Maldives and Bali are alluring, popular with couples, and have consistently earned global acclaim.
This year, Bali was named the best island in Asia by DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. The Maldives secured four honours at the World Travel Awards, including Best Honeymoon Destination.
Picking the perfect honeymoon destination between Bali and the Maldives can be tough. How do you decide?
This guide will explore the unique highlights of each destination, helping you make the right choice for your dream honeymoon.
Key Differences — Bali vs Maldives
| Aspect | Bali | Maldives |
| Geography | Island in Indonesia. Features beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests. | Country of 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean. It has a flat terrain, with no mountains or rivers. |
| Affordability | More affordable. Options range from budget to high-end. | Generally more expensive due to luxury resorts and exclusive experiences. The cost of seaplane or speedboat transfers adds to the overall expense. |
| Climate and Weather | Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. | Warm, tropical climate year-round. Heavy rain during monsoon season. |
| Accessibility and Travel | Accessible by international flights to Ngurah Rai Airport. You can easily travel within the island. | Accessible by international flights to Malé, followed by seaplane or speedboat transfers to resorts. There’s limited scope for island hopping. |
| Accommodation and Experience | Wide range of accommodations from luxury honeymoon villas and resorts to budget homestays. Easy access to various parts of the island and cultural experiences. | High-end. Often all-inclusive resorts are on private islands with exclusive access. |
| Landscape and Activities | Offers diverse landscapes with sandy beaches, cultural sites, volcanoes, and rainforests. Activities include hiking, surfing, and exploring temples. | Known for luxury resorts on private atolls, stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and water-based activities (diving, snorkelling). |
| Cultural and Local Experience | It’s rich in local culture with temples, rice terraces, and traditional markets. Diverse cultural and nightlife options. | It has limited local interaction and focuses on resort and marine experiences. |
Best Time to Visit — Bali vs Maldives
If you’re honeymooning between April and October, choose Bali. If you’re planning your honeymoon between November and April, select the Maldives. These months are dry in both regions.
Bali and the Maldives both have a tropical climate. But, when it’s wet in Bali, it’s usually dry in the Maldives, and vice versa.
| Season Type | Advantages of Visiting | Disadvantages of Visiting |
| Dry Season | -Sunny weather. -Minimal rainfall. -Low humidity levels. | -Heavily crowded. -High prices of accommodations and recreational activities. |
| Wet Season | -Few tourist crowds. -Low prices of accommodations and recreational activities. | -Frequent rains. -Unbearably high humidity. -Minimal or no outdoor activities and beach visits. |
You can travel during the shoulder season for your honeymoon. A shoulder season lies between a location’s peak season and off-season. The crowds are less, the weather is delightful, and the prices are less affordable compared to peak season.
In Bali and the Maldives, it’s April-May or September-October.
Honeymoon Cost — Bali vs Maldives
Based on knowledge and research from tour operator websites, booking websites and forums, we’ve calculated the following average costs.
| Parameter | Bali | Maldives |
| Accommodation | Mid-range hotels/resorts:$50 – $100 per night Luxury resorts:$150 – $200 per night | Mid-range resorts:$250 – $500 or more per night Luxury resorts:$600 – $1,000 or more per night |
| Food and Drinks | Average meal at a mid-range restaurant:$10 – $20 per person Daily cost estimate:$20 – $40 | All-inclusive packages:$50 – $150 per day (included in many resorts) |
| Transportation | Scooter rental:$5 – $10 per day Car rental:$30 – $50 per day Taxi rides:$5 – $10 per trip | Seaplane transfers:$300 – $500 round trip Speedboat transfers:$100 – $200 round trip |
| Activities and Tours | Popular tours (e.g., cultural tours, snorkelling):$20 – $50 per tour | Diving, snorkelling, and other excursions:$50 – $100 per activity |
Note: These figures provide a general idea. They can vary depending on the season, specific locations, and preferences. For precise planning, please check current prices from trusted travel resources and booking platforms.
Which Location Is Easier To Get Around — Bali vs Maldives
For easy exploration and diverse experiences, Bali is the better choice. The Maldives is perfect if you prefer a secluded retreat with minimal travel.
Bali:
- Ease of Travel: Bali’s size allows for straightforward travel. Taxis, scooters, cars and private drivers are widely available for renting. Major tourist spots are well-connected by roads.
You can easily take day trips to different areas of the island. You can also explore nearby islands, like the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands, and Lombok by ferry or short flights.
