc. Even though some of the nicer places to stay are comparable in price to other honeymoon destinations around the world, it’s the savings in food, activities and transportation in Bali that make it the affordable destination it is.
Q: How much does a Bali honeymoon cost?
A: The great thing about Bali is it’s great at any budget. You can expect to spend anywhere within the range of $4000- $10,000+ in Bali, though it’s hard to spend more than that in Bali. Your biggest expense will definitely be the hotels (so don’t be afraid to splurge there!).
As far as food goes, breakfast is usually included in your hotel stay, and the rest of Bali food is extremely affordable. If you eat at a mix of nice and casual restaurants, you’re likely looking at an average of ~ $100-$150 total per day (for both of you). If you eat at only affordable spots, you could bring that down to as little as $50 a day.
Transportation in Bali is extremely affordable. If you were to have a private driver for every day of your trip, to take you wherever you want, you are looking at around $75-$100 a day. If you rent a motorbike and drive yourself around, it’s about $5 a day.
Activities in Bali like visiting waterfalls and rice fields, or taking a day trip to the volcano, are not pricey at all. I’d say to budget around $50 extra dollars a day for activities, although keep in mind most of this goes hand in hand with transportation as well (your driver for the day can take you to the waterfalls and rice fields, the market and temples, etc)
Q: OK Christina – EVERYTHING in Bali sounds incredible. What would be your ideal 9-day honeymoon itinerary?
A: That’s such a tough one. I personally would do a combination of Uluwatu and Ubud. That way, you get the gorgeous beaches and combine it with the beautiful Bali jungle and all there is to see in Ubud (stunning waterfalls, monkey forest, the rice fields!) If I had more flexibility on time and 2 weeks, I would do Uluwatu, Ubud, and either Nusa Lembongan or the Gili Islands (both are boat rides away, but so unique and beautiful).
Q: What else should we know about Bali?
Make sure to read up on my Biggest Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Bali blog post here! Bring cash, as many places in Bali don’t accept credit card, and you’ll need cash for transportation, cafes, etc. Always barter, with ever driver everywhere, they’ll always say a higher price than is fair. It should cost about $6-700K rupiah MAX to have a private driver for an entire day of touring around/ into the evening. Please don’t overpay for transportation rates, as it makes the entire economy change here in Bali. Many people feel like “oh that’s too cheap, I should pay more!” but that completely disrupts the Balinese economy.
Transportation is very cheap here, and drivers currently make more of a salary than doctors, so just remember how far your money goes for locals in Bali! They make more in a day driving tourists than they would make in over a month in any other industry on the island.
Q: Should I get travel insurance for Bali?
I’m always a fan of getting Travel Insurance for any big trip! Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 140 countries and is designed for travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
What should I pack for Bali?
I have a whole Bali packing list here but here are some cute looks for a honeymoon in Bali!
This beach shirt is what I ALWAYS wear on every vacation. Over my bikini, on planes, open, buttoned up, tied around my waist or tied in the front (my favorite way to wear it!). The material is SO SOFT and the perfect layer of warmth thats not too warm, but just warm enough, making it ideal for travel days and beach days.
Feeling a little overwhelmed with information and need some more help planning your Bali trip? Did you know I also have started doing custom Bali honeymoon itineraries and personalized trip consultations to help you guys plan your honeymoons in Bali?!
You can read more about that here, and contact me at [email protected] if you’re interested and I can send over my rates!
*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to some hotels! If you choose to book one of the hotels I recommended, I would so appreciate you using these links to do so! An affiliate link basically just means that at no cost to you at all, I get a small kickback from the booking site for bringing them your business! I never, ever recommend any hotels that I don’t 100% LOVE & think you will, too! If you have any questions at all, please see my advertiser & affiliate policy page here.
Excited to see your guys’ honeymoon travels on instagram!! Don’t forget to tag #JSCJetsetters in your posts using my recs! I share my favorite ones to my story! 🙂
PS – Join the JETSETTERS secret facebook group to get & give travel recs to our Jetset Christina community and connect with other jetsetters!
