17 Most Romantic Things to Do in Bali for Couples

Romantic things to do in Bali

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Bali knows how to turn up the romance!

Think candlelit dinners on the beach, dreamy private pool villas and indulgent couplesโ€™ massages.

But thereโ€™s more to Bali than romantic pampering. Thereโ€™s a fascinating culture to discover, emerald-green rice paddies to cycle through and plenty of adventures to share.

We spent over six weeks exploring the island, staying in scads of oh-so-romantic hotels and discovering its magic firsthand.

Yes, Bali is busier these days (and the traffic crazy!), but itโ€™s still a special place for couples.

From fabulous splurges to fun outdoor experiences, here are our favorite romantic things to do in Bali โ€“ whether youโ€™re honeymooning, celebrating an anniversary or simply sneaking away for some quality time together.

Our favorite romantic experiences in Bali๐Ÿ’•

Short on time? Start with these top picks for couples. (Also note the activities weโ€™re not so keen on.)


The absolute highlights!

  • BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE โ†’ Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance in Ubud (see #1)
  • BEST ROMANTIC SPLURGE โ†’ Indulge in a luxurious couplesโ€™ spa ritual (see #2)
  • BEST SUNSET DATE โ†’ Enjoy fresh seafood on Jimbaran Beach (see #3)
  • BEST SOFT ADVENTURE โ†’ Bicycle through rice paddies and traditional villages (see #4)
  • BEST NATURE ESCAPE โ†’ย Explore Baliโ€™s waterfalls together (see #5)

What weโ€™d skip

Not every popular Bali activity gets our vote. Weโ€™d pass on dolphin-chasing boat tours, touristy Instagram swings and the staged โ€œmirror reflectionโ€ photos at the Gates of Heaven. Hereโ€™s why.

Most romantic things to do in Bali for couples

1) Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance in Ubud

A man and girl walk past the ornate red-brick ceremonial gateway with gilded doors and carved stone decorations inside Ubud Royal Palace, Bali.
Those golden doors are fit for royalty! A magnificent gateway inside Ubud Palace

Our first evening in Ubud turned into one of our most memorable nights in Bali.

We happened upon a dance performance about to begin at Ubud Palace. So we quickly bought tickets and grabbed seats

What followed was mesmerizing!

Under a starlit sky, two young women in glittering gold bodices and elaborate flower-covered headdresses performed the traditional Legong dance.

They fluttered their fingers, darted their black-rimmed eyes from side to side and gracefully twisted their bodies, all in perfect sync to the hypnotic sounds of a gamelan orchestra.

Then came masked performers and girls dressed as golden deer enacting scenes from the Hindu Ramayana epic.

Balinese dancer at the Ubud Palace, Bali
Balinese dance performances are held nightly in the crumbling Ubud Palace

We were so enthralled that we went to several more performances during our time in Bali, including the dramatic Barong dance (depicting the battle between good and evil) and a Kecak performance featuring rhythmic chanting.

Many Bali hotels also put on traditional dance shows. But the outdoor shows in Ubud seemed more authentic and special.

For couples who appreciate art and culture, catching a traditional dance performance here is one of the best things to do in Bali at night.

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Ubud Palace and other cultural venues around Ubud.
  • Cost โ€“ Approximately IDR 100,000 (US$6) per person for a palace performance.
  • When โ€“ Palace performances generally start at 7:30 pm and last 60 to 90 minutes, with the program changing by evening.
  • Our tip โ€“ Buy tickets locally rather than paying for an expensive guided tour. And arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for good seats.

2) Indulge in a couple’s spa treatment

Spa goodies
Spa goodies

If thereโ€™s one romantic Bali experience worth splurging on, itโ€™s a couplesโ€™ spa ritual.

And weโ€™re not talking about an ordinary massage!

Bali is famous for its spas, and some of its luxury resorts take pampering to extraordinary heights.

At the Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (near Ubud), we crossed lotus ponds to reach our private indoor-outdoor treatment villa.

