Your Guide to an Unforgettable Bali Honeymoon

After planning the wedding, most couples hunker down to find their ideal honeymoon spot. If you're considering a Bali honeymoon, we have good news for you. The idyllic island destination is at the top of our Travel Editor's list of the best honeymoon destinations. With its beautiful beaches, honeymoon resorts and immersive experiences, Bali brings a little bit of everything to the table.

Known for breathtaking landscapes that range from serene beaches with crystal-clear waters to lush, terraced rice paddies, a Bali honeymoon provides an unforgettable backdrop for romance, relaxation and exploration. Newlyweds can indulge in luxurious spa treatments, savor delicious Indonesian cuisine and explore ancient temples set against dramatic natural vistas.

When it comes to planning your Bali honeymoon vacation, you can use this article as your guide. From the best time to visit Indonesia to the top hotels and packing checklists, use our expert tips to plan your Bali honeymoon itinerary for a romantic getaway.

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Bali Honeymoon Tips in this article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Bali
• Bali Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Bali Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels
• Things to Do on a Bali Honeymoon
• What to Pack for a Bali Honeymoon

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Best Time to Honeymoon in Bali

The best time to visit Bali is between April and October when the conditions are typically dry and the temperatures aren't quite as high. While you can find fabulous weather at this time, the offseason (November to March) is something to consider, too, especially if you want to skip the crowds. You can expect higher temperatures and bouts of heavy rain, but the downpours are usually quick to pass. Hotel rates tend to be lower during this time as well.

Best weather: April to October.
Offseason: November to March.
Festival highlights: Galungan is a 10-day festival that normally takes place at the start of March. You can expect to see dance performances and rituals that pay homage to gods and ancestors. The Bali Blues Festival is a two-day music festival that takes place in May. The Ubud Food Festival is usually three days at the beginning of June. The Bali Arts Festival typically falls on the second Saturday of June and ends mid-July. The Bali Kite Festival is usually held between July and August.

Bali Honeymoon Planning Tips

As you figure out your plane tickets, you'll quickly realize that the journey to Bali is quite long—but undoubtedly rewarding. Upon arrival, you'll be captivated by the island's lush landscapes, iconic rice terraces and stunning beachfronts that have become emblematic of Bali's postcard-perfect setting.

But before you can truly indulge in the beauty of the region, you'll want to make sure you have your basics covered.

Entry requirements: Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival. Visa requirements vary depending on how long you plan on staying, so make sure to plan ahead.
Language: Indonesian is the official language, with Balinese also widely spoken among the local population. English is commonly used in tourist areas, making communication relatively easy for travelers.
Location: Located in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali lies between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is well-connected by air with international flights arriving at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport).
Currency: While some places might accept US dollars, the Indonesian Rupiah is the official currency.
Flight time to Bali: Flights to Bali from New York City are typically 20+ hours, including layovers. To break up the lengthy travel time, consider extending your layover for few days and embark on a multi-destination honeymoon together.
Getting around: Taxi, car, motorbike, bus, bicycle and by foot.

Pro tip: Connect with honeymoon planning experts to help you find Bali honeymoon packages, flights and accommodations. You can browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for reviews, testimonials and more helpful tips.

Best Bali Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels

Choosing the right area to stay is important when planning a Bali honeymoon. Where you stay will largely depend on what you want to do; Kuta is perfect for couples seeking vibrant nightlife, Ubud for those looking for a tranquil retreat amidst lush forests and Nusa Dua or Jimbaran for an exclusive beachfront experience.

Booking your accommodations well in advance is advisable, especially if you're eyeing popular Bali honeymoon resorts. Here are a few top-notch hotels with great reviews for you to dig into.

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Viceroy Bali

Infinity pools overlook rice fields and a tropical forest at this luxury hotel on the Island of Bali, a favorite choice for honeymooners. Viceroy Bali also offers couples spa treatments, such as Balinese massages and facials in a tranquil setting. Situated in the heart of Ubud, it's near the monkey forest and Ubud Palace.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Four Seasons Resort: Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Stepping into Bali at Jimbaran Bay feels like setting foot inside a private Bali village. The luxury resort is a sweet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The accommodations include indoor-outdoor villas with private pools and lounges. And the Sundara Beach Club boasts comfy day beds perfect for a siesta.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Stunning architecture meets natural beauty at Alila Villas Uluwatu, a five-star luxury resort designed by award-winning Singapore architectural firm WOHA. Relax before dinner in the impressive Sunset Cabana overlooking the Indian Ocean. There's also afternoon tea, a spa and private pools.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa has some sweet perks for honeymooning couples, including a complimentary cake and a chance to have a sunset dinner right on the beach. The accommodations include king beds, walk-in closets and balconies with ocean views. The beach resort is a stone's throw from Seminyak and Jalan Legian, a street packed with shops and dining options.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Legian Seminyak, Bali