& Check out my other articles on Bali!
What to Pack for a Trip to Bali
What to pack for your honeymoon
The Biggest Mistakes People Make Traveling to Bali for the First Time: Bali for first-time travelers.
The camera I use for travel photography & which drone I recommend
Tips to have the best time on your honeymoon and advice on avoiding honeymoon planning stress
The best matching couple swimwear
The Best Bachelorette Party Favors to Get Your Girls
The best luxury honeymoon destinations
The Ultimate Canggu Travel Guide
The Five Best Smoothie Bowls in Bali
The Ultimate Honeymoon Packing Guide
The best getting ready pajama sets for bridesmaids and the bride
The Most Instagrammable Places in Bali
Susana
🙂 thank you so much, lovely images. Felt in love with Bali couple years ago, but never had time to visit GIGI’s.
Sahil
Hey, this is an amazing article. Loved your style of writing.
Alex
Hi Christina-
Really enjoyed reading through your Ultimate Bali Guide and Honeymoon Post.
My fiance and I are planning to be in Bali for the first 2 weeks in January. We didnt realize that this was the rainy season until reading your blog (rookie mistake I know). Any suggestions on how to make the most of the trip during this time of year? Anything you’d change in terms of your approach to the trip?
Appreciate your insight!
Christina Vidal
HI Alex! No worries – hopefully you will get some sunshine!!! In my experience the mornings during rainy season are sometimes beautiful and then the rain starts up in the afternoon – my advice would be to take advantage of those mornings!! and to allow extra time to get places as the rain can make it tougher to get around. Also definitely plan for some time in Ubud! Ubud is BEAUTIFUL in the rain – the jungle zen just gets even better!
Adam
Honeymoon is a very beautiful moment for couples and there are so many honeymoon destinations in Bali to choose from! Thank you for the best Honeymoon in Bali Guide that you have given us all this is written very well, thanks
Christina Vidal
Thank you Adam!
Jess
This was so helpful!! Thank you
Christina Vidal
You’re so welcome!! happy travels 🙂
Mela
Great read! Thank you for all the details and helpful tips! Definitely helps me in planning our itinerary for our honeymoon! 🙂
Christina Vidal
You’re so welcome! I’m so glad I could help 🙂 Happy honeymooning!
Nancy
Hi, could you please map out a 9 day itinerary with your recommendations ?
Christina Vidal
Hi Nancy! That’s the last Q I answer above in the post! 🙂 Happy travels to Bali!
Julie
Hello and thanks for the excellent article! We will visit for ~10 nights mid-end June 2020 for our honeymoon. We’re thinking Seminayak 4 nights, then Ubud 2 nights, then candi dusa 4 nights. Does this sound like a good plan to you? or do you have a better idea? We haven’t booked flight/acommodations yet and are struggling with how many ~$160/nt resorts/Airbnb’s there are!!! Any advice on how to narrow down the options? We’d love beachfront, but very close is ok too. were also adventurous travelers, so not too touristy would be great! Thanks again for the really helpful article!
Mohd Arshad
[*
Hi Christina,
I have read your articles and is very impressive and informative. Thank you so much!
Elisa Zaiceva
Hi! We are doing a two night Liveaboard in Komodo and then flying back to Bali. Definitely want to stay in Ubud for a few nights and then trying to pick between Uliwatu, Seminyak, and another area. Since we’ll be spending 3 days on a boat (and swimming/diving a lot) do you have suggestions for what other area we should visit?
Christina Vidal
Hi Elisa! That is so much fun! I would recommend checking out Canggu! It’s a totally different feel from Komodo and Ubud. Uluwatu is always my favorite as well, but since you’re already doing so much diving/beach time, I’d say maybe Seminyak or Canggu! Canggu is a really cool surfer town with great cafes, restaurants, bars and it’s where most of the expats in Bali live 🙂
Nikhil Agarwal
Hi Christina, I had a query, I am planning to go to Bali in the first 2 weeks of March 2019. Your blog says that March is one of the best times to go, but a lot of other blogs and websites mention that it’s quite rainy in March too. So I’m a bit hesitant to finalize Bali due to the rains, please guide me 😁
Christina Vidal
Hi Nikhil! I’ve had wonderful experiences in March and am here almost every March. It’s a tropical island – so there is rain year round! but it comes and goes, the true “rainy season” ends in February usually! I hope you have a wonderful trip! Fingers crossed for all days of sunshine!!!