- Impact on Your Honeymoon: Easy access to various attractions means you can explore different island areas, from beaches to cultural sites, without much hassle. You can base yourself in one area and take day trips or stay in multiple spots for a varied experience.
Maldives:
- Ease of Travel: The Maldives operates on a “one island, one resort” concept. Most visitors stay on a single resort island for the duration of their trip.
Transfers from the airport to your resort are typically by seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight combined with a speedboat ride. While it’s possible to island-hop, it’s rare due to high costs and logistical challenges.
- Impact on Your Honeymoon: Staying on a private island offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with minimal need to travel beyond the resort. Activities are mainly within the resort, with occasional excursions like sunset cruises.
Where To Stay — Bali vs Maldives
Bali:
Budget Guesthouses:
They offer basic amenities in a pleasant setting. You can expect clean rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping.
Mid-Range Hotels:
They feature spacious rooms with swimming pools, on-site restaurants, and some amenities.
Luxury Resorts:
You can choose a luxury resort if you desire an opulent and exclusive experience. They offer private villas, stunning ocean or jungle views, world-class amenities, like spas, gourmet restaurants, and personalised service, including the Insta-worthy floating breakfast.
Exclusive Private Villas:
Private villas in Bali offer greater personalisation and exclusivity in stay. You get private pools, spacious living areas, and dedicated staff.
Unique Accommodations:
Eco-lodges, bamboo structures, and treehouses fall into these categories. They blend seamlessly with Bali’s natural environment.
Top-Notch Honeymoon Resorts in Bali
Maldives:
Luxury Overwater Bungalows:
These accommodations are a hallmark of the Maldives.
Private villas sit just above turquoise waters. You get direct access to the lagoon and stunning ocean views. They offer upscale amenities, like private pools, sun decks, and outdoor showers. They’re more like an intimate retreat, offering the ultimate in privacy, exceptional service, and breathtaking surroundings.
Options include large and small properties with adult-only options.
All-Inclusive Resorts:
They offer packages covering accommodation, meals, activities, and even spa treatments.
Budget-Friendly Guesthouses:
They offer basic amenities, like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Island Hopping:
You can spend a few nights on each island. This way, you can experience the Maldivian culture and scenery and support the local community.
Top-Notch Honeymoon Resorts in the Maldives
Where To Eat — Bali vs Maldives
Both locations are fantastic for foodies, but they offer different experiences.
Bali’s dining is diverse and accessible, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. In contrast, dining in the Maldives is more resort-centric. It’s luxurious with an emphasis on seafood and global cuisines in exclusive settings.
Dining Place Types in Bali
- Local Markets and Food Stalls
They serve Bali’s genuine street food at low prices. They offer fresh fruits, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. They’re perfect for travellers on a budget. You can find them in the Ubud, Kuta, and Seminyak markets. Alternatively, you can check with the locals.
- Warungs
Warungs are tiny family-run restaurants. They serve affordable home-made traditional Balinese food in a simple setting. They prepare food according to traditional Balinese recipes. Some families safely guard their recipes. You can ask locals about their favourite warungs.
- Casual Restaurants and Cafés
Casual restaurants and cafés serve Balinese and international meals at affordable prices. They’re perfect for laid-back dining experiences. Some of them offer amazing views. To find them, you can explore the streets of popular tourist areas or check online reviews.
- Mid-range Restaurants
Mid-range restaurants balance casual and fine dining. They serve Balinese and international food in a comfortable setting with fine service. They’re value for money. You can find them on food apps or ask locals for their recommendations.
- Hotel Restaurants
They offer casual and luxurious dining experiences. They usually serve high-end dishes, have elegant décor, and offer great service. They’re perfect for special celebrations or romantic dinners. You can look out for restaurants in reputable hotels.
Cuisines Available in Bali
Bali’s cuisine blends Indonesian flavours with Chinese, Indian, and international dishes. The island is a vegan and vegetarian hotspot.
