It’s no secret that Bali is a honeymoon heaven, but choosing exactly which gorgeous spot to visit on the island can be a bit of a challenge. For romance, sumptuous accommodation and a chilled atmosphere, Ubud is hard to beat. Here are seven reasons to consider this gem of a destination for your honeymoon…
1. The scenery, obviously
In Ubud, verdant forests, terraced rice paddies, towering palms and majestic mountains have a calming effect that instantly makes you feel relaxed. Visiting (and taking a happy snap of) rice paddies is a bit of a must-do here and one of the best spots for it is the Tegalalang Rice Fields (hire a motorbike and head 25 minutes northeast of downtown Ubud). If it’s waterfalls you’re after, swap the crowded Tegenungan Waterfall for local fave Goa Rang Reng Waterfall. And if you’re fans of an early-morning hike, set your alarm for 1:30am and have a (pre-organised) driver take you out to Mount Batur (two hours north of downtown Ubud) for breathtaking views of Lake Batur at sunrise.
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2. Secluded luxury accommodation
Ubud has a wide selection of dreamy stays that make you feel as if you’ve escaped to a world of your own. For total seclusion, book a private villa hidden away in lush rainforest. Kayumanis Ubud and Puri Wulandari are fabulous options
Want more Bali accommodation inspiration? Find the perfect spot here
3. Incredible food
Food can sometimes make for the best travel memories and you won’t be disappointed in Ubud. From its traditional roadside stalls through to its most sophisticated fine dining restaurants, Ubud is where you’ll find some of the freshest cuisine you’ll ever taste. In fact, there are so many sensational restaurants there that we had to put together this comprehensive guide to the best places to eat and drink in Ubud!
4. Amazing culture
Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do here. After checking out the Neka Art Museum and the impressive architecture of the Don Antonio Blanco Museum, wander through downtown’s Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) to soak up some culture and pick up a souvenir… or five.
5. Wellness retreats
Couples with a love of wellness treatments will be in their element in Ubud. Yoga is big here (like, really big), with many resorts offering classes (book yourselves in for a sunrise or sunset class). A popular option, Yoga Barn is known for its beautiful setting and range of classes available. But if your idea of wellness centres around pampering, there’s plenty of opportunity for that too, with an almost endless list of spas and resorts offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
6. Spiritual wonders
Other than its scenery, if Ubud is known for one thing it’d be temples. Each with its own fascinating story, the Gunung Kawi, Pura Taman Saraswati and Gungung Kawi Sebatu temples feature amazing stone carvings and picture-perfect scenery, and are tranquil spots for a daytrip. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit Tirta Empul. A stunning temple complex from the 10th century, the landmark is where couples can cool off and seek spiritual purification in its freshwater pools.
7. Saunter down to Seminyak
A Bali honeymoon isn’t complete without spending a day at the beach. Arguably Bali’s most beloved beach destination, Seminyak is roughly two hours’ drive south of Ubud and is blessed with postcard-ready stretches of sand. Our advice? Split your time and spend at least a few days in Seminyak after (or before) retreating to Ubud’s forests.
Related article: Here’s how to honeymoon in beautiful Ubud, Bali