Ramit
Hi Christina, I’m going with my wife for our honeymoon for 6 nights in the last week of Feb and debating our itinerary. Mixture of Uluwatu and Ubud seems right but if it rains would you favor one area more than another? Also, how would you sequence those two destinations?
Christina Vidal
Hi Ramit! You should be good on weather in late February, it’s usually the end of rainy season by then! That is a great combination. You can’t go wrong starting with one or the other – but Ubud will be the MOST relaxing, so if your honeymoon is directly after your wedding, I might start there 🙂
Sherri
Hi Christina,
Great advice in this article! I am planning a 2 week honeymoon for April/May. I love the idea of hitting your top 3 locations but am trying to figure out if Gili Islands or Nusa lembongan makes more sense in addition to Ulluwatu and Ubud. I am hoping to squeeze in some island time with beautiful sandy white beaches. Which would you recommend for this timeframe and how would you organize the itinerary in terms of order to visit these places? Seems Gili Islands are unreal but tough to get to in a short timeframe.
Christina Vidal
Hi Sherri! That is a question I get a ton! It’s so hard to decide between the Nusas and the Gilis – you can ‘t go wrong with either – they are both so beautiful! However, I think it comes down to how much time you want to spend on your honeymoon traveling – getting to the Gilis is a little farther than the Nusas (about 3-4 hours total travel time compared to 1.5-2). That being said, 2 weeks is definitely enough time (most people squeeze in three Bali destinations into 9 days or so), so if you want to get to the Gilis – you definitely have time to! The Gilis are a little more fun and islandey, with Gili T being the “party island”, whereas the Nusas are more chill and relaxed.
Sherri Bohman
Thanks so much! We are now thinking of postponing until the end of October/early November. It seems like this is not quite as ideal as going in April/May. Would you be concerned about weather during that time? Will the water be rough as well as more rain?
Christina Vidal
I actually love October/early November in Bali! It is before rainy season – but just a note it is HOT and humid!!! And no I haven’t experienced too rough of waters in Bali 🙂
Elle
Hi Christina, love this post!
We’re planning on going on our Honeymoon to Bali for 3 weeks in March 2020. How many places do you think we can visit and how long should we spend roughly in each area?
Also do you arrange transport once you’re over there? Sorry for all the questions!
Christina Vidal
Hi Elle! How exciting! You are going to love it! You can get to A LOT of places in 3 weeks – so it just depends on how long you want in each! If it were me, I would do a combination of Ubud (make sure you plan for a lot of time here, I always want more days!), Uluwatu, Canggu/Seminyak, the Gili Islands and the Nusa islands. I don’t normally recommend people to do BOTH islands, but since you have so much time I’d probably want to see it all! But, if you want more time to relax, choose between the Gilis and the Nusas (I’m working on a blog post comparing the Gili Islands to the Nusa Islands as we speak – so stay tuned!) For transport, I arrange once I’m on the ground. For an all-day tour (taking you around, from one region to another, or just touring around during the day etc etc), it shouldn’t be more than 50 USD. Airport transport you can get on the ground fairly easily but make sure you haggle! It should be about 300,000 rupiah from the airport to Ubud, or similar to other areas. Just play the “this isn’t our first time, that’s way too much” card!
Rakesh
Hi Christina. Thanks for the wonderful article. I have a query. We are planning for honeymoon in the third week of February. we are thinking about 6 night stay. I have planned of 3 nights in Ubud. I could not decide on Jimbaran or Uluwatu for the other 3 nights? I have checked out Rimba Jimbaran by Ayana. Is it better to take the breakfast package or just the room ? I have no idea regarding the restaurants around Uluwatu or Jimbaran area which provide nice pan cakes and Omlettes for brekafast. Can you please guide me over here.
