Posted on Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Of the many epithets given to Bali, romantic is surely one of the most well-used - and with good reason. From eye-popping volcanic vistas to balmy rice terraces, wild beaches to ancient temples, if you're seeking a mesmerising place to take your favourite person, Bali is it. But alongside the amazing views and activities, you'll find a myriad of high-end hotels to make your stay truly comfortable - and for much less than a plush resort in Europe.

Authentically exotic

Unlike some tourist hotspots, the cultural events on Bali are genuine. The countless religious festivals and ceremonies, the flower-petal offerings laid outside homes and businesses, and the ever-smiling Balinese themselves - are all imbued with an authenticity that makes for an all-consuming experience.

Activities

For outdoors-loving couples, Bali offers surfing and diving aplenty, alongside rewarding hikes up volcanoes such as the stunning Mount Batur, or the island's highest peak, Mount Agung (although at the time of writing, hiking here is impossible due to recent eruptions). For adrenaline-seeking couples, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kite-surfing, canyoning and free-diving are all sure to provide requisite kicks.

Food

If you can't find it in Bali, it probably doesn't exist. From nasi goreng (fried rice with meat and vegetables) to babi guling (suckling pig), local dishes are tasty and affordable. But you'll also find amazing western eats - from high-end vegan establishments to authentic pizzerias. For a romantic meal, innumerable top-end restaurants are sure to fuel your passion.

Getting around

Before you reach tranquility, you'll doubtless have to contend with some serious traffic. The capital Denpasar and its chief tourist area, Kuta, are often congested - but the sooner you accept the steady pace of travel, the more relaxed you will be. Taxis present the easiest way to get around, with the Bluebird Group often vaunted as the most reliable. These can be hailed in the street. For even cheaper taxis, download a taxi service app such as Grab or Gojek, for short trips costing just a few pounds. A two-hour taxi cab journey from Denpasar to Ubud, Bali's cultural heart, might cost as little as 280,000 IDR (£15). Motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous, but not suitable for couples - unless you like your journeys on the precarious side. You can also hire motorcycles inexpensively.

Choosing somewhere to stay

With such a well-developed tourist industry, there are countless guest houses and hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly £10-a-night rooms, up to spectacular five-star establishments - costly, but much cheaper than comparable hotels in the UK or mainland Europe.

Kuta, Denpasar

Kuta is often-maligned for its throngs of tourists and its persistent souvenir vendors, but it's anything but dull. Enjoy an hour-long Balinese massage for around £6, people watch on the long, sandy beach, and enjoy fine dining at a celebrity chef-endorsed restaurant (Jamie Oliver has a great Italian joint here). You can also indulge your designer-label shopping urges, but be warned - the malls are no cheaper here than in a western city. For real bargains, peruse the many street shops selling everything from sarongs to risqué wooden carvings - but don't be intimidated or rushed by the full-on approach of the vendors.

Pura Luhur Ulu Watu temple

Not far from Denpasar is Ulu Watu's most important temple, Pura Luhur, perched on sheer cliffs overlooking cerulean waters that crash against the rocks far below. Enter through a unique arched doorway guarded by Ganesha statues, and behold detailed carvings of Bali's mythological beasts. Take time to stroll the grounds, hand-in-hand, and evade the sometimes-overwhelming crowds. Be sure to stay until sunset for a truly romantic moment that verges on the spiritual.

Ubud

Many travellers make Ubud their base for exploring the island. Ubud itself is a captivating town imbued with romance, although it too is often congested - thanks in part to the huge success of Eat Pray Love. Enjoy a plethora of bohemian and free-spirit shops selling intricate carvings, jewellery and artisan goods, a vast range of restaurants, and enchanting temples and shrines at every turn. Accommodation options cater to every budget.

Tegalalang rice terraces of Ubud

Home to what are arguably the most beautiful rice terraces in the area, Tegalalang can be tricky to find if you're zipping around on a scooter. Look out for crowds of milling tourists and parked-up minivans by the side of the road. Peer over the side and you'll be rewarded with wondrous views of plunging stepped rice terraces and layers of balmy green jungle.

Tegenungan Waterfalls, Ubud

The challenging 30-minute hike here is worth the effort, since Tegenungan Waterfalls are truly spectacular. But as enticing as the views are, no trip here is complete with out a refreshing dip together at the base of the waterfall. If you take a guided tour, you'll no doubt end up in a Balinese craft village, where you can pick up Batik art, gold engravings and wood carvings. You'll also find some incredible jewellery - perfect for an unexpected romantic gift.

Top Ubud romantic hotel experience: Four Seasons at Sayan

Tucked into the crevices of a forested hillside, this dreamy resort is encompassed by fragrant, other-worldly gardens. Four Seasons is just ten minutes to Ubud by road, but reaching the airport takes a little longer - especially if traffic is heavy. However, Sayan lays on an air-conditioned, wi-fi enabled limo for picking you up, making the experience more than bearable.

After being blessed with holy water and wrapped in a sarong, you enter the resort over a bamboo bridge. The architecture reflects the magical nature outside, with interiors typified by stunning Balinese wooden furniture, floors and carvings.

You and your favourite person can enjoy yoga, cycle tours, village walks and traditional Balinese dance performances - included in the price of your stay. Add-on experiences include water purification rituals performed by a Hindu high priestess, Indonesian cookery classes, and river rafting around volcanoes.

In your more laid-back moments you can enjoy the Sacred River Spa, where you can have your base chakra cleansed while sitting bare-bottomed on stools that emit plumes of Frankincense smoke, or be pummelled by Himalayan salt poultices. If that all sounds too much like hard work, you can while away a few hours in the infinity pool.

Lavish rooms of teak and marble fuse traditional Balinese craftsmanship with modern luxuries.

Things to watch out for

The Balinese are a warm and welcoming people, but as with any tourist hotspot, there are dangers and annoyances to watch out for - mostly in Kuta.

* Money changers

The small side-alley money changers in Kuta frequently short-change unwitting tourists - usually by counting out the money extremely fast. Opt for a bank instead, even if rates appears a little worse.

* Convenience stores

Double-check the prices of your goods before you approach the till, as short-changing is common. If staff use their own phone to calculate the total, they are almost certainly going to inflate the bill and pocket the difference.

* Massages: unexpected services

Bali is an amazing place for low-cost, relaxing massages, but in less salubrious establishments you might be offered unexpected additional services, particularly if you're male.

* Beware service charge

Many restaurants charge an additional 10 or 15%, but this is rarely obvious from the menu.

Get a Quote