10 Bali Dishes Worth Trying
- Babi Guling (Roast Pork)
- Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)
- Bubur Ayam (Savoury Chicken Rice Porridge)
- Mie Goreng (Stir-Fried Noodles)
- Sambal Matah (Balinese Side Dish)
- Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)
- Sate Lilit (Minced Meat Satay)
- Bebek Goreng (Crispy Fried Duck)
- Pisang Goreng (Indonesian Fried Banana)
- Gado-Gado (Indonesian Salad With Peanut Sauce)
5 Top-Notch Dining & Drinking in Bali
- Apéritif Restaurant — Award winning elegant dining with creative, high-end cuisine and an extensive wine list
- CasCades Restaurant — Modern dining with jaw-dropping jungle valley views
- Blossom Steakhouse — Premium steaks in a chic, modern environment with sea views
- Hubble — Culinary restaurant creating a stir by combining traditional recipes with innovation
- Belle Wine Bar & Grazing Boards — Chic hideaway serving up cheese, charcuterie and a suburb wine list to match
Dining Options in the Maldives
In the Maldives, dining is centred around resort restaurants that offer a range of options:
- Bed-and-breakfast
- Half board (breakfast & dinner)
- Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Buffet-style meals
- A la carte fine dining
- Exclusive dining experiences, like underwater restaurants or private beach dinners.
Since you’re on a self-contained island, the number of restaurants and the types of cuisines vary from resort to resort.
Dining can be relatively expensive. This is why many couples opt for an all-inclusive package. This makes it easy to enjoy various meals and drinks without worrying about the bill at the end.
Some packages include activities, and others offer an upgrade to dine around in multiple restaurants.
Cuisines Available in the Maldives
Maldivian cuisine is primarily seafood-based, with influences from Indian, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Sri Lankan, and international cuisines.
10 Maldives Dishes Worth Trying
- Mas Huni (traditional breakfast dish served with flatbread)
- Garudhiya (A fish soup served with rice, lime, chilli, and onions)
- Fihunu Mas (Grilled fish marinated with a blend of Maldivian spices)
- Hedhikaa (Traditional snacks)
- Kulhi Boakibaa (Spicy Fish Cake)
- Boshi Mashuni (A salad)
- Reef Fish Cutlets (Fried fish cutlets)
- Rihaakuru (A thick, fish-based paste)
- Maldivian Lobster (Freshly caught lobster prepared with local spices)
- Kukulhu Riha (A spicy chicken curry)
5 Top-Notch Fine Dine Restaurants in the Maldives
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Conrad Maldives Rangali Island) — The world’s first undersea restaurant
- Muraka (Mirihi Island Resort) — Known for its gourmet seafood and ocean views
- Aragu (Velaa Private Island) — Focuses on sustainable fine dining with a modern twist
- Edge (Niyama Private Islands) — Accessible only by boat, offers a unique overwater dining experience
- 5.8 Undersea Restaurant (Hurawalhi Maldives) — The world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant
Nightlife — Bali vs Maldives
Bali offers several options — high-energy nightclubs, stylish beach clubs, laid-back bars and cultural shows. For the Maldives, options are centred around luxury resort activities.
Top Nightlife Spots in Bali
- Sky Garden (Kuta) — A nightclub with an extensive selection of music and themed parties
- Potato Head Beach Club (Seminyak) — A stylish venue with ocean views, infinity pools, and international DJs
- Single Fin (Uluwatu) — A cliffside bar offering stunning sunset views and a relaxed vibe
- Pinstripe Bar (Ubud) — A co*cktail bar with speakeasy vibes, innovative co*cktails, delectable meals, outdoor seating, and live music
- CP Lounge (Ubud) — Has an electrifying atmosphere, offers lively Latin dance nights every Friday and DJ sets or live music on other days
Cultural Experiences in Bali
- Cultural Shows: Traditional Balinese dance performances like Kecak and Legong are held at cultural venues and temples, like Uluwatu Temple and Pura Dalem Ubud.
- Night Markets: You can visit Sanur Night Market for traditional snacks and local crafts. Or, visit Ubud Night Market for artisanal goods, textiles, and freshly prepared Balinese dishes.
Popular Nightlife Options in the Maldives
These include stylish bars, exciting beach parties, live entertainment, themed events and sunset cruises.
Top Nightlife Spots in the Maldives
- Kurumba Kandu Bar — A vibrant resort with traditional charm and modern luxury; features DJ night, live bands, jazz performances and local dance nights
- Subsix (Per Aquum Niyama Private Islands Resort) — The world’s first underwater nightclub with world-class services at affordable rates
- 15 Below — Anime-themed bar located 15 feet below the beach; serves 93 vodkas, glow-in-the-dark co*cktails and Japanese cuisine; features both resident and international DJs
- Babuna Bar — Features a pulsating atmosphere with UV lights, evening animations, and live band performances
- Moodhu Bar and Restaurant — A beachfront bar with a relaxed vibe, great co*cktail selection, and open 24 hours.
