Bali is a haven for couples of all ages.
This tropical island is bursting with hundreds of activities available to satisfy every desire – from luxurious pampering to blissful relaxation to cultural experiences and thrills that deliver a heart-pumping adrenaline rush.
Bali has it all.
If you’re trying to impress your special someone, on your honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary, you’ve made a great choice - the Balinese know how to make visitors feel really special. Their hospitality is second to none.
But where do you start your planning?
I recently returned to Bali for my 20th visit (wow, that makes me sound old!), and I was inspired to explore parts of the island I had not seen before, as well as revisit old favourites. So, I’ve put together the best popular and up-and-coming activities and attractions in Bali for couples, as well as a list of recommended hotels for couples.
Now you’ve got everything you need for a magical trip to Bali.
Bali tip: If you’re staying in a 4 or 5 star resort and celebrating a special occasion, mention that during your reservation, and they may organise something special for you, like flower petals on your bed or bathtub upon arrival. ;-)
Travel tip: When you're ready to book romantic activities in Bali, check out Klook which has over 600 options in Bali alone. I used them quite a few times on my most recent trip, and included direct booking links in this article to make your life easier.
1. Waterbom Bali
Regardless, if you prefer relaxation or excitement, Waterbom is a fun day out. Float along the relaxing Lazy River together in a double tube, or sip a fresh coconut in one of the swim-up bars. If your budget allows, splash out with a romantic private gazebo to make your day extra special. Scream with each other (in a good way) as you plummet down a world-class waterslide. The Constrictor and Boomerang slides support double tubes to share the thrill with your special someone.
Enjoy a delicious lunch together at one of the many restaurants offering a huge range of reasonably-priced delicious dishes, including Indonesian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, burgers and more.
New: Oasis Gardens is a brand-new area that soft-launched on 1 August 2023. It includes 4 new slides, a lagoon pool, a swim-up bar, a restaurant and luxurious gazebos.
Get your discounted tickets online.
2. Couples Massage
When it comes to massage, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Bali, from cheap streetside to ultra-luxurious 5-star spas. Skilled traditional Balinese massage therapists choreograph a dance of soothing strokes to banish stress and tension, leaving you both floating in a cloud of bliss. It's not just about the knots in your back, it's about untangling the knots in your soul.
Here are recommended options in: Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud.
3. Balinese Cooking Class
Get hands-on with Balinese cuisine and learn a few traditional recipes using local ingredients. Imagine a traditional Balinese kitchen, the two of you side by side, armed with mortar and pestle, concocting fragrant curries and sizzling satays under the guidance of a local culinary wizard. It's not just about learning to whip up delicious dishes; it's about creating memories spicier than a chili pepper.
Make your discounted class booking online (Ubud).
4. Ku De Ta – Chill at a Beach Club
This just might be the highlight of your romantic trip to Bali. Splash out and book a spacious poolside daybed (minimum spend applied for daybeds, which varies by date). The minimum spend might seem high at first, but the food quality is world-class, which makes this luxurious experience completely worthwhile. Executive Chef, Jeremy Hunt, brings together flavour combinations you won’t find anywhere else in Bali. There are so many creative, delicious menu items, and everything I tried was spectacular.
To top it all off, the carefully curated Ibiza-inspired music is perfectly paired with the views and time of day – starting off chilled in the afternoon and dialling up the BPM at sunset. Their own globally syndicated radio program ran from 2007-2022. You can listen online to past episodes.
Ku De Ta is an institution that opened back in 2000, when Seminyak was largely covered in rice paddies. Ku De Ta was one of the first major beach clubs in Bali, and set a high standard for other clubs that came afterwards, like Finns, Potato Head and Atlas.
Note: They don’t allow the use of professional cameras, so my pics were taken with my phone (sorry!). Keep in mind that a dress code applies with different rules after 6pm (details on their website).
Make a daybed booking on their official website.
5. Sunset Dinner at Jimbaran Beach
You can’t come to Bali without experiencing a romantic sunset dinner on Jimbaran Beach. This stretch of golden sand is known for low-cost, high-quality seafood, with dozens of beachfront restaurants to choose from. If you’re a veg-head like me, don’t worry, there are some vegan-friendly options available, like fried rice and noodles, upon request.
Tip: Arrive 1 hour before sunset to ensure you can enjoy the full glory of golden hour as the sky lights up every shade of amber and pink you can imagine.
I recommend Kampoeng Seafood at the north end of the beach, or Pandan Sari at the south end (book online in advance to secure a table, especially during high season).
6. Romantic Dinner at The Café, Mulia Resort
Don’t let the understated name fool you… This buffet is amongst the best in the world, with cuisines from all over the globe. If food is the way to your heart, then you’ll be in heaven. If you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday, discretely let your waiter know when you arrive, and they’ll arrange something special for you and your loved one.
Make a table booking on their official website.
7. Instagram Tour
Capture amazing photos with your loved one in some of Bali’s most scenic and romantic locations: Temple Of Penataran Agung Lempuyang (Gateway to Heaven), Tirta Gangga (water gardens), and Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
Make your discounted tour booking online.