Christina Vidal
Hi Rakesh! I’m so excited for you guys – you will love Bali 🙂 Rimba Jimbaran and Ayana are both LOVELY resorts, so if you’re looking to stay at the resort (which I’d be inclined to do on a honeymoon!), I’d go with them over Uluwatu, however, if you’re looking to more explore more beaches, beach clubs, etc outside of your resort, there is more going on in the Uluwatu area for that. I’d definitely do the breakfast package at Ayana – the buffet is GREAT and fills you up for the day! I also loooved the restaurant the Rimba (which I believe you can golf cart over to even if you’re staying at the main Ayana). Since omelettes/pancakes/breakfast in general is less of an Indonesian thing, and more of a western tradition, I like to do breakfast packages while in Bali.
DeVonte McGee
Hi Christina! Thank you for this wonderful article. I wanted to know if there was a specific site you recommend for booking a stay at the Rimba? Also, does the Rimba by Ayana resort offer any excursions/day tours for Ubud? Thanks again!
Christina Vidal
Hi Devonte – Please use this link here to book the Rimba! https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/rimba-jimbaran-bali-jimbaran.en.html?aid=1590369&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 it’s such a wonderful hotel -you’re going to love it! As far as offering day tours and excursions, I’m pretty positive they do – just contact the hotel once you are booked and they can help set you up with some – I also find sometimes just doing so on the ground once I’m there is easiest!
Sarah
Hi! I have thought about honeymooning in Bali for some time now. We are considering staying in an air b&b in Ubud. Would you recommend that? How do you know if the air b&b will look the same when you get there as it does in the pictures online?
Christina Vidal
Hi Sarah! Airbnb’s in Bali tend to be wonderful options! I’d just look at the reviews and make sure they’re great before booking.
Christine
Hi! My fiance and I will be traveling to Bali for our honeymoon. We’re thinking about spending maybe 2-3 weeks there. How much money (USD) do you recommend bringing for that length of time, assuming we’ll be staying in some mid-range accommodations, doing water activities, and wanting to enjoy everything Bali has to offer?
Christina Vidal
Hi Christine! Many places take card, but transport, street shopping, etc are all cash only, so it depends how much you want on hand! I usually say about aboout 500-700 dollars per week in cash is fine for all your activities. More if you think you’ll want to shop more!
Amanda
Hey Christina, I’m planning a honeymoon in Bali this July 2019 and have two questions! 1.) Will the weather be good at this time? 2.) Should we be concerned about earthquakes/tsunamis?!
Christina Vidal
Hi Amanda! July is such a beautiful time of year in Bali!!!! You are going to love it. Do not be concerned about earthquakes/tsunamis!! Like anywhere in the world, of course these things can happen, but the fear of natural disasters shouldn’t stop you from traveling and living your life to the fullest. The earthquakes last year in Bali were widely spread by the media as much worse than they were – our neighboring island Lombok was hit much worse, but there was no damage in Bali at all.
Tiffany
Hi Christina!
Would you recommend The Legian or Four Seasons @Jimbaran Bay?
Tiffany
Hey Christina!
26 May-2June 2019 (Dates for Bali)
I’m sorry, but I would like to add to my question above. What about the Ayana Resort? I’m currently looking at all 3. I want to stay two nights in one of them to end our honeymoon. So far I have an Airbnb for one night in Ubud, then hoping to get another Airbnb booked for two nights (awaiting approval) which is about 90 minutes north-ish from ubud, then just a Air bnb villa at Ubud for two nights, then to end our trip I want to explore Seminyak and Ulluwatu.
What do you think?
Look forward to hearing back!
Thank you 🙂
V/r,
Tiffany
Christina Vidal
Hi Tiffany! It depends if you want to be at the resort mostly, or around more things/in town. Legian is in the center of Seminyak so walkable to lots of shops, restaurants, etc. Ayana is incredible but off in its own world! But I LOVE their beach, restaurants, pools, etc so you don’t ever want to leave! Totally depends on what you’re looking for 🙂
Selina
Hi Christina!