First, our feet were gently washed and perfumed.

Then came a warm poppy-and-rose-oil scrub, followed by a soak in an outdoor bathtub strewn with rose petals. We even sipped a soothing rose elixir.

A delicious massage rounded out our 150 minutes of bliss.

And that wasnโ€™t our only heavenly Bali spa experience!

At Soori Baliโ€™s spa, we were slathered in a fragrant body mask of ginger, cinnamon and rice, wrapped up like mummies and pampered with facials.

Our skin felt so soft afterward that we acted like honeymooners who couldnโ€™t stop touching each other.

From rose petal baths to volcanic-sand-and-rice-bran scrubs, the Soori Spa is quite sensational! (Credit: Soori Bali)

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu and luxury resorts throughout Bali.
  • Cost โ€“ Budget roughly $15 to $35 USD p.p. for a standard local massage. Elaborate luxury resort spa packages can cost several hundred dollars per couple.
  • Worth the splurge? โ€“ Absolutely, especially for a honeymoon or anniversary. Weโ€™d book a private couplesโ€™ treatment suite over a basic massage room.

3) Savor a sunset dinner on Jimbaran Beach

Having a sunset seafood dinner at a Jimbaran Beach restaurant is one of the most romantic things to do in Bali!
A seafood dinner at a Jimbaran Beach restaurant

Picture this.

Your toes are buried in warm sand. The sky turns pink and gold. And a plate of freshly grilled prawns arrives at your table, accompanied by the sound of waves washing ashore.

Welcome to dinner on Jimbaran Beach!

This long stretch of sand is lined with casual seafood restaurants where you can dine right beside the ocean. Donโ€™t fuss too much over which spot is better than the other โ€“ they all cost roughly the same and have similar menus.

Choose from snapper, calamari, prawns, lobster and other just-caught seafood, typically grilled over coconut husks.

And with tables set right on the beach, it’s hard to beat Jimbaran for a romantic dinner in Bali!

Fancy something more upscale?

Sundara at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers a more polished dining experience โ€“ and prices to match.

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Jimbaran Bay, southern Bali.
  • Cost โ€“ Budget roughly $20 to $50+ USD p.p. at one of the casual beachfront seafood restaurants, depending on your order. Lobster can push the bill much higher.
  • Our tip โ€“ Check the seafood price per kilogram (2.2 pounds) before ordering, and arrive early to snag a prime beachfront table for sunset.

4) Cycle through rice paddies or along the beach

A group of young people bicycles through Bali's rice fields.
Bicycling along countryside trails and through the rice fields is a popular Bali activity for couples

A little adventure can be romantic too!

One of our favorite ways to explore Bali was by bicycle, pedaling along quiet country lanes past emerald-green rice paddies and small villages.

Along the way, you might see farmers working in the fields, women carrying fruit and flower offerings to temples and children waving as you cycle past.

We recommend joining an organized countryside cycling tour rather than braving Baliโ€™s busy traffic-heavy roads.

One option is this guided e-bike ride through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud.

Or try this downhill bicycle tour, starting in the cooler highlands near Kintamani.

Prefer a leisurely ride by the beach?

A wedding couple on a bicycle on the Bali's Nusa Dua seaside pathway
A bicycling bride and groom on the Nusa Dua pathway? Why not! (Credit: Kayumanis Nusa Dua)

We also enjoyed pedaling along Nusa Duaโ€™s bicycle-and-pedestrian beachfront path, passing luxury resorts with beautifully landscaped gardens.

Nusa Dua reminded us a little of a fancy Hawaiian resort area โ€“ only with a Balinese twist.

Stone statues of Garuda and Hindu gods guard resort entrances. And at sunset, we reached a waterfront park with towering sculptures from Hindu mythology, where locals and tourists were out strolling and jogging.

