Travel Stories

Bali Honeymoon Travel Guide & Sharing

2024年6月18日 ✏️ 編輯文章

The following content was provided by our group member Angel Wu and has been adapted with her permission.

For our honeymoon trip to Bali, I referred to many experiences shared by fellow travelers. Now, I’ve compiled a few noteworthy aspects of this journey that are worth sharing, hoping they’ll be helpful for those planning to visit.

Travel Dates: May 19 - 23, 2024

Visa/Tourism Tax

First and foremost, the most important thing is the visa. We applied for the electronic visa about three weeks in advance, following instructions from fellow travelers and YouTube tutorials, step by step filling out the form. We received the electronic visa immediately after submission. Remember to print it out, as it will be checked at customs. Don’t take chances—make sure to pay the tourism tax online as well. Upon arrival, it’s advisable to allocate about an hour from immigration to baggage claim. After collecting your luggage, you’ll need to scan a pre-filled electronic customs declaration QR code to proceed.

Further Reading: 2025 Latest Guide to Using the ‘All Indonesia’ Entry Card for Bali｜1-Minute Guide to the Latest Process: From Landing to Customs to Baggage Claim

Currency Exchange

Due to our itinerary, we exchanged currency directly at the airport (USD to IDR). Although the exchange rate isn’t as favorable as outside, we only exchanged a small amount, so it wasn’t a big concern. The money we exchanged was mainly used for tips and paying drivers in cash. For places that accept card payments, we opted to pay by card (remember to choose the local currency rate). For example, when going for a spa or dining at beachside restaurants, we asked in advance if card payments were accepted. This way, we avoided carrying too much cash and the potential hassle of unfamiliar currency values.

Bali Currency Exchange Guide

Transportation

Bali’s roads can be quite complex, so we recommend hiring a car or arranging private transportation based on your itinerary. Traffic congestion is mainly concentrated near the airport, while other areas are relatively better. Here, we’d like to share our experience with a local driver named Budi, whom we met on our first day through a KKday airport transfer booking. We found him to be excellent, and for the next few days’ short-distance transfers, we contacted him directly via WhatsApp in advance.

More About Private Car Hire

Budi is friendly and trustworthy. During the drive, feel free to ask him anything you’re curious about Bali. Although his English has a local accent, it’s generally understandable, and communication was pleasant. We chatted in Chinese among ourselves, and Budi remained quiet, focusing on driving, which made us feel very comfortable. After a good airport transfer experience, we chose him for our other days’ transportation as we had already built trust. Even when we inquired late at night (early morning), he always responded quickly and arrived earlier than the agreed time. Budi’s schedule is quite packed, and he mentioned he would provide transfers as long as the locations weren’t too remote.

包車司機 Budi Arnaya / Angel Wu提供

Private Driver Budi Arnaya / Angel Wu

Regarding fees, we checked the distances we wanted to travel, and the prices were similar to Grab. Below are Budi’s contact details. Friends in need can contact him directly and mention that Mr. Lin Chen Wei from Taiwan recommended him (no discounts, just a recommendation).

WhatsApp: +62 821-4659-3754

Name: Budi Arnaya

Dining

Our dining arrangements this time mainly included (hotel) breakfast, (hotel) afternoon tea, and dinner.

Afternoon Tea: We chose the afternoon tea at Hotel Indigo Seminyak and Four Seasons Resort Bali. Both afternoon tea sets are highly recommended.

▶ I also want to book Afternoon Tea/Dining at Hotel Indigo Seminyak

Editor’s Pick: Fine Dining in Seminyak (Map Guide🗺️)

Seminyak offers a rich selection of restaurants, catering to both international cuisine and local flavors. Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner by the beach or savor global delicacies in elegant dining settings, creating unforgettable experiences. Some restaurants feature special menus and cozy atmospheres, making them ideal spots for couples to spend romantic moments together.