Love your taste and all your photos! My fiance and I have had the chance to stay in some very gorgeous hotel rooms around the world and therefore are getting extra picky with choosing a honeymoon hotel in Bali for late August 2019: I am confused by photos I’ve seen of various resorts because some rooms look a bit cold and not very decorated, I am looking for something very stylistic and stunning to go gaga over and take lots of photos – for example, we loved all of the colorful details and views of Malliouhana’s rooms, bed, and terrace views.
1. We are looking to stay in a hotel/room that will be out of this world jaw-droppingly unique and beautiful, with a private pool, hot tub, with the best views that is worth the 24hr+ flight 🙂
2. That has unique amenities or does extra special things for honeymooners
3. Also am nervous about bugs – will there be a lot in the last week of Aug? Therefore might prefer a hotel that has closed doors from terrace and indoor bathroom.
You gave great options, but with our desires in mind, what are the 2 top hotels you would recommend for Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu?
Thanks!!
Selina
Selina
Hi Christina!
Love your taste and all your photos! My fiance and I have had the chance to stay in some very gorgeous hotel rooms around the world and therefore are getting extra picky with choosing a honeymoon hotel in Bali for late August 2019: I am confused by photos I’ve seen of various resorts because some rooms look a bit cold and not very decorated, I am looking for something very stylistic and stunning to go gaga over and take lots of photos – for example, we loved all of the colorful details and views of Malliouhana’s rooms, bed, and terrace views.
1. We are looking to stay in a hotel/room that will be out of this world jaw-droppingly unique and beautiful, with a private pool, hot tub, with the best views that is worth the 24hr+ flight 🙂
2. That has unique amenities or does extra special things for honeymooners
3. Also, am nervous about bugs – will there be a lot in the last week of Aug? Therefore might prefer a hotel that has closed doors from the terrace and indoor bathroom.
You gave great options, but with our desires in mind, what are the 2 top hotels you would recommend for Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu?
Thanks!!
Selina
Pingback: The Perfect White Outfits Every Bride-to-Be Needs for Every Event Leading Up to the Wedding - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide - 2019 - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Best Luxury Honeymoon Resorts in the World - JetsetChristina
Hiba
Bali is such an amazing place to live and have lived on the island for over a year I still love it just as much. The Ubud area is my favorite and I just adore all the little shops and cafes, and of course all the Yoga!
Pingback: YOU'RE ENGAGED! Now What? 15 first things to do after getting engaged to start planning the wedding of your dreams - JetsetChristina
Pingback: What to Wear to Your Bridal Shower : The Best White Bride-to-Be Outfits - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide - Jetset Christina Bali - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The 10 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Traveling to Bali for the First Time - JetsetChristina
Pingback: How to Plan Your Honeymoon : The ultimate step-by-step guide to planning the honeymoon of your dreams! - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Best Hotels in Bali - Where to Stay in Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Lembongan and More - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Ultimate Honeymoon Packing Guide - JetsetChristina
Pingback: Maldives vs. Bali : Which Destination is Right for Your Honeymoon - JetsetChristina
Pingback: 5 Ways to Prevent Bali Belly: How to Not Get Bali Belly on Your Vacation - JetsetChristina
Samantha Gastley
Hi Christina!
I saw your “Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide” today and I was very intrigued. My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon in early March 2020. Bali seems perfect for us! We haven’t travelled outside of the US, but we would really like to. We love adventures and aren’t really the type of couple to sit around and relax (too much). We were hoping to get some input and advice into planning a honeymoon to Bali. There were a lot of things in your honeymoon guide that seem like a lot of fun, but it is definitely a lot to navigate. The villas in the jungle seemed AMAZING! And I absolutely love the idea of an infinity pool. There were also a couple of other places you mentioned to stay that seemed right up our ally. I wasn’t sure if we should plan to stay in once place the whole time or if we should book a couple of different places to stay. We wouldn’t mind relaxing on the beach a couple of days, but we would definitely like to tour around and do as much as we can while we are there. The whole trip will probably be about 7-9 days.
