Blessed with a rich and ancient culture, Bali is home to friendly, hospitable people, great natural beauty and sun-kissed beaches that offer numerous fun-filled activities for your honeymoon.
Honeymoon in Bali and savour one of Asia’s most exotic honeymoon destinations.
Do nothing at all while lounging by the pool or relax on the beach in a hammock hung beneath sweet-scented jasmine, magnolia and frangipani trees.
Or, be as active as you want with a choice of pursuits including hiking, rafting, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and paragliding.
Hike to the summit of Gunung Besakih; whitewater raft the turbulent Ayung River past vertical gorges, rice terraces and unspoiled rainforest; or experience Bali at its best on a cycling tour along the popular 25km Bakur Trail, with mainly downhill cruising past picture-perfect landscapes and shrines little changed in centuries.
Away from the beach Bali offers a choice of compelling attractions and sights – discover narrow roads that weave among ancient temples, mountain lakes, soaring volcanoes, picture-perfect rice terraces and unspoilt rainforest.
Experience genuine Balinese hospitality, watch colourful festivals and rituals, be enchanted by traditional Balinese dance and listen to the soothing and hypnotic sound of the gamelan, which bring to life Hindu mythology and legend.
In quaint stores, browse for casual clothing or look out for a memorable honeymoon souvenir among Balinese handicrafts such as wood and stone carvings, fine art paintings and antiques.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, Bali will surprise you with unforgettable honeymoon experiences.
Read more about things to do in Bali…
Bali offers a choice of beautiful beaches located mainly on the east and west sides of the southern coast, including the following…
(West coast) – If you enjoy crashing surf, spectacular sunsets and an energetic nightlife that never seems to stop, then this is the place for you.
Kuta is Bali’s busiest beach resort district. A broad sweep of golden sand sits in front of a maze of narrow streets that are crammed with hotels, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops selling an array of handicrafts and clothes.
The surf on Kuta is best from March to July. Bring your own board or rent from one of the shops that line the beachside streets. If you need them, lessons are available from the local surf school. Unfortunately, this is not a safe swimming beach as the current here is often too strong, with frequent rips.
Away from the beach, visit the 16th century temple of Tanah Lot, which is built on a lava rock 200m off the coast and is accessible at low tide. Come at sunset for magical views.
Kuta is located on the west coast just 4km from the airport, around 10 minutes by taxi.
Read more about Kuta Beach…
(West coast) – Find a quiet alternative to bustling Kuta on this wide surf beach, which stretches north of Kuta to Seminyak.
By day, rent a surf or boogie board, take a lesson at the local surf school, stroll along the paved beachfront pathway, go shopping and unwind with a cold drink while watching a magical sunset.
Like Kuta Beach, strong undercurrents often make this beach unsafe for swimming.
After dark, discover a great choice of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Legian is located on the west coast just 8km from the airport, around 13 minutes by taxi.
(West coast) – Discover a sophisticated and quiet alternative to bustling Kuta and busy Legian, where you can unwind in a choice of luxurious beachside hotels and private villas.
Savour soothing spas and browse trendy boutiques. Enjoy fine dining and party-on in stylish nightspots.
Up-market Seminyak is located just north of Legian and features the gently shelving Petitenget Beach.
Seminyak is located on the west coast just 10km from the airport, around 16 minutes by taxi.
Read more about Seminyak Beach…
(West coast) – Dig your toes into the soft white sand of this gorgeous beach that fronts a former fishing village and a choice of luxury 5-star hotels.
By day, sunbathing on the soft sand, swim in the calm lagoon and savour magical sunsets over a cold drink at one of the beachside restaurants that are renowned for fresh grilled seafood.
There are no water sports on this beach, however, hotels are usually happy to provide scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking excursions elsewhere. For surfing, head north to Kuta or south to Uluwatu, a renowned destination for advanced surfers.