The Restaurant 5-Star Dining Experience

Seasalt Dining Experience at Alila Seminyak

Beautiful Picnic Dining Experience at Este Cafe & Resto

MoonLite Kitchen and Bar Booking Discount

金巴蘭四季酒店下午茶。Angel Wu提供

Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran. Courtesy of Angel Wu

Sundara Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran is highly recommended for both its ambiance and cuisine. This afternoon tea experience made our Bali trip even more perfect, and it’s definitely worth revisiting.

▶ I also want to book Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran

More Jimbaran Dining and Entertainment Guide

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Jimbaran is a coastal paradise on Bali renowned for its romantic ambiance and culinary delights, featuring stunning golden beaches and breathtaking sunset views. The seafood restaurants here are a must-try culinary experience, while luxurious resorts and tranquil fishing village vibes allow visitors to enjoy both indulgence and local life. Whether for family trips or romantic dates, Jimbaran will exceed your expectations! Want to learn more about Jimbaran? Click here

Jimbaran Accommodation Themes

Dinner: For two evenings, we randomly chose restaurants at Jimbaran and Seminyak Beach for dinner. In Indonesia, besides the listed price, there’s usually an additional tax of up to 21% (11% government tax + 5%～10% service charge). Some restaurants include taxes in their prices, while others don’t, so it’s best to confirm with the establishment before dining. At a beach restaurant in Jimbaran, we opted for a basic meal package that included a bucket of rice, a vegetable dish, shrimp, fish, shellfish, satay, a side dish, and two beers, along with various sauces. This package cost around USD$23, which was very reasonable for two people.

這家金巴蘭海鮮餐廳，二人套餐約台幣700。Angel Wu提供

This Jimbaran seafood restaurant offers a two-person set meal for around USD$23. Provided by Angel Wu.

The ambiance of this restaurant is fantastic, allowing diners to enjoy the sea view while eating. For a tourist spot, the price and dining environment are truly excellent.

Editor’s Note: The Jimbaran seafood restaurant recommended by Angel has been included in 11 Jimbaran Seafood Restaurants in Bali: No-Fail Recommendations

Tipping

After checking online, we found mixed opinions about tipping culture in Indonesia. Our experience was that sometimes when we offered tips, the recipients were surprised and hesitant to accept. They would only take it when we expressed our gratitude for their service. Generally, we gave IDR 10,000 for car rides and luggage handling, and an additional IDR 10,000 in cash to service staff when dining out. At the hotel, helpful staff took many photos for us and also indicated that tipping was unnecessary. Personally, I feel that tipping is not mandatory but is a gesture of courtesy. If you do tip, try to avoid coins as it is considered less polite. (Editor’s Note: The largest coin denomination in Indonesia is IDR 1,000, approximately USD$0.06)

Further Reading: Should You Tip in Bali? How Much to Tip in Various Situations?

As it was our honeymoon trip, although it was our first time in Bali, we wanted to visit many places without the stress of daily traffic jams and rushing. Therefore, we opted for a very relaxed itinerary. We enjoyed hotel facilities, indulged in hearty afternoon teas, experienced authentic massages, strolled on three different beaches, and dined out, making our trip very fulfilling.

SAVA SPA at Indigo

圖左：SAVA Spa / 圖右：SPA 結束小小休息區。Angel Wu提供

Left: SAVA Spa / Right: Small rest area after SPA. Provided by Angel Wu.

At the Indigo Hotel, we chose the services of SAVA SPA. The environment is elegant and the facilities are excellent, especially the 90-minute hot stone massage we experienced, which was truly memorable.

When starting the hot stone massage, the therapist will continuously check if the temperature of the stones is comfortable for you, ensuring it doesn’t feel too hot, which is very considerate. Throughout the process, the therapist’s skilled techniques allowed us to fully relax, experiencing deep relief and relaxation.

SAVA SPA has only six double massage rooms, so it’s essential to make a reservation in advance to enjoy their premium services. The spa services here are provided by an award-winning professional team, with each therapist rigorously trained to ensure every guest receives the best experience.