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Ubud countryside or Nusa Dua.
  • Cost โ€“ Allow approximately $30 to $65 USD p.p. for a guided countryside cycling excursion. In Nusa Dua, some hotels offer complimentary bicycle rentals.
  • Adventure level โ€“ Easy to moderate, depending on the route.
  • Our tip โ€“ Go in the morning before the heat builds (or at sunset in Nusa Dua). For guided tours, check whether hotel pickup, lunch and bicycles are included.

5) Go waterfall hunting

Couple hold hands while admiring a cascading waterfall in Bali.
Some of Bali’s most romantic places are its cascading waterfalls

Who can resist a beautiful waterfall? Especially one hidden in the heart of a tropical jungle!

And Bali has dozens of them!

Some plunge into natural pools surrounded by greenery. Others tumble through rocky gorges, where sunlight filters through the mist.

Here are three beautiful waterfalls worth seeking out together:

  • Tibumana Waterfall โ€“ This picturesque 65-foot waterfall near Ubud plunges into a natural pool. Itโ€™s a relatively short walk to get there, and you can sometimes take a dip in the pool.
  • Tukad Cepung Waterfall โ€“ Hidden in a cave-like canyon, this waterfall is especially striking when shafts of sunlight stream through the rocks. Getting there involves descending steep steps, wading through water and clambering around boulders.
  • Sekumpul Waterfall โ€“ This is one of Baliโ€™s most spectacular waterfall sights, with towering cascades tumbling down jungle-covered cliffs. Reaching the

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Central, eastern and northern Bali.
  • Cost โ€“ Entry fees vary by waterfall and some routes require a local guide. Budget extra for transport.
  • Adventure level โ€“ Easy to challenging, depending on the waterfall.
  • Our tip โ€“ Wear proper walking shoes or sandals with good grip, as paths and steps can be slippery, especially after rain. For a hassle-free outing, consider this top-rated private waterfalls day tour, which visits Tibumana, Tukad Cepung and Tegenungan waterfalls โ€“ with just the two of you and your driver guide.

6) Gaze at the sunset from Uluwatu Temple

Visitors watch the traditional Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset.
Visitors watch the traditional Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset

If youโ€™re more of a night owl than an early bird, how about catching the sunset from Uluwatu Temple? 

This 10th-century temple is renowned for its Indian Ocean vistas (and cheeky monkeys).

Perched on high sea cliffs on the western side of the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu basks in breathtaking sunsets every evening. 

Grab your better half and enjoy the views. Then take a seat and watch the Kecak dance performance (for a fee).

This is a busy, rather touristy attraction. So itโ€™s not quite an exclusive romantic setting for just the two of you. But for any couples who love culture, itโ€™s a must-visit.

The Kecak dance performance combines dance, drama and music as it retells the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. Youโ€™ll be engrossed by the dancersโ€™ rhythmic chanting and elaborate costumes as the sun descends. 

Make the experience hassle-free with this private sunset Uluwatu Temple and fire dance evening tour. Have dinner afterward (own expense) at Jimbaran Bay (see #2). The tour includes private transport.

7) Discover Ubud’s artistic side together

It's fun browsing Ubud art galleries
It’s fun to browse the art galleries in Ubud

Ubud stole our hearts.

Yes, itโ€™s much busier than when Eat Pray Love put it on the tourist map. But Baliโ€™s cultural and artistic heart still has plenty of charm.

And one of the loveliest ways to spend a few hours together is to wander through its art galleries and museums.

Ubudโ€™s galleries are chock-full of Balinese artworks, with original oil and acrylic painting sometimes stacked several deep against the walls.

Venture into the surrounding villages, and youโ€™ll find small artist-owned shops selling everything from paintings and sculptures to wood carvings, intricately painted eggs and masks hand-carved from bamboo. Much of it is good โ€“ and less expensive than whatโ€™s sold in Ubudโ€™s galleries.

Our favorite art stop: Neka Art Museum

A couple checks out photos taken in Bali's Neka Art Museum.
A couple checks out photos taken in the Neka Art Museum

We also spent many enjoyable hours at the Neka Art Museum, a short drive from the town center.