Cultural Immersion in the Maldives
This comprises guided excursions to local islands to explore traditional village life, interact with residents, and experience everyday Maldivian customs. A few resorts host traditional performances that feature drumming, singing, and dance forms, like the Bodu Beru.
Romantic Things To Do — Bali vs Maldives
Bali:
- Rejuvenate With a Couple’s Spa
Experience Balinese wellness in a serene setting with synchronised massages and romantic bathing rituals.
- Raft Together on the Ayung River
Conquer exciting rapids and peaceful moments together, with beautiful scenery. After rafting you can savour a riverside meal.
- Set Sail on a Romantic Cruise
Choose a sunset or full-day cruise with private options for gourmet dining, spa services, and live entertainment.
- Take a Private Helicopter Ride
Soar over Bali’s beaches, mountains, or sunsets, with customisable routes and informative commentary.
- Explore Balinese Cooking
Learn and cook traditional Balinese dishes together, from market visits to enjoying your meal.
- Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Drift gently over Bali at sunrise, sunset, or under moonlight, with packages that offer unique views.
- Discover Bali’s Hidden Waterfalls
Visit secluded waterfalls like Gitgit and Tegenungan for swimming and picnics.
- Go for a Sunrise Trek at Mount Batur
Take a night excursion along with local guides and watch the sun’s first rays over Lake Batur.
- Take a Romantic Stroll Through Ubud’s Rice Terraces
Wander through scenic rice terraces at sunrise or sunset for a peaceful experience.
- Surf Together
Bond over fun and adventure by riding the ocean at Bali’s top surfing spots.
Maldives:
- Dine Under the Stars
Enjoy a private dinner on the beach or at an underwater restaurant.
- Take a Sunset Cruise
Set sail on a private yacht or boat to watch the sunset over the ocean, complete with drinks and light snacks.
- Enjoy a Couples’ Spa Treatment
Relax together with a luxurious spa experience, featuring massages, treatments, and serene ocean views.
- Stay in an Overwater Bungalow
Experience ultimate romance in a private overwater villa, with direct access to the ocean and stunning views.
- Snorkel or Dive Together
Discover the marine world together and create memories of fun and adventure.
- Private Beach Picnic
Enjoy the golden sands of gourmet food and stunning ocean views.
- Take a Seaplane Tour
Fly together over the turquoise ocean for stunning views.
- Enjoy a Candlelit Beach Dinner
Savour sumptuous food and fine wine on a quiet beach with candles — just your partner and you.
- Go Island-Hopping
Discover nearby secluded islands together.
- Stargaze on a Private Deck
Relax on a private deck under the stars with cosy seating and a telescope.
Natural Beauty — Bali vs Maldives
Bali offers gorgeous beaches, scenic rice terraces, majestic volcanic mountains, and lush jungles. Compared to Bali, the Maldives shines with its beautiful clear waters and exclusive island experiences.
Pick Bali if you love:
- To explore diverse landscapes
- To stroll on beaches
- Sunset picnics
- Leisurely dips in the ocean
- Water activities
- Underwater experiences
- Varied beach atmospheres (e.g., lively Kuta vs. secluded Nusa Dua)
- Serene jungle environments
Pick the Maldives if you love:
- Water activities
- Serene beaches with breathtaking ocean views
- Snorkelling and diving
- Clean, white sandy beaches
- Beautiful sunsets
Which Is Better for a Honeymoon — Bali vs Maldives
Choose Bali if you:
- Are honeymooning between April and October.
- Are conscious of the honeymoon cost.
- Want to explore various attractions and areas of the island easily.
- Love diverse landscapes, from beaches to volcanoes and rainforests.
- Seek exceptional wellness experiences.
- Crave sustainable dining, vegan, or vegetarian options.
- Enjoy cultural aspects like temples and markets.
- Prefer dynamic nightlife, cultural shows, and bustling markets.
- Desire luxury resorts with romantic honeymoon packages.
Choose the Maldives if you:
- Are honeymooning between November and April.
- Are not concerned about the honeymoon cost.
- Prefer to stay on a private island with a luxurious, all-inclusive experience and minimal need to travel beyond the resort.
- Desire exclusive overwater bungalows and high-end resorts with all-inclusive packages.
- Enjoy romantic, tranquil settings with private dining and minimal outside interaction.
- Prefer all-inclusive options that cover meals, activities, and transport.
- Love exciting nightlife, including clubs and bars.