Thanks so much!
Christina Vidal
Hi Samantha! That’s so exciting!! I do offer custom Bali honeymoon itineraries and planning for this exact reason – to help navigate all of the info on the blog and help you make the best decisions for your trip for YOU! Reach out to me via email [email protected] for my rates! XX
Pingback: The Best Resorts for a Honeymoon in the Caribbean - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Ultimate Bali Packing Guide: What to Pack for A Trip To Bali - JetsetChristina
Muna
Hi Christina,
Firstly thank you for your blog. I’m planning to have my honeymoon in Bali for 7 days in July and had a few questions.
What are the best things to do or see during our stay? The plan is to do some sightseeing, activities and relax.
Initially, we were going to stay in one place (Disini Luxury Spa Villas in Seminyak). But after reading your blog i wanted to know whether you would recommend splitting our stay into two different area’s?
Looking forward to your response.
Muna
Christina Vidal
Hi Muna! How exciting! it depends on how much you want to be moving around during your stay in Bali, it’s totally fine to stick to one area, but I personally love to go to at least two – I would say definitely see Ubud!!! For more ideas, check out my other guides like the Ubud guide and the ultimate Bali guide!
Pingback: Jetset Awards: Jetset Christina's Top 10 Resorts of 2019 - JetsetChristina
Celli
Hi Christina,
I’m organizing my son’s honeymoon in June to Bali. I’ve researched the different places and I’m so glad I found your site! My biggest issue is flying to Bali from California. I didn’t realize the flight was so long and that there are no non-stop flights. Have you ever had any questions related to flights and layovers? I’ve seen layovers in Singapore but not sure I want to have them stay the night there for an early flight to Bali. Do you think it’s worth going straight there and just waiting in the airport for the Bali flight? The bride and groom are in their mid 20s and can handle anything. They want to be surprised with the trip but I am nervous since I’ve never been to Bali.
My second question: Are Ubud and Uluwatu good choices for their 2 places to visit while in Bali for 7 -9 days? They want relaxation, beautiful beaches and maybe a night or two of going “out on the town” where tourists hang out – in that preference order.
Christina Vidal
Hi Celli! I fly to Bali from California all the time! It’s not as bad as you think! There are no nonstops but one stop is really not so bad. I like laying over in either Singapore or Hong Kong from SF or LA. Singapore is a great VERY safe and clean city and a great layover spot! Don’t be nervous! They are going to LOVE Bali!! Ubud and Uluwatu are definitely great choices 🙂 I would also look into 2 nights in Canggu! (I have a canggu guide on the blog) it’s the trendy, cool town with lots of fun sunset bars and things like that that they might like! Maybe 3 nights Ubud, 3 Ulu, and 2 Canggu! Let me know if you need more help planning- I do custom itineraries! Xx
Mo
Hi Christina,
Thank you for this amazing article.
I’m planning my honeymoon in April 2020.
One travel agency has advised :
1) 3 nights @ Ubud in 1 bedroom villa at Visesa Ubud Resort 5* in Ubud
2) 5 nights @ Seminyak in 1 bedroom villa at Impiana Private Villas Seminyak 5*
Another travel agency advised :
1) 3 nights @ in Ubud at Maya Ubud resort: the premier pool villa
3. 5 nights @ Nusa Dua at Sofitel resort: luxury room
Which one is better? Not sure if you’re familiar with all theses accommodation?
Seminyak doesn’t appear on the top of your beach list? any specific reason?
Christina Vidal
Hi Mo! I have not stayed in any of the resorts you’ve mentioned but I would ask the travel agent if they themselves have been to Bali before and stayed in these places? I find a lot of people get ill-advised from agents that are just trying to make a commission! I prefer the combo of Ubud and Seminyak to Nusa Dua – it’s quite touristy, but if that’s your guys’ vibe, go for it!
