So you’re planning your trip to Bali? Maybe even your honeymoon? First of all, congrats and second… you’re in the right place. I’m Julia, I’ve been living in Bali for 7 years now, and before that, I was that girl who came for “just a month” and somehow never left. I’ve seen this island eat tourists alive with scams, belly aches, and traffic meltdowns, but I’ve also watched couples fall in love here all over again. Today I’m putting together the most comprehensive guide to Bali (Indonesia) the internet has ever seen, you could say I know this place like the back of my hand.
Honestly? Bali is paradise, but it’s not a theme park. If you don’t plan smart, you end up arguing in taxis, missing sunsets, and getting ripped off at money changers instead of actually enjoying the place. That’s why I put this guide together — so you don’t repeat the same silly mistakes I’ve seen a hundred times (I even wrote a full guide on the 5 common mistakes tourists make in Bali if you wanna go deeper).
Table of Contents
Why You Need to Read This Before You Visit Bali
Bali is unlike anywhere else. The roads don’t work like home, the money feels confusing at first, and what looks “close on Google Maps” might actually be a 2-hour crawl through scooters and ceremonies. Add jet lag, heat, and hangry moods into the mix… you see where I’m going?
I’ve had friends arrive full of honeymoon glow, only to fight over small things:
“Why didn’t you book a driver?”
“You said it was just 30 minutes away!”
“I told you we should have stayed in Ubud first.”
Believe me, nothing kills romance faster than sweating in Bali traffic while watching the sun set from inside a car window.
So this isn’t just another checklist. This is the reality, told by someone who’s been burned, scammed, sunburnt, and yet still hopelessly in love with this island. And if you’re honeymooning, read this too: Is Bali Good Luck for Honeymooners? — it’s my honest take as someone who’s seen hundreds of couples come through.
Your 14-Day Bali Itinerary
Here’s how I’d plan it if my own sister came here for her honeymoon. Balanced between adventure and downtime, beaches and rice fields, cocktails and coconut water.
Days 1–2: Seminyak or Canggu (Soft Landing)
You’re flying in internationally, probably jet-lagged, cranky, or running on excitement fumes. First rule: take it easy. Don’t try to chase waterfalls straight away.
Where to stay?
- Seminyak: Polished beach clubs , boutique shopping, fancy villas.
- Canggu: Surf town vibes, hipster cafés, sunset spots, expats everywhere.
Personally, I live in Canggu. It’s busier now, sure, but it still feels more relaxed than Seminyak.
Getting there from the airport: A taxi should be around 200–250k IDR ($14–17). Airport drivers will push for more, sometimes double. Walk outside the gate and order Grab or Bluebird on the app if you want to save cash.
Day 1: Watch your first Bali sunset. Don’t miss this, even if you’re tired. Sit at a beach bar or honestly just grab a couple of Bintangs from a warung and plop down in the sand. Way more romantic than overpriced cocktails.
Skip the temptation of going hard at Old Man’s or La Favela tonight. Parties will still be there tomorrow, but your first impression shouldn’t be a hangover.
Day 2: Sleep in, have breakfast (Bali does breakfast better than anywhere — smoothie bowls, banana pancakes, nasi goreng, whatever you crave). If you want to surf, Batu Bolong is beginner-friendly. If not, café-hop and people-watch. For sunset: Tanah Lot temple if you don’t mind crowds, or Echo Beach for a chill vibe.
If you want a smoother start, I’ve put together a full 7-day romantic Bali itinerary for couples that covers shorter stays too.
Days 3–4: Uluwatu (Cliffs & Beaches)
Time for the “wow” beaches. Uluwatu is Bali’s crown jewel for cliffs and turquoise water.
Day 3: Drive down in the morning. Warning: the roads here involve stairs, sweat, and some calf burn.
- Padang Padang: Cute but busy.
- Bingin: Steep walk down, but cafés and photogenic views.
- Dreamland: Big open beach, surf vibes.
Sunset? Karang Boma cliff is unbeatable (better than Savaya’s overpriced drinks if you ask me). If you’re in the mood, Single Finns Sunday party is famous but packed.
Day 4: Chill. Try a day club: Savaya (ex-Omnia) is Vegas on a cliff, or Ulu Cliffhouse for a more laid-back vibe. If temple vibes call you, Uluwatu Temple has a Kecak fire dance at sunset—it’s touristy but atmospheric.
And hey, if you’re bored of the same beaches, check out these stunning Bali beaches tourists often miss.