If you're looking for the ultimate escape, consider The Legian. The spacious rooms include living spaces and terraces, and they give way to otherworldly beachfront views. There are multiple dining options, including an ocean champagne bar which means exactly what you think it does—an opportunity to clink glasses with your loved one while gazing out at the Indian ocean.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Marriott's Bali Nusa Dua Gardens

Bask in contemporary comfort at Marriott Bali Nusa Dua, where resort apartments have living areas and smaller guest rooms still have enough space for kitchenettes. The lagoon pool invites relaxation and the bar has creative cocktails. It's close to the Padang Bai, home to beautiful beaches and reefs.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for accommodation that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, you might also want to consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Things to Do on a Bali Honeymoon

When you're on your Bali honeymoon, you can count on having plenty of things to do. From sightseeing to surfing, here are a few noteworthy activities to add to your Bali itinerary.

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Get Acquainted With Balinese Culture in Ubud

Ubud is a laidback, culture-oriented town. You won't find a hopping nightlife scene here, but you will find plenty to do. There are several Hindu temples to check out, including Gunung Kawi, an 11th-century structure only reachable by descending down 300 steps. Pura Penataran Sasih (Penataran Sasih Temple, also known as Moon Temple) is home to the largest bronze kettle in Southeast Asia, known as the Moon of Pejeng.

About 700 long-tailed macaques call the Ubud Monkey Forest home, and visitors can feed these critters peanuts while discovering the community-managed sanctuary. The Tegallang Rice Terrace and the Ayung River are additional destinations for honeymooners. The latter is a great spot for an Ubud cooking class with a local chef.

Discover Uluwatu

Uluwatu is popular with tourists for its white-sand beaches, but there's enough space to stretch out and relax. In the area, the Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu temple situated on cliffs overlooking the water. Just watch your back if visiting this spot—monkeys are known to swipe people's belongings.

Go around sunset if you want to witness a Kecak fire dance, which takes place near the cliffs daily at 6 p.m. Favorite beaches for surfing and lounging include Padang Padang and Thomas Beach. And Jimbaran Bay, a paradise for surfers and seafood lovers, is less than 10 miles away.

Party in Kuta

Kuta's vibrant nightlife scene is like a moth light for the party people of the world. Go to LXXY Bali if you want to dance the night away.

As fabulous as the nights are, there's plenty to do during the day as well, from relaxing on the beach to taking a trip to Tanah Lot, a sea temple.

Enjoy a Seminyak Getaway

More laidback than Kuta but more high-spirited than Ubud, Seminyak is a popular honeymoon destination and home to many high-end resorts. The west-facing beaches offer gorgeous glimpses of the Indian Ocean and couples can take surf lessons on Seminyak Beach. Seminyak's nightlife is more refined with jazz bars and R&B options.

A day trip to Nusa Lambongan for snorkeling and scuba diving is another popular activity. Nusa Penida Island is another nearby spot for a day trip. It's a picture-perfect island with pristine waters and limestone cliffs.

Find the Finer Things at Nusa Dua

This upscale resort area is known for its luxury hotels and meticulously manicured lawns. Much of the fun takes place within the resorts, which boast all-inclusive packages and watersports. Bali Collection is a notable spot for retail therapy. The shopping center has nearly 40 fashion stores and more than a handful of art shops.

Ride the Waves and More in Canggu

Located 90 minutes from Ubud, Canggu was once a hidden gem but has become more mainstream, particularly among surfers. The resort area encompassed by rice paddies has a pair of beaches known for strong surf: Canggu and Echo. Amateurs can take lessons. It also boasts an array of cool cafes and upmarket restaurants, making it a popular location even for those who don't know the difference between a paddleboard and a surfboard.

Explore the Gili Islands

A trio of islands near the coast of northwest Lombok makes up the Gili Islands. It's a respite from civilization—vehicles are not allowed, so people get around by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage. But the Gili Islands are truly stunning to explore by sea. The colorful coral reefs and abundance of turtles make them a perfect place for scuba diving. Those there at night will also witness a memorable sunset over Mount Agung.

Enjoy the Views in Kintamani

Kintamani boasts gorgeous views and not just of the beach. It's home to Mount Batur, an active volcano and favorite spot for sunrise hikes. You can also see it from above by taking a helicopter tour. Couples looking to wake up later and just relax will also meet their match here. If you love hot springs, a soak in the Toya Bungkah is said to be a healing experience.

Pro tip: If you don't know what to add to your gift registry, consider including honeymoon experiences instead. You could even create a honeymoon fund to help pay for your flight and accommodations.

What to Pack for a Bali Honeymoon

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When you're ready to make your packing checklist, remember that Bali is a relaxing honeymoon destination—meaning leisurewear is the name of the game.

Shorts, casual dresses and sandals all fit the bill. You'll also want to pack a few bathing suits in your honeymoon luggage to mix things up throughout your trip. And please, don't forget your sunscreen.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.