While in Ulumatu, don’t miss the magnificent Pura Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple), where you can also watch ‘kecak’ dance performances daily from 6pm to 7pm.
Jimbaran Bay is located south of Kuta on the west coast 6km from the airport, around 10 minutes by taxi.
Read more about Jimbaran Bay…
(East coast) – Dig your toes into the soft white sand of this 1km-long palm-fringed beach that nestles between a mix of modern and Balinese-style hotels and the calm turquoise waters of the lagoon.
Sheltered by an offshore reef, the lagoon offers perfect conditions for water sports including parasailing, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing and glass-bottom boat tours.
Just a short walk from the beach lies the tranquil Balinese village of Sanur, where you can visit a range of shops, restaurants and interesting sights including Bali’s oldest dated artefact – a stone pillar located behind Pura Belangjong on Jalan Seka Waru, on which ancient inscriptions recount military victories dating back 1000 years.
Or stroll among thousands of colourful orchids at the Bali Orchid Garden, located along Jl Ngurah Rai, around 3km north of Sanur.
Upmarket Sanur is more expensive than Kuta but cheaper than Seminyak, and is located on the east coast just 15km from the airport, around 20 minutes by taxi.
Read more about Sanur Beach…
(East coast) – Discover three gorgeous golden-sand beaches that lie separated by two small tree-covered peninsulas.
Protected by an offshore reef, the lagoon offers calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling – at low tide, the water is only ankle deep on some parts of the beach.
The northern end of the beach boasts a range of water sports including parasailing, jet skiing, snorkelling and diving trips. (For more water sport activities head to Tanjung Benoa, Bali’s centre for water sports, just a 10-minute drive north of Nusa Dua.)
Both the north and south beaches offer good surf conditions from December through to March when the winds are offshore.
Away from the beach, tee off from a choice of three golf courses in Nusa Dua, including the 18-hole Bali Golf and Country Club, the Nusa Dua Golf Course and the Amanusa Golf Course; or admire baby turtles prior to their release into the sea at the nearby conservation area of Pulau Penyu (Turtle Island), just a short boat ride away.
Nusa Dua’s modern village offers a range of air-conditioned restaurants, cafes, art galleries, handicraft shops and chic fashion boutiques. In the evening, enjoy traditional Balinese entertainment at the nearby Chandra Koka Amphitheatre.
A range of luxurious, beachfront 5-star hotels and private villas nestle beneath shady trees of manicured gardens in this exclusive complex.
Nusa Dua is a huge gated complex located on the east coast, around 13km from the airport, 20 minutes by taxi.
Read more about Nusa Dua Beach…
(Nusa Dua) – One of the few beaches where swimming is actually a safe prospect, the gentle waves at Geger Beach (Pantai Geger) keep surfers away, which makes for a pretty leisurely beach experience.
The soft sand is packed hard so Frisbee and volleyball are popular choices, and a number of restaurants along the shore provide excellent meals.
This is a public beach and the splendid white sand beach at the western edge of the enclave retains lots of the character that is missing in the sanitised Nusa Dua enclave.
How to get there: head west out of the Nusa Dua enclave passing the golf course and then the St Regis Hotel (on your left), take the first turning left towards to the beach and proceed through the Pantai Geger car park.
(East coast) – This scenic 5km-long golden-sand beach fronts a mix of luxury, modern and Balinese-style hotels, open-air cafes, restaurants and shops catering to water sports enthusiasts.
The middle and northern section of the beach (photo) offers scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, banana boat rides and reef fishing.
Protected by an offshore reef, the lagoon offers calm waters perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports – at low tide, the water is only ankle deep on some parts of the beach, which is great for beachcombing and spotting tropical fish trapped in rock and sand pools.
Tanjung Benoa is located at the tip of the Benoa Peninsula north of Nusa Dua and is just 15km from the airport, around 30 minutes by taxi.