Set amid gorgeous tropical gardens, the museum houses an impressive collection of Indonesian art, sculptures and ceremonial objects, displayed in a cluster of colonial and traditional Balinese-style buildings.

We were fascinated to see how Balinese painting has evolved over the centuries โ€“ from traditional wayang-style works inspired by shadow puppet theater to more modern styles influenced by European artists such as Walter Spies.

Thereโ€™s also an interesting collection of ceremonial knives and kris daggers.

Art, sculpture and musical instruments at the Neka Art Museum

With its peaceful grounds and beautiful artwork, this museum is one of our favorite romantic places to visit in Bali for art-loving couples.

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Neka Art Museum, Ubud and galleries in surrounding villages.
  • Cost โ€“ Browsing galleries is free. The Neka Art Museum charges IDR 150,000 (about $9 USD) per adult.
  • Our tip โ€“ Allow a couple of hours for the museum, then browse the smaller galleries around Ubud. You might find a special piece of Balinese art to bring home!

8) Spend a blissful day at the beach

Wicker sun loungers shaded by turquoise umbrellas on the sandy beach at Amarterra Villasโ€™ beach club in Nusa Dua, Bali
Sunbed, shade, sea viewsโ€ฆ What more could you want? (Credit: Amarterra Villas)

Sometimes the most delightful thing to do is absolutely nothingโ€ฆ Except perhaps swim, read a book, order a cold coconut and decide where to have lunch.

Nusa Dua beaches

A couple enjoy a sunrise breakfast on the beach in Nusa Dua.
A sunrise breakfast on the beach in Nusa Dua? (Credit: Kayumanis Nusa Dua)

We explored several Bali beaches and found that Nusa Dua is one of the best places for a relaxed couplesโ€™ beach day.

This 5-star resort enclave is known for its long stretches of pale golden sand, turquoise water and  beautifully maintained beachfront grounds. The water is also generally calmer than on Baliโ€™s surf-pounded west coast, making it a good choice for swimming (though tides and conditions vary).

Luxury resorts, including the St. Regis Bali Resort, Westin and Paradisus by Melia Bali, have rows of sun loungers and umbrellas set out for their guests.

Smaller boutique resorts, like Kayumanis Nusa Dua and Amarterra Villas Resort, also have their own exclusive beach club facilities.

But you don’t need to stay at a fancy resort to enjoy Nusa Dua’s beaches!

Geger Beach (beside the St. Regis) is open to the public.

You can rent sunbeds and an umbrella, and local beachside restaurants serve food and drinks. It’s just the place to while away a few hours with your toes in the sand and nowhere else you need to be.

Other Bali beaches

Wooden sun loungers beneath white umbrellas on Sanur Beach in Bali, overlooking golden sand and calm turquoise water
Sanur Beach looks inviting with its golden sand and calm waters, doesn’t it?

Jimbaran Beach and Sanur Beach are other options worth considering.

We were less enthusiastic about the busier beaches around Kuta and Seminyak. They were too crowded and, in places, too littered with garbage for our tastes.

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Sanur.
  • Cost โ€“ Public beaches are generally free or charge a small entrance fee. Loungers, umbrellas, parking and food cost extra.
  • Our tip โ€“ Check local swimming conditions. Not every gorgeous-looking Bali beach is safe for swimming.

9) Monkey around in the Ubud Monkey Forest

One of the top things to do in Bali? Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Can these baby monkeys get any cuter?

One of the most fun things for couples to do in Bali is to visit Ubudโ€™s Monkey Forest sanctuary.

While itโ€™s not always top of the list of the most romantic things to do in Ubud, itโ€™s a fun and unique activity that youโ€™ll talk about a lot when youโ€™re back at home!

Here, in a protected forest reserve on the edge of town, over 550 macaque monkeys scamper about three 11th-century holy temples.

The tiny almost-hairless babies suckling from their mothers are especially adorable!

Monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest
Monkey see, monkey do – some hapless tourist has lost their camera to this monkey!

We heard lots of laughter as monkeys jumped up on people who had brought them bananas. (Good idea? Maybe notโ€ฆ)

While dodging primates might not be everyoneโ€™s pick for a romantic outing, animal lovers will be transfixed watching the lively antics of the long-tailed felons.

10) Stroll through the Tegalalang rice fields

A couple walk through the Tegalalang rice fields in Bali
Discovering the lush beauty of the Tegalalang rice fields

The Tegalalang rice terraces are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ubud.

This series of lush green rice fields spreads out on tiered terraces, about a 20-minute drive north of Ubud.

Their sheer beauty makes them one of the most romantic places in Bali. 

Theyโ€™re great for taking an early morning stroll and to snap some eye-catching photos.

You can combine a visit to the Tegalalang rice terraces with other Bali must-see sites (like the Monkey Forest and the Tegenungan Waterfall) on this top-notch best of Ubud tour.

The Jatiluwih rice terraces in Tabanan, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also stunning, but a little harder to get to.

The Jatiluwih rice terraces in Bali are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Jatiluwih rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

11) Snorkel with manta rays at Nusa Penida

You can snorkel with manta rays in Bali.
It’s pretty amazing to think you can snorkel with manta rays in Bali

At the nearby island of Nusa Penida, you can snorkel with not only tropical fish but manta rays!

This has to be one of the most wondrous honeymoon things to do in Bali, right?

Just a 35-minute trip by speedboat (quicker than the ferry), Manta Point in Nusa Penida is renowned for โ€“ you guessed it โ€“ huge manta rays. They rays have a wingspan of up to 16 feet.

Scuba diving with manta rays is also possible. But as the rays feed on plankton in shallower areas around the reef, it means you can see them up-close by snorkeling alone. You can even see mantas from the boat!

A few manta ray tours are offered from Sanur in Bali.

This private boat tour combines snorkeling with the manta rays and a land tour. And this small-group snorkeling trip has a couple of snorkeling stops around Nusa Penida Island (including one for manta ray snorkeling). 

Or, you could stay in the paradise islands of Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan for a few days. Theyโ€™re quieter than the mainland and, for a romantic Bali getaway, itโ€™s definitely worth staying there for a bit.

12)  Experience Bali’s festivals and traditions

Ornately carved Balinese stone temple guardian statue with bulging eyes, fangs and an elaborate headdress, seated against a red temple wall
Donโ€™t let those fangs scare you โ€“ this Balinese temple guardian is here to ward off evil spirits!

Some of our most treasured memories of Bali are about the people we met, the colorful traditions we witnessed and those unexpected moments that made us feel, if only briefly, part of everyday Balinese life.

We were lucky enough to visit during the Galungan festival โ€“ one of the most important religious celebrations for Balinese Hindus, marking the victory of good over evil.

Cycling through a small village, we got to experience the festival firsthand.

Tall curved bamboo poles (called penjors) decorated the roadsides. Families dressed in traditional ceremonial clothing carried baskets of flowers, fruit and other offerings to temples. Incense wafted through the air and bells tinkled gently.

And everywhere we went, children greeted us with face-splitting smiles.

Tall curved bamboo penjors, decorated with woven palm leaves, arch over a village street in Bali for the Galungan festival.
Baliโ€™s festivals come alive with decorated bamboo poles, flower offerings and towering baskets of fruit

On another occasion, near Sayan, we came across preparations for a different temple celebration.

Women wove delicate palm-leaf baskets for offerings, while men gathered around charcoal fires, grilling fragrant skewers of pork, ginger and coconut.

They invited us to taste some. How could we refuse? It was so delicious!

A young Balinese woman in traditional lace clothing carefully weaves strips of palm leaves for a Hindu temple offering, with bananas and fruit nearby.
A young Balinese woman turns palm leaves into decorations for a temple offering

These spontaneous encounters gave us a deeper appreciation for Bali than any staged tourist attraction could.