In addition to hot stone massage, SAVA SPA offers a variety of other spa treatments, such as aromatherapy massage, deep tissue massage, and herbal therapies, each catering to different customer needs. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, ease muscle tension, or simply relax your mind and body, SAVA SPA provides the perfect option.

Overall, SAVA SPA is an excellent place for complete relaxation. The elegant environment, thoughtful service, and professional techniques made our time here very enjoyable. It’s highly recommended to book in advance to ensure you can experience their high-quality spa services.

▶Book the renowned Indigo SAVA Spa

Editor’s Pick: Relaxation at Seminyak’s Renowned Spas

Many luxury hotels and spas in Seminyak offer a variety of services to relax your body and mind. Here, you can choose from various massages, body scrubs, and facial treatments to immerse yourself in an authentic Balinese spa experience.

Top-Rated Spas Near Seminyak

Accommodation

For our honeymoon, we chose three different hotels: Indigo Seminyak, Apurva Kempinski Bali, and Vivara Bali Private Pool Villas & Spa. These hotels have very high ratings on Google, and many details and experiences are described in Google reviews, so here I will focus on sharing some insights about the candlelight dinner that fewer people mention.

Here is a brief introduction to the accommodations:

Indigo Seminyak

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Indigo Seminyak is a stylish boutique hotel with an excellent location in the heart of Seminyak. The hotel seamlessly blends traditional Balinese elements with modern design, evident in both its interior decor and outdoor landscapes. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped, offering a truly relaxing experience. We indulged in their renowned SAVA SPA, enjoying a 90-minute hot stone massage that left us completely rejuvenated and satisfied.

▶Book Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach

Apurva Kempinski Bali

左一The Apurva Kempinski Bali，中間及右圖英迪格. Angel Wu提供

Left: The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Middle and Right: Indigo. Photo by Angel Wu

Apurva Kempinski Bali is a luxurious resort hotel renowned for its stunning architecture and infinity pools. Perched on a cliff in Nusa Dua, it offers breathtaking ocean views and opulent facilities. We spent unforgettable moments here, enjoying the hotel’s various amenities and exquisite cuisine. The breakfast, in particular, was a highlight with its extensive variety and exceptional flavors, leaving us thoroughly satisfied.

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▶Book The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Vivara Bali Private Pool Villas & Spa

Vivara Bali Private Pool Villas & Spa / Angel Wu 提供

Vivara Bali Private Pool Villas & Spa / Provided by Angel Wu

The standout feature of Vivara Bali Private Pool Villas & Spa is that every room comes with a private pool. The pools are spacious and equipped with a fountain circulation system to keep the water clean. The accommodations are highly recommended! The large and pristine pool was the main reason we chose this hotel!

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▶Book Vivara Bali Private Pool Villas & Spa

However, another reason we chose this place was for the candlelit dinner they offered, though this turned out to be our only disappointment. While we knew in advance that the dinner would be a four-course meal paired with a bottle of wine, and the price was quite steep, our expectations were naturally higher. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t meet our hopes. The dinner started earlier than expected, and we weren’t fully prepared after just checking in. The food was wrapped in plastic wrap, giving the impression it had been sitting out for a while. The courses were served too quickly; before we could finish the appetizer, the main course and dessert were already waiting. This service didn’t align with our expectations or the price we paid. Later, we discovered there was a wedding banquet at the hotel that night, and we suspect our meal and service quality were affected by it.

Summary

In summary, this trip was filled with wonderful memories, and despite a few minor hiccups, the overall experience was very enjoyable. We hope these insights will be helpful for travelers planning to visit Bali, offering more references and guidance when choosing accommodations and planning itineraries. Wishing everyone an unforgettable holiday in Bali!

This article is adapted from a post shared in the “Go Bali Go Bali Travel” Facebook group. The original post can be found here.

Bali Honeymoon & Couples Essentials:

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Bali Honeymoon Travel Guide & Sharing

Visa/Tourism Tax