Blair Daber
Hi Christina,
We are booking our honeymoon for June 2020! Your guides have been so helpful! We would be in Bali for 10 full days…do you think thats enough time to go from Uluwata to Lembongan and then end at Ubud? Would that be too much time in transit? Additionally, how much spending money on average should you except to spend at the resorts for food, alcoholic beverages, and activities?
Jill
Hi Christina,
Love all your Bali guides – they are extremely helpful as I’m starting to plan my Bali honeymoon for September 2020! We will have 11 days/10 nights in Bali and while I want to squeeze in as much as possible, I also want to make sure we have downtime and don’t feel like we are always on the go (especially because we are flying to Bali right after our wedding). Currently I’m thinking 2 nights in Canggu, 3 in Ubud, 2 in Nusa Lembongan and 3 in Uluwatu (in that order). Do you think this is overly ambitious and we’d be better off staying in 3 places/doing day trips? Would love your advice!
Christina Vidal
Hi Jill! Thank you so mch! That’s so exciting! I think that’s a great gameplan! As long as you don’t mind moving around a bit, it’s great to see all the different areas of the island!! And those 4. are my favorites 🙂
Ja
Hi Christina,
Thank you for all the Bali insights — they have been super helpful in starting to plan our 9-night honeymoon coming from the US. We thought we’d spend 2 nights in somewhere like Nusa Dua (still debating where to go these first 2 nights) to fight off jet lag, then 3 in Ubud, and 4 at Ayana Resort on Jimbaran Bay. We’ve heard great things about Ayana so we wanted to stay there but also want to hit up some of the great spots/beaches in Uluwatu. Would we be able to do that while staying at Ayana — i.e. is the travel to Uluwatu areas easy enough without requiring us to actually stay in Uluwatu? Thank you!
Christina Vidal
Hi Jake! It definitely is fine to day trip to Uluwatu for the day from Ayana/Jimbaran! I love the Ayana! That’s a great choice.
Pingback: The Best Beachwear and Bikinis for Summer 2020 - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Best Honeymoon Destinations in December, January and February - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Ultimate Tropical Beach Vacation Packing Guide - JetsetChristina
Pingback: When is Rainy Season in Bali? The Best Times of Year to Visit Bali, Indonesia & Why You Shouldn't Worry About the Rain - JetsetChristina
Pingback: Where to Stay for a Honeymoon in the Amalfi Coast: The Best Luxury Hotels in Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Capri - JetsetChristina
Jane
Hi Christina
Firstly, thanks for all the super useful and interesting info on your blog, we’re planning our honeymoon in Bali for May next year (2021) in the hope everything is back to ‘normal’ by then.
I also just wanted to say how sorry I am that you’ve had to postpone your own wedding and honeymoon. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been – I’ve read and shared your blog post with friends of mine who’ve had to do the same.
I was hoping to get your advice on our Bali trip and the order in which to do things – we’re looking at: 5 days ubud, 5 days uluwatu, 3 days seminyak and 3 days nusa lembongan…do you think that sounds about right? And would you have a recommended order in which to do things?
Thanks! X
Christina Vidal
Hi! Aw thank you so much for sharing my posts. It means the world to me! And I’m glad you chose Bali for your honeymoon! You’re going to absolutely love it. You can really do any order, but I’d break up the beachy spots. So maybe start in Ubud, go to Nusa L, Seminyak, then end in Uluwatu (which is pretty close to the airport too!). But really any order works! I could also see starting in Seminyak, going to Nusa L, then relaxing in Ubud, then beaching it up in Ulu. Sounds like such a lovely itinerary!
Jane
Awesome, thank you so much. I’ve been going around in circles trying to work out what’s best so it’s great to get your advice. Really appreciate! Thanks. X
Pingback: Staying in Camaya Bali - Bali's most instagram famous AirBnB Glamping Experience in Selat - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Best Villas to Rent in Uluwatu, Bali - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The Best Honeymoon Destinations in the Age of COVID-19 - JetsetChristina
Pingback: The 10 Most Epic Luxury Villas in Bali - JetsetChristina