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Villages and temples throughout Bali.
  • Cost โ€“ Many public cultural experiences are free to observe, although donations may be appreciated.
  • Our tip โ€“ Be respectful of religious ceremonies, follow local dress requirements and ask permission before photographing people.

13) Enjoy a floating breakfast in your pool

A floating breakfast in your villa's pool is a romantic way to start the day in Bali!
A floating breakfast in your villa’s pool is a pretty romantic way to start the day!

The most romantic places to stay in Bali? An exclusive private villa, of course! 

There are hundreds around the island, and if youโ€™re savvy, you can find exceptionally cheap deals. 

Theyโ€™re often set in verdant rice paddies with their own private pools. And if you have a private pool, why not start the day with a floating breakfast?

Weโ€™re talking breakfast โ€“ fruit, pancakes, pastries, eggs, juice and coffee โ€“ served on a giant floating tray in your pool. One of the best honeymoon activities in Bali, itโ€™s a breakfast date with a difference.

Some of the most romantic hotels in Bali such as Six Senses Uluwatu (in Ubud) and the Kayumanis Villa resorts (in Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Ubud) offer this service.

Or you can arrange for a floating breakfast experience at a natural pool in the Ubud jungle with this romantic Ubud tour.  

14) Go surfing in Bali (or learn how to surf)

Surfing at Canggu Beach, Bali
Surfers at Canggu Beach

Surfing is legendary in Bali.

And itโ€™s one of the best Bali honeymoon activities for anyone who wants an adventure. 

The peak surfing season is May to September.

Some of the top surfing spots on the island are found on the Bukit Peninsula on Baliโ€™s southern coast. In fact, it was surfers who first discovered this beautiful place โ€“ itโ€™s an arid, teardrop-shaped piece of land (Bukit to its friends).

For big fast surfing waves, head to Uluwatu Beach right under the cliff-hanging Uluwatu Temple, one of Baliโ€™s oldest temples.

Kuta Beach is good for both beginners and experts. Many surf schools offer lessons, and you can rent boards. Kutaโ€™s waves are good to surf from March to November. 

15) Go horseback riding on the beach

Horseback riding on the beach in Bali
Here’s your chance to ride a horse along the beach!

Canggu is well known for its boutique shops and hip cafรฉs. But you can see it from another angle atop a horse.

Feel the tropical wind in your hair as you trot along the sands of Pig Stone Beach and journey over to the lush green rice terraces. 

On this horseback riding tour, youโ€™ll be matched up with a horse that suits your riding ability and get full instruction. You can choose from a morning, afternoon or sunset tour. 

16) Party at a beach club in Seminyak

Party-goers at Potato Head Beach Club
Who’s up for a party! (Credit: Potato Head Beach Club)

We confess โ€“ weโ€™re not too much into partying. So when we think of romantic things to do in Seminyak, Bali, partying at clubs isn’t the first thing that springs to our minds.

But we did have fun watching the sunset and noshing on appies at the Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak. Definitely a scene! (The club attracts international DJs and celebs.)

If youโ€™re looking for things to do in Bali for honeymooners and couples who love to party, then the islandโ€™s beach clubs certainly deliver. 

Several beach clubs in Seminyak offer good times, ocean views, swimming pools and killer cocktails. 

You can easily while the day away at one of these โ€“ lounging on a sunbed, swimming, eating, drinking and listening to cool tunes.

Seminyak beach clubs get the most ink.

But other fun clubs for spending the day by the beach can also be found in Uluwatu, Jimbaran and Legian.

17) Escape to Baliโ€™s quieter countryside

Baliโ€™s busy tourist centers are fun, but we also loved escaping to the islandโ€™s quieter corners.

One of our favorite stays was at Soori Bali, a luxury retreat tucked between rice paddies and a black-sand beach in the Tabanan region.

