One would think it’d be easy writing this travel blog: coming up with just six reasons why you should choose Bali for your honeymoon. Actually, it’s harder than you think. There are literally tens, if not hundreds, of great reasons why Bali is perfect for a honeymoon. But to narrow them down to six awesome ones? We’ll give it a try.
Bali is a great place to relax and unwind. With its beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy some time out. But Bali is more than just beautiful scenery, luxurious resorts and your typical sun-and-surf destination, much more. We’ll talk about why next….
1. Bali is Stunningly Beautiful
Bali is one of those places that you have to see to believe, and be there to experience. No YouTube video or Travel Channel show can do it justice. The island is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world – from its white sand beaches and dramatic coastlines to lush green rice paddies and towering volcanoes. All on one island. It’s no wonder Bali is dubbed the “Island of Gods”.
As a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, beaches are plentiful in Bali. There are flat white sandy beaches along the shores of Jimbaran Bay and Nusa Dua, black sand beaches on the east coast, virgin beaches in the north and west, and those who love to surf will relish the chance to catch some serious waves in Uluwatu located on the island’s southern most tip.
Water is considered sacred in Bali. It is a sign of fertility and prosperity, and is the building block for life. And there is plenty of that too here – from volcanic crater lakes such as Lake Batur and Lake Bratan, to the tranquil yet mighty Ayung River that runs through the heartland of Bali carving through gorges and rice terraces of Ubud, to the many beautiful waterfalls such as Gitgit and Tibmana waterfalls, even one inside a cave (Tukad Cepung Waterfall). From sacred mountains to crystal blue sea, raging rivers to serene caldera lakes, stunning rice terraces to virgin jungles, Bali is truly heaven on Earth.
2. Bali is Romantic
When it comes to romance, there are few places more magical than Bali. The island’s natural beauty is simply mesmerizing, and there’s something about its atmosphere that just makes you feel good. It’s an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle where couples travel from the world over to celebrate their love and commitment to one another – honeymoons, destination weddings, anniversaries, vow renewals, or simply time to reconnect and rekindle. Romance is in the air here in Bali.
The Balinese know this well and have crafted a variety of venues and activities to cater to couples that blend perfectly with its natural setting. So what makes Bali so romantic? Is it the laidback island vibes? The romantic strolls along beach watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean? The private waterfall dinner at The Royal Pita Maha or fine dining at Mandapa Kubu’s bamboo huts on the banks of Ayung River? The warm, friendly locals who make you feel welcome wherever you go? Or your Balinese pool villa nestled in the jungle where the world seemingly revolves around the two of you? Chances are, it’s all of the above.
3. Exotic Culture
The Balinese culture is one of the most treasured ingredients that make this tropical island so special. This little island boasts a fascinating and unique culture unlike even the rest of Indonesia. The Balinese have a rich history dating back to ancient times, and their belief system is complex and certainly very different from our own. Ingrained in every Balinese is the philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana” which consists of three elements: Harmony with God; Harmony with Other People; and Harmony with Nature. This way of thinking permeates every aspect of Balinese life, from religion to architecture. It’s also why the Balinese are such gracious hosts. They believe that it’s their duty to make sure that every guest feels comfortable and at home. It doesn’t take long for one to see how this philosophy manifests itself in the way that the locals treat visitors.
There are over 20,000 temples in Bali, each with its own unique history and purpose, and all play an important role in the Balinese way of life. The most common type of temple is the Pura, which is a Hindu temple. There are also Buddhist temples, and many temples that are a blend of both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Each temple is a sacred site where the Balinese can pray and make offerings to the gods.
Finally, there’s always something going on in Bali. On any given day, you’ll have a good chance to be able to observe, sometimes even partake in, ceremonies and festivals with the local people. Whether it’s a festival in Ubud, a procession at a rural village, or a musical performance at Mengwi’s Royal Temple, it’s a feast for the eyes and soul. The island’s laid-back atmosphere and exotic vibes are contagious.
The amalgamation of these cultural elements results in Bali’s unsurpassed charm unlike anywhere else in the world. From timeliness traditions to exquisite Balinese Art, majestic Hindu temples to hypnotically artistic dances, the Balinese culture is one visitors fall in love with at first sight.
4. Uncommon Experiences
Bali is a pretty awesome as far as raw natural beauty goes. Because of its vast topography and varied landscapes, Bali boasts a myriad of unique activities and uncommon adventures. From village cycling to watersports to volcano treks, you’ll be amazed at what choices are available! Here are a few that made our list:
- Bathe in or drink the Holy Water at Tirta Empul Temple
- Get your ultra Insta-worthy pic at Pura Luhur Lempuyang (a.k.a. Heaven’s Gate)
- Go snorkeling at Blue Lagoon or diving in Tulamben
- Enjoy sunset at Uluwatu Temple and a Kecak Fire Dance Performance.
- Trek to the summit of Mount Batur at Sunrise
- Whitewater Raft down the mighty Ayung River
- Take a Balinese cooking class
- Hike or bike the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO)
- Release the baby turtles at Saba Beach in East Bali
- And then there are the monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest….
5. Luxury Pool Villas on the Cheap
Bali boasts some of the most over-the-top accommodations found anywhere in the world. The Four Seasons on the shores of Jimbaran Bay, the Capella Luxury Tents of Ubud, and Ritz Carlton’s Mandapa on the banks of River Ayung. But it’s not just about opulence or luxury, but the very detail that is poured into every piece of furniture, wall carving, even the outside gardens. Balinese resorts are some of the most exquisite, earthiest and most unique accommodations money can buy. Beyond these meticulous details are where these resorts lie – often surrounded by rice fields, on the oceanfront with stunning views of the sea, or camouflaged in the jungle, where man and nature become one.
If you’re still not sold (yet), Bali offers some of the most affordable private pool villas anywhere. For as little as $400 a night, you can enjoy a 1,000 square foot villa made entirely of wood, equipped with a garden and your very own private pool in the middle of the jungle surrounded by rice terraces as if the world revolves around you. Now where else can you get something like that?
6. All in One Destination
In case you hadn’t gotten the drift by now, Bali has it all – the mountains, the sea, the people, food, culture, adventure and, of course, the romance. Sure, it’s beautiful, but logistically, it doesn’t get any better. In most countries (think here in the U.S.), you’d have to travel across the land (or sea) to get this myriad of topography. But in Bali, it’s an hour or two scenic drive away no matter where you are and where you’re going. And because our Bali trips are always private, you’ll always be in the comfort and convenience of your own private vehicle. No airport check-ins and long security lines, overnight buses, and no time wasted traveling, Bali truly is an all-in-one destination.
While there are countless reasons to choose Bali as your honeymoon destination, these six are pretty big ones. So if you’re looking for a place that is exotic, fun, luxurious and good for the soul, let the Island of Gods be at the top of your list. Should you consider Bali for your honeymoon, be sure to check out Explorient’s 8-night Bali Honeymoon Trip or the more adventurous Spectacular Bali tour for ideas and inspiration.