(East coast) – Also known as Pantai Kecil (Little Beach), Bias Tugal is often completely deserted. Tucked behind Padang Bai, this hidden beach can only be reached via a 500-metre rocky pathway.
The current is strong and the water gorgeous, so swimmers with little experience should make sure their feet stay firmly planted on the sand when they venture out into the waves. For a quiet and anonymous beach experience, Bias Tugal is ideal.
How to get there: from Padangbai turn right at the main street and pass the post office. About 10 meters further there is a dirt track going uphill. It is quite a hike but if you stick to the dirt road you will reach the top and see Bias Tugal lying below. Remember to bring drinks and snacks with you.
(Uluwatu, south west coast) – Proclaimed by many to be the most beautiful beach in all of Bali, this strip of golden sand can be accessed by staying at one of Ungasen's cliff top resorts such as the Karma Kandara Resort or by paying roughly $25 to access the beach.
The good news is that the fee can be redeemed for food and drinks at one of the beach clubs. The sand is soft and the water a stunning azure with a strong current at high tide. On Monday evenings, the Karma Beach Bali shows a movie.
(Uluwatu, south west coast) – This magnificent white-sand beach offers excellent surfing conditions for intermediate surfers with a right and left reef break, but is not a safe swimming beach. Relax with a cold drink at one of the beachside bars and enjoy the sunset.
Dreamland is located on the way to Uluwatu on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula 17km from the airport, around 33 minutes by taxi.
Read more about Dreamland Beach…
(Uluwatu, south west coast) – Just a stone’s throw from the popular and often crowded Dreamland Beach, Balangan provides plenty of waves for those surfers who aren’t trying to impress anyone and just want a little more space.
Surrounded by rocky cliffs, this beach nevertheless has soft, fine sand that makes sunbathing and sand castle building easy undertakings. Local cafés line the shores, and the crowds never seem to get out of hand.
(North coast) – Relax on this long stretch of black volcanic sand that embraces several villages overlooking the Java Sea.
With its rural charm, Lovina is a convenient base to explore the north coast and the central mountains of Bali. Swim and snorkel in the calm reef-protected waters of the lagoon. Go scuba diving or take a dolphin-watching excursion.
Inland, hike picturesque forest trails in the West Bali National Park looking out for native wildlife, such as barking deer as white mynah birds flitter among the branches overhead.
Or soothe your muscles in the 37°C waters of Air Panas hot springs at Banjar. Here, natural volcanic spring waters pour out of carved stone mouths into a series of pools that nestle within a gorgeous tropical garden.
Lovina is located on the north coast 92km from the airport, around one hour and 45 minutes by car.
Read more about Lovina Beach…
At just 5632km² in size Bali is easy to explore on day trips from any of the beach resorts south of the capital Denpasar.
Bali offers a huge choice of attractions from glittering temples to ancient wonders, including the following…
Pura Besakih — Bali’s largest and most venerated temple, Pura Besakih, sits at 1000m above sea level on the southern slopes of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and holiest mountain.
Alternatively known as the Mother Temple, Besakih is named after the dragon god believed to inhabit the mountain, which is considered sacred. The temple complex consists of around 22 multi-tiered temples and numerous shrines that sit on parallel ridges that cover an area of around 3km.
Pura Ulun Danu Batur — Discover Bali's most important temple after Pura Besakih. The temple (also known as Pura Ulun Danu, Pura Batur or Pura Bat) is dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Ida Bhatari Dewi Danu.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan — Explore this classical Hindu thatch-roofed meru (multiroofed shrine) that sits at 1200m above sea level on a tiny island surrounded by the shimmering waters of Lake Bratan.
Stroll through manicured gardens and past an impressive stupa to reach the lakeside temple.
Pura Taman Ayun — With its multi-roofed meru shrines and pavilions, intricately carved wooden gates, ponds and grassy courtyards all surrounded by a moat, Pura Taman Ayun is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Bali.