Far from the bustle of Baliโ€™s popular resort areas (hello Kuta and Canggu!), we could unwind, soak up the peaceful surroundings and enjoy a slower pace of life. We borrowed bicycles too to explore the quiet country lanes nearby.

Another great option is Sidemen, a scenic valley in east Bali, where boutique hideaways overlook lush green hillsides and Mount Agung rises in the distance.

If you enjoy slow travel like us, this is where some of Baliโ€™s real magic lies.

Before you two go

  • Where โ€“ Tabanan (west of Denpasar) and Sidemen (east Bali) are two lovely choices.
  • Cost โ€“ Exploring independently can be inexpensive. Guided private outings and luxury retreats cost more.
  • Our tip โ€“ Stay at least a couple of nights. Baliโ€™s traffic can make a seemingly short day trip surprisingly long.

Popular couple things to do in Bali weโ€™d skip (or think twice about)

A Gateway to Heaven photo with the reflection in front
A Gateway to Heaven photo with the reflection in front

Bali has no shortage of attractions that look fabulous on Instagram. But not all of them are worth sacrificing precious vacation time for:

  • Heavenโ€™s Gate at Lempuyang Temple โ€“ That famous reflection photo above? Itโ€™s created using a mirror trick. And waiting times can stretch for hours. Weโ€™d go for the temple and cultural experience, not the photo.
  • Bali swings โ€“ Sure, they may be fun for a dramatic Insta photo. But weโ€™d rather spend our time exploring real rice terraces or traditional villages.
  • Crowded dolphin-watching tours at Lovina โ€“ Watching wild dolphins together sounds romantic. Being part of a flotilla of boats chasing them? Not so much. Weโ€™d only go with a responsible operator that respects the dolphinsโ€™ space.
Woman in red dress on a Bali swing
Do you really have to try one of Bali’s swings?

Planning a romantic trip to Bali

Beautiful pink lotus flower
The lotus flower represents grace, beauty, fertility and rebirth and in Balinese culture

Where to stay in Bali?

Ahhh, there are so many gorgeous places, perfect for couples.

In case you missed it, here are our reviews of some of best romantic Bali hotels and resorts. Weโ€™ve personally stayed at many of these hotels.

How to get to Bali

Cathay Pacific, EVA Air and other airlines fly to Denpasar (Bali) via Hong Kong or Taipei. (Flights from North America are sometimes as low as $900 USD.). 

We flew on EVA Air and were quite impressed with the airline.

Getting to Ubud

Most resorts arrange airport transfers, and luxury hotels around Ubud offer complimentary shuttle service to Ubud town.

When to go to Bali

The best time to visit Bali is the dry season from April to October.

Final thoughts: Is Bali good for couples?

Absolutely!

Bali may no longer be the quiet, undiscovered tropical paradise it once was. But it still has a special allure.

For us, the most romantic memories weren’t necessarily the grandest or most expensive.

They were watching dancers perform beneath the stars, cycling through little villages, enjoying the extraordinary warmth of the Balinese people and luxuriating in spa treatments that made us feel like royalty.

Of course, a beautiful private villa and a candlelit dinner don’t hurt either!

Whether you’re honeymooners or longtime partners, Bali offers a wonderful combination of luxury, adventure, culture and romance.

And that’s exactly why we’d love to return.


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Romantic Things to Do in Bali

Our top travel tips and resources

โ†’ Hotels | Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a โ€œwowโ€ hotel โ€“ or at least a decent one โ€“ often at lower rates than the hotelโ€™s own website. (We especially like Booking.comโ€™s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find excellent discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.

โ†’ Vacation homes, condos and rentals | We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).

โ†’ Flights | For the best flights, we search on Google Flights first. Expedia and Kayak are then perfect for snagging the cheapest tickets. (They’re often non-refundable, though, so for more flexibility, we book directly with the airline, even if it costs more.)

โ†’ Airport lounge access | We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!

โ†’ Tours | For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.

โ†’ Car rental | Renting a car can be a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies for the lowest rates.

โ†’ Travel insurance | SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.

