On the island, there are multiple hubs for different sorts of activities that you and your partner can indulge in for a memorable holiday. Here is a curated list of the best areas to visit in Bali to liven up the romance.
1. Seminyak
Looking for a place where you can have your privacy, but still feel like you’re part of the crowd? Seminyak is the place to be. A slightly calmer, more refined version of busier Kuta, Seminyak is home to choice nightclubs, shopping, restaurants and cafés, and luxurious resorts.
Seminyak beach, although sometimes swarming with tourists, has a host of water sports that you can try together. You can also spend quality time in Canggu, which is a peaceful coastal village with black sand beaches, just a few minutes from Seminyak.
Things To Do
- Stay in a luxurious villa at one of Seminyak’s many resorts
- Party the night away in your personal cabana at Potato Head Beach Club
- Enjoy the sunset at the isolated Tanah Lot temple
- Go horseback riding as the sun sets on Canggu beach
2. Ubud
A little bit of culture and art, and a whole lot of beauty – Ubud in Central Bali is where you will find yourself cut away from the beaches, but amid verdant paddy fields, rolling hills, scenic waterfalls and sacred temples.
It’s the perfect contrast to the sunny, salty locales by the beach, and will put you in the epicentre of local culture and crafts. Ubud town is small but lively, and worth a visit. Most luxury resorts are cut off from the hubbub, so you’re guaranteed that much-needed privacy in a lavish setting.
Things To Do
- Take an art class together
- Get blessings as a couple at the Tirtha Empul temple
- Explore the caves of Goa Gaja
- Go hiking up Mount Batur
- Enjoy the sprays of fresh water at Tegenungan Waterfall
3. Uluwatu
Uluwatu’s sunsets and cliffside views are unbeatable. Situated in Southern Bali, Uluwatu is peppered with romance. A popular destination for weddings, it has some of the most luxurious resorts on the island, secluded beaches with great views, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
Since Uluwatu is a little far-flung from the central tourist areas, privacy is a given here. However, there are a number of great restaurants within the area, so you won’t have to venture too far from your resort.
Things To Do
- Catch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple
- Relax on the beaches of Padang Padang, Balangan and Suluban, or try your hand at surfing
4. Nusa Dua
Long sandy stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters mark the coastline of Nusa Dua, not to mention the lavish hotels and resorts by the beaches. It’s a destination that’s cut away from the crowds and is perfect if the calm of Bali is what you’re looking for.
The beaches are clean with not a lot of people and there are great honeymoon resorts in and around the area. Accommodations are usually secluded, making it quite a popular spot for honeymooners.
Things To DO
- Try water sports at Tanjung Benoa
- Go snorkelling on Nusa Dua beach
- Swim at Geger beach and visit Geger temple
- Explore the paradise that is Pandawa beach
- Dine in a cave with a romantic setting on Samabe beach
5. Jimbaran
Slow and easy, Jimbaran bay lets you enjoy the beauty of Bali. You can work on your own clock in this small fishing village, which is home to some of the best beaches on the island.
The coastline of Jimbaran is furrowed with natural limestone cliffs that tower over the beaches. You can relax on the beach as the sun goes down, with a delectable meal in front of you.
Things To Do
- Get an aerial view of the coastline from Rock Bar or Unique Bar at Ayana Resort & Spa
- Devour fresh seafood at the food stalls along Jimbaran beach
- Take a surfing lesson on Bingin or Dreamland beach
6. Sanur
Sanur is Seminyak and Kuta at a slower pace. There are resorts, shops, restaurants, bars and beaches – everything you may want to explore on your honeymoon. Its laidback seaside vibe attracts tourists and adventure sports lovers, but it still is one of the more quiet areas of Bali.
Things To Do
- While the rest of Bali has magnificent sunsets, Sanur is where you can catch a great sunrise
- Swim or try water sports on Sanur beach
- Check out the Pasar Malam Sindu night food market
7. Nusa Islands
A 30-minute ferry ride from mainland Bali, the trio of Nusa Islands – Nusa Lembongan (the most popular), Penida (the biggest) and Ceningan (for adventure lovers) take you far away from the buzz and into an exclusive island experience. The three small islands have many interesting spots to visit and activities galore for thrill seekers. Since they are only accessible by boat from the mainland, these islands see fewer tourists and can let you have a few hours to yourselves.
You can board a ferry to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur harbour and cross over to Nusa Penida by another ferry and Nusa Ceningan by crossing the yellow bridge.
Things To Do
Nusa Lembongan
- Explore the magical Devil’s Tears
- Join surfers riding the waves and feel the blaze of the sunset on Jungut Batu beach
Nusa Penida
- Crawl through cracks to get to Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave
- Traverse a blue staircase to get to Peguyangan Waterfall
Nusa Ceningan
- Get an adrenaline rush from cliff jumping from Mahana Point
- Shield your eyes against the cheerful blue of Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan
8. Gili Islands
Another one of Bali’s waterlocked gems, Gili Islands is the epitome of what Bali looked like a few decades years ago. Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno make up this set of islands, with Gili Trawangan being the largest and most touristy. The islands are located beyond the Nusa Islands, along the coast of Bali’s closest neighbour, Lombok.
The islands are known for their colourful marine creatures, clear waters and clean beaches, besides a number of party hubs that keep revellers upbeat throughout the night. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Gili Trawangan, but you can also visit the bars and restaurants if you’re just looking to unwind.
Things To Do
- Go diving at Shark Point or Manta Point
- Party into the morning at a beach club
- Spot sea turtles while snorkelling
- Adopt and release a sea turtle hatchling into the sea at one of the sea turtle conservation sites at Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno
- Go cycling along the coastline