Pura Tanah Lot — Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most visited temples in Bali. Built on a lava rock 200m offshore and especially photogenic at sunset, Tanah Lot is only accessible at low tide.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu — Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits on a 70m-high cliff-top with spectacular views overlooking the surf at Uluwatu.
Constructed in black coral rock, the temple is one of Bali’s sacred directional temples and is the southwest guardian against evil spirits.
Gunung Kawi — Explore one of Bali's oldest and largest ancient monuments. Ponder the significance of the 10 candis or shrines that sit in 7m-high sheltered niches cut into the cliff face.
Pura Taman Saraswati — Examine carvings that honour Dewi Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of art and learning. Then watch one of weekly dance performances or simply admire the lotus blossoms in the lily pond from Café Lotus, which sits just in front of the temple.
Pura Tirta Empul — Get an insight into Balinese spiritual life by visiting the sacred springs at Tirta Empul Temple. Watch as Balinese from every corner of the island purify themselves in these holy waters.
Puri Saren Agung, Ubud — Stroll around a series of elegant and well-preserved pavilions in the heart of Ubud and later enjoy an evening dance performance, held in the palace courtyard.
Goa Gajah — Discover a grotto of elaborate stone carvings from the 9th century, with a ceremonial bathing pool nearby.
Ponder the impressive entranceway, a dramatic carved facade of what appears to be menacing creatures and demons.
Gunung Agung — Take the challenging 5-hour climb to the summit of Gunung Agung (3142m), Bali’s holiest mountain and the highest point on the island. For an easier hike, try the lava slopes of nearby Gunung Batur (1717m).
Ubud — Bali’s centre for music, dance and fine arts offers the perfect opportunity to learn more about Balinese culture. Wander narrow streets crammed with arts and crafts shops, museums and art galleries.
Browse market stalls, trinket stores and chic boutiques then cool-off with a cold drink at an open-air café and restaurant – try the beautifully sited Café Lotus, which sits in front of the Pura Saraswati temple and water garden.
In the evening enjoy a dance performance in the dramatic setting of the elegant Puri Saren Agung (Royal Palace). More about Ubud…
Find more sights and attractions in Bali…
Bali offers a huge range of honeymoon accommodation options to suit all budgets.
See our resort section for some of the best honeymoon hotels in Bali.
The best time to visit Bali is anytime from June through September, when the days are hot, sunny and mainly dry.
Generally, Bali enjoys a warm, humid and tropical climate with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) year-round.
Temperatures vary across the island from hot, 31°C (87°F), on the coast to cooler, 21°C (69°F), in the highlands. Average temperatures in the central mountains range from 18°C (64°F) to 24°C (75°F).
It can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night in the mountains.
More information about Bali weather
Bali is located off the eastern tip of Java – just one of more than 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago – and is easily accessible with multiple airlines offering daily flights.
The most convenient route to Bali is by air to Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar International Airport, which is located in southern Bali, 13km (8mi) southwest of the capital, Denpasar.
More information about How to get to Bali…
An all-time favourite destination for couples wanting to combine their wedding with a honeymoon, Bali is the perfect spot to say 'I do' – and the ideal destination for that long dreamt of beach wedding in Asia!
Steeped in history and tradition, Bali provides a magical backdrop of beautiful temples, lush tropical forests, verdant rice terraces and stunning beaches, which offer a great choice of wedding venues.
Bali is subject to Indonesian law, which requires that you have both a religious and civil ceremony.
The religious ceremony and the legal ceremony must be held at the same location on the same day. Your wedding ceremony will be attended by both a representative from your religion and from the Indonesian Civil Registry Office (Kantor Catatan Sipil).
Both wedding partners must 'declare' the same religion to the Office of Religious Affairs before the ceremony. The following religions are recognised in Indonesia: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christian (Protestant and Catholic) faiths.
More information about how to get married in Bali…
Latest update: Bali honeymoon: 27 May, 2022
Advertising