8. Create Custom Jewellery
Bali is home to hundreds of gold and silver artisan shops, and entire villages are dedicated to the craft. You can even do a fun Balinese jewellery-making workshop to create your own one-of-a-kind ring, earring or pendant.
Make your discounted workshop booking online.
9. ATV Ride Through Rice Fields
Get your adrenaline pumping with a cosy tandem ATV quad bike tour along bright-green rice fields, through shallow rivers and around a submerged obstacle course. This tour is not for the faint-hearted.
Make your discounted tour booking online.
10. Walk through Marigold Fields
If you’ve got your own car, drive out to this quiet corner of East Bali where rows upon rows of gorgeous Marigold flowers are grown for ceremonial purposes. These make a gorgeous backdrop for a romantic photo. Please be sure to respect the landowners and don’t damage the flowers.
11. Floating Breakfast
Want to really impress your loved one? Imagine lounging in a private pool, the morning sun kissing your skin, and a delectable spread of breakfast delights floats your way. Many private villas and high-end resorts offer this service for an extra fee, so ask in advance before making your booking.
12. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
This isn’t quite as grand as a 1-hour hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. But this 5-7 minute hot air balloon, 50 metres above the surrounding rice paddies, is one of the most romantic ways to start or end your day in Bali. Optionally, you can add breakfast or dinner to the experience and make the magic last longer.
Get your discounted tickets online.
13. Take A Helicopter Ride
Whisk your loved one off their feet… quite literally. This isn’t a cheap tour, but it is an experience you’ll never forget. See Bali from a completely new perspective. Several scenic helicopter tour routes are available, depending on your departure point and preferred flight time. On a previous trip to Bali, I took a jaw-dropping flight over the volcanic landscape of Mount Batur.
Make your discounted tour booking online.
14. Jet Ski in Nusa Dua
If aquatic escapades flick your switch, then Bali has you covered. Tanjung Benoa, a peninsula within Nusa Dua, is Bali’s hub for water sports – jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat, sea walker, and more. Strap on your GoPro and jump in!
Get your discounted tickets online.
15. Swim on a Secluded Beach - Gunung Payung
One of the least developed parts of southern Bali can be found at the meeting point of Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. I visited this relatively secluded beach 5 years ago, but it’s starting to become more popular now thanks to Instagram. Get there early to score a spot in the romantic cave west of the main entrance.
16. Sunset Walk along Kuta Beach
If you visit Bali between April to September, the weather is drier, and there’s little rubbish on the beach (it tends to wash up during the wet season). When your feet get tired after a romantic stroll along the lapping waves, grab a seat on a plastic chair and sip a cold drink, or splash out with a cushioned sun lounge (around Rp150,000 per pair) and watch the golden sun sink into the Indian Ocean.
17. Devdan Show
Get a taste of Indonesian culture in an engaging live performance of music and dance. The stage bursts with dazzling costumes, heart-pounding dances, and acrobatics that defy gravity. I’ve been multiple times. You won’t regret it!
Get your discounted tickets online.
Where to Stay in Bali for Couples
I’ve stayed in dozens of resorts, hotels and villas over the last two decades. So, these are my recommended places to stay for couples coming to Bali for a honeymoon celebrating an anniversary or birthday, or perhaps just an impromptu romantic getaway. All recommendations are from first-hand experience, so you can trust them.
The list is grouped by region/village.
Nusa Dua
The ultimate in luxury in Bali.
- Mulia Resort (review)
- The Ritz-Carlton, Bali (review)
- Samabe Bali Suites & Villas (review)
- The Balé Nusa Dua
- The Westin Resort
- Grand Mirage Resort
Uluwatu/Ungasan/Goa Gong
The secluded southern region to get away from the hustle and bustle.
- Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort (formerly Banyan Tree Ungasan, review)
- Sun Island Suites & Spa Goa Gong (review)
Jimbaran
A slower-paced coastal region famous for beachfront seafood restaurants.
Tuban (South Kuta)
South of Kuta, the more family-friendly area that is also close to popular attractions.
Kuta
The middle of the action. The most famous tourist hotspot in Bali.
Legian
Sandwiched between Kuta and Seminyak, this region is known for its nightlife.
Seminyak
The more upscale area north of Kuta and Legian, lined with beach bars and beach clubs.
- Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort
- IZE Seminyak
- Avani Seminyak Bali Resort (formerly Anantara Vacation Club Bali Seminyak)
- Astagina Resort Villa and Spa Bali
- Sun Island Boutique Villas & Spa (review)
Canggu
This quickly-developing hipster district is known for vegan-friendly cafes and co-working spaces.
- The Santai Canggu (formerly The Santai Umalas)
Sanur
The quieter district on the east coast that is more frequented by European tourists.
Ubud
The lush mountain region teeming with yoga studios, organic restaurants and spiritual seekers.
West Bali (Banjuwedang)
The most remote area where relatively few tourists venture.
The Bottom Line
There you have it. Everything you need to get started planning your romantic trip to the island of the gods. These are the best attractions and hotels in Bali for couples, selected by an experienced traveller who knows the island inside out. Me!
Now all you need to do is book your flights, and break the news to your loved one.
They’ll be over the moon!
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"I respond to every comment by direct private email. I look forward to your feedback" - Josh BenderIt was a great article, thanks for sharing!
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