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About the authors

We’re Janice and George Mucalov, award-winning travel journalists whoโ€™ve explored all seven continents โ€“ always with room for one more adventure (and one more glass of wine). Here on our luxury travel blog, Sand In My Suitcase, we shareย destination guides,ย luxury hotel reviews,ย cultural discoveries,ย cruise know-how andย insider travel tips. Curious? Read about us.

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22 Comments

  1. A very nice post about Bali with good recommendations for future visitors!

    If you return and make it the north coast, consider staying at The Damai, or at the far west end, consider a few days in the West Bali National Park at Plataran Menjangan.

    You were very near our home when you were at Soori โ€“ an excellent choice to see the remote luxury Bali can offer away from the crowds that often fill Kuta, Seminyak or Ubud.

    1. Hi James,
      Ahhh, so you live in a beautiful area of Bali :-). Lucky you!
      Thanks for the tips.
      At Plataran Menjangan, we understand that you see deer there as well as monkeys. Sounds delightful…

  2. I can’t say I’m a fan of the beaches either or the Westernization of Ubud. But your article is a great piece that highlights the best of what Bali has to offer – and I still loved it. I was completely taken by the cultural warmth, spirituality and natural beauty.

    On another note, congratulations on winning the Silver award at NATJA! I’m a big fan of your writing, so it’s well deserved!

  3. I’m taking my wife to Bali for our anniversary this year and one of the things I am looking forward to the most is the spa experience! Thanks for sharing your things to do list!

  4. Beautiful, great photos as always. I’d love to see Bali and Ubud would interest me. No interest in Kuta beach and the over-the-top tourist stuff. I was actually curious in the mountains up north as well as some of the beaches on the north coast which seem quite off the tourist track. Ever been?

    Beautiful post.
    Frank (bbqboy)

  5. Lovely post! It looks so lush and green there! I think I’d be a bit afraid of the monkeys, but I’d definitely enjoy a Balinese massage and some time on the beach. Glad you enjoyed your time in Bali.

    1. You don’t have to be afraid of the monkeys :-). There are staff who wander about the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and if they see anyone getting scared because a monkey has climbed up them, they’ll shoo off the offending monkey. And so long as you don’t take any fruit or wear any earrings or jewelry inside, you’re okay.

  6. Bali looks so beautiful and other-worldly. Hope I get to visit some day!
    Thanks for sharing the terrific photography.

  7. What a grand image that is of the woman with the fruit on her head. I was in Bali recently and saw women carrying many items on their head but none so lovely as this!

    1. And how some of the women manage to balance things on their heads (without holding on with their hands) is quite impressive.
      Over in Mexico, we just learned that the ancient Mayans flattened the tops of babies heads (by binding them at birth), so they could better carry baskets of corn and other things on their heads as adults. (We’re writing about this in an upcoming post.)

  8. Looks like there’s no shortage of interesting activities and beautiful sights to see in Bali. I’d love to experience the traditional festivals. Why every 210 days for the Galungan festival, I wonder? I wasn’t an Eat Pray Love fan, but would definitely want for its authentic expressions of Balinese life.

    1. Good question – why every 210 days for the three-day Galungan festival? The holiday is set according to the Balinese calendar and celebrates the victory of good over evil. “Doctor Google” says it marks the time when the spirits of the ancestors visit the earth :-).

  9. Janice and George, Thank you very much for this great article with wonderful photos!

    It brings back memories of a wonderful visit more than 40 years ago. It would be interesting to return to see the changes. At that time we couldn’t go to the North, because it was too dangerous. But I remember a nice trip to Sigiriya and Kandy.

  10. We have yet to visit Bali, and we need to remedy this deficit in our list! Beautiful photography. It looks heavenly in every way.

  11. Great post Janice and George!

    I agree with you. There is so much to love about Bali and many places to get off the tourist path to those hidden, sacred, and special places. I think every time I return, I’ll see something new!

    Cheers!

    Lori