Bali has been popular as both a wedding and honeymoon destination for the past decade, but today it offers more than the typical romantic holiday. The Island of the Gods allows you to create a personalized honeymoon itinerary, ranging from secluded beaches to exciting adventures in a tropical paradise.

Bali is always about beaches first and a beach is often romantic. Imagine strolling along the shore, watching a sunset with the love of your life. Yet, those going to Bali for a honeymoon might want to choose their beach wisely. Skipping the popular party and family-packed beaches and rather finding hidden, tranquil ones is the key.

A perfect honeymoon is found away from the main island and its commotion. Head to the Nusa Islands, located about 20 kilometers east of the Benoa shore.

These islands are popular as honeymoon destinations in Bali because of their location. There are stunning beaches, nice accommodations and fewer tourists.

Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida Island is considered one of the most romantic beaches in Bali. Crystal Bay is famous for its serene diving opportunities and crystal-clear water, which gave the place its name. Diving and snorkeling on Crystal Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you may encounter the 3-meter-long sunfish, locally known as mola-mola, during the summer months. While in the area, explore the Peguyangan Waterfall and enjoy a magnificent view of the coastal cliffs.

The journey can be a little challenging, with about 700 stairs and steep steps to negotiate before reaching the waterfall, sacred temple and rock pool on the bottom.

Nusa Ceningan is a smaller island nearby, famous for its Blue Lagoon Cliff Jump and Secret Beach with arguably the clearest water in the area. This island is a little quieter than the rest of the Nusa Islands because tourists usually prefer to stay at the larger islands with better facilities.

Last but not least is Nusa Lembongan, which is home to several beautiful beaches but with a little more people compared to the others. The beaches here have convenient access to modern-day facilities like restaurants and accommodations. Dream Beach is dreamy and Sandy Bay Beach Club is perfect for fancy romantic dinners. Mushroom Bay has beachfront restaurants without the swarming crowds of Jimbaran.

If you decide to stay on the main island, chasing the sunset together is one of the most romantic things to do on your honeymoon. Take a stroll along picturesque Sanur during sunset or spend a romantic afternoon at Melasti Beach, Ungasan.

A little further up from Banyan Tree Ungasan Resort, this beach is a popular spot for pre-wedding pictures because of its beautiful rock formation, limestone walls and unique caves.

Bali, like many other romantic destinations in Indonesia, has its own list of where couples should go for pictures. Having started to become a popular search hit in social media in the past few years, Wanagiri Hidden Hills in Buleleng, North Bali has a combination of beautiful scenery and fresh air. The photo spots offered are perfect for couples, from swings to bird nests, with clear views of Tamblingan and Bunyan Lake.

Going down to both lakes is also an option for your honeymoon itinerary. Both lakes are still quiet, free from motorboats, but open for fishing and canoeing in traditional boats called pedahu.

If both of you are more of the adventurous kind, try climbing the Mende Kintamani Hill. Located also in Buleleng, the hike to the top is rather easy compared to other nature destinations in Bali, but with an equally awesome view from the top. The scene both of you can enjoy from the top is definitely a honeymoon-worthy picture. This would be a perfect visit for couples who share an interest in nature and a craving for privacy.

Unfortunately, Mende Hill has become more popular today and isn’t as quiet as it used to be.

Honeymoons can also be about finding new things to do together. Ubud is the right place to be for the authentic Balinese experience you’re seeking during your honeymoon. Cooking classes are included in many honeymoon packages offered by different tour operators nowadays.

Casa Luna Cooking School at the Honeymoon Guesthouse is known for its comprehensive choice of activities, from market tours to fish and vegan cooking classes. Providing a fascinating insight into Balinese wellness culture, spa treatments and yoga classes are also available for couples.

Other cooking class options in Ubud are Paon Bali and Ketut’s Bali Cooking Class, which are one-day cooking classes that start with shopping at a traditional market in Laplapan village in the morning.

Try an elephant safari ride with your loved one at the Mason Elephant Park in Taro village, Gianyar. The park, which also offers a wedding package with the elephants, started as a white-water rafting tour center before expanding to become an elephant rescue facility in 1996.

Now, the park offers educational programs, scenic safari rides and adventures under the stars.

The award-winning Bali Safari and Marine Park also offers elephant-back rides through an authentic African-themed area where rhinos and zebras roam free.

The elephant safari package includes an elephant show, a tiger show, a fresh-water aquarium, animal presentations, a safari journey and, of course, a 30-minute elephant ride. In popular demand for both couples and families, it is advised to book a package at least a day in advance.

We all know that nothing beats lazy days in your comfortable room. However, Bali would like to encourage you to create romantic memories beyond where you stay.

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