Days 5–6: Ubud (Culture & Waterfalls)
Now the air changes—cooler, greener, calmer. Central Ubud is hectic. Stay just outside town for rice field magic.
Day 5 highlights:
- Tegallalang rice terraces: Go at sunrise before it’s all swings and selfies.
- Tirta Empul: Purification ceremony locals happily share (more in romantic blessing ceremonies in Bali).
- Monkey Forest: Chaos. Don’t bring food in your bag unless you want monkey problems.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: Easy sunset stroll.
Day 6 highlights:
- Ulun Danu Beratan temple (misty mornings).
- Handara Gate (Instagram golf course gate).
- Sekumpul waterfall → Hire a guide, take your time, swim. Most people rush it, don’t.
Days 7–8: Sidemen (The Quiet Bali)
One of my favorite regions. Hardly anyone goes here, which makes it special.
- Rice terraces that feel endless.
- Farmers in traditional dress.
- Tiny family-run warungs with food cooked on firewood.
Couples love Sidemen because it resets the pace. You can do a cooking class, jewelry making (I still wear the ring I made years ago), or just float in a pool overlooking the valley.
By Day 8, you’ll be grateful for the break. Bali trips can be exhausting if you chase every highlight.
Days 9–10: The Gili Islands
Fast boat from Padang Bai.
- Gili Trawangan: Lively, only bicycles and horse carts. Snorkel with turtles, sunset swings.
- Gili Air: Slower, romantic.
- Gili Meno: Quieter, perfect for couples.
Do an island-hopping snorkel trip. Early morning = fewer crowds.
Days 11–12: Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan
Half an hour from Bali but feels different.
- Devil’s Tear: Dramatic sunsets.
- Sandy Bay & Dream Beach: Lazy afternoons.
- Yellow Bridge: Rent a scooter and explore.
- Blue Lagoon cliff jump: If brave.
Days 13–14: Nusa Penida (Wild Finale)
Rugged, raw, not built for everyone. Roads are bumpy, but the views are insane.
- Kelingking (T-Rex cliff): Tough hike, unforgettable.
- Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
- Diamond Beach: White sand, turquoise water.
- Crystal Bay: Sunset.
If you’ve got energy, snorkel with manta rays. For all the details, check my ultimate Nusa Penida first-timer’s guide.
Beyond the Itinerary: Local Truths
Scams to Watch Out For
- Money changers: Stick to legit ones. If a rate looks too good, omg, it’s a scam.
- Fake Bluebird taxis: Only order through the app.
- Villa deposits: Use trusted booking platforms; don’t send huge deposits by WhatsApp (Bali tour booking mistakes & 5 expensive tourist mistakes in Bali).
- Temple donations: Some locals will pressure you; real temples charge small amounts (10–30k IDR).
Couple-Specific Mistakes
- Overpacking the itinerary → Arguments incoming.
- Traffic meltdowns → Leave early.
- Different interests → Split up for a few hours; Bali works better that way.
Food & Drink Survival
- Don’t drink tap water.
- “Bali belly” happens—avoid sketchy ice and reheated buffets.
- Coconut water is your best friend.
- For recovery, I sometimes sneak away to one of the best affordable spas in Bali — insanely good value.
Bargaining & Money Guide
- Smile while bargaining; don’t push too hard.
- Cash is king outside tourist zones.
- ATMs sometimes eat cards — use bank-attached ones.
Cultural Etiquette
- Temples: Cover shoulders & legs.
- Don’t touch offerings on the ground.
- Public displays of affection are tolerated in touristy areas, frowned on in villages.
FAQ
Is Bali safe for couples? Yes. Petty theft can happen, violent crime is rare.
Can you drink the water? No. Bottled or filtered only.
Are scooters safe? If you’ve never driven one, hire a driver.
How much cash should we carry? $100–200 IDR at once.
Is December a good time? Rainy season. Less predictable sunsets, but lush and romantic if you don’t mind showers.
Final Thoughts
Bali will test your patience sometimes—traffic, scams, crowds—they’re real. But it’ll also hand you moments of magic: pink sunsets, temple ceremonies, lazy days listening to birds and waves, and quiet mornings sipping coffee while staring at rice terraces.
So don’t come chasing a checklist. Flow with it. The best memories in Bali usually happen when plans fall apart anyway.
And now I’ll ask you the same thing I ask every couple who visits: are you ready to let Bali surprise you, or are you gonna try to control it?
If you’re curious about planning the perfect trip, you can also check out the ultimate Bali travel guide for insider tips and hidden gems I’ve learned over 7 years living here.