6 Days in Bali: A Romantic Ubud and Uluwatu Honeymoon Itinerary for Foodies, Photographers, and Culture Lovers
Bali’s story is one of kingdoms and canang sari offerings—daily petals and incense laid at doorways for balance and blessing. Hindu-Balinese culture shaped a landscape of water temples, terraced rice fields, and village craft traditions that still anchor daily life. The island’s nickname, the Island of the Gods, isn’t hyperbole; it’s a feeling you’ll catch in gamelan rhythms and the soft glow of evening lamps.
For couples, Bali is a playground of romance—jungle spas and flower baths in Ubud, cliffside sunsets over the Indian Ocean in Uluwatu, and barefoot seafood feasts on Jimbaran Beach. Photographers adore the golden-hour light at Tegallalang, dramatic sea temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, and the teal rivers and waterfalls tucked into the hills.
Practical notes: The currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Dress modestly at temples (sarongs are usually provided). Dry season runs roughly April–October; expect occasional showers in the wet season. Scooters are common but ride only if experienced; private drivers are affordable. For flights to Bali (DPS), compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart: painters, woodcarvers, and mask-makers populate its villages, while emerald rice terraces frame morning mist and dragonflies. It’s ideal for slow mornings, cooking classes, sacred springs, and intimate dinners under jungle canopies.
- Top sights: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul water temple, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Campuhan Ridge Walk.
- Why couples love it: Flower baths, riverfront spa suites, serene sunsets over rice fields, and restaurants perfect for celebratory tasting menus.
- Food & drink: From warungs serving babi guling to romantic fine dining at Mozaic, Ubud is a true foodie hub with great coffee.
Stay in Ubud: Browse private villas on VRBO Ubud or hotels on Hotels.com Ubud. For a splurge-worthy honeymoon cocoon, consider Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Excellent-value stays include Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (private rooms available).
Getting there: Land at Denpasar (DPS), then drive ~1.5 hours to Ubud (IDR 350k–500k by private car). Book flights via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
Uluwatu & Jimbaran
On Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise seas. Uluwatu is famed for surf breaks, hidden beaches, and a temple that seems to float at sunset. Neighboring Jimbaran pairs calm bays with romantic, toes-in-the-sand seafood dinners.
- Top sights: Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance, Melasti and Padang Padang beaches, Bingin’s tide pools, Jimbaran Beach sunset dinners.
- Why couples love it: Golden-hour cliff views, leisurely brunch spots, sophisticated beach clubs, and easy airport access.
- Food & drink: Grilled fish at Jimbaran warungs, innovative tapas at Cuca, sundowners at Single Fin or cliffside lounges.
Stay in Uluwatu/Jimbaran: Browse villas on VRBO Uluwatu or VRBO Jimbaran, and hotels on Hotels.com Uluwatu or Hotels.com Jimbaran. For an indulgent beach stay, The St. Regis Bali Resort in nearby Nusa Dua offers a standout honeymoon setting.
Transfer from Ubud: 1.5–2 hours by car (IDR 300k–450k). No trains on Bali; private drivers or taxis are easiest.
Day 1: Arrive Bali → Ubud Welcome Evening
Afternoon: Land at DPS and transfer to Ubud. Check in, freshen up, and stretch your legs along Jalan Hanoman and the Ubud Palace area for a first taste of Balinese architecture and daily offerings.
Evening: Celebrate night one with a romantic dinner. For fine-dining, book Mozaic’s seasonal tasting menu with wine pairings (garden ambiance, chef’s table available). Prefer a view? The Sayan House serves Latin–Japanese small plates overlooking the Ayung Valley—time it for sunset. Casual Balinese classics: Cafe Wayan’s leafy garden or legendary ribs at Naughty Nuri’s.
Nightcap: Slip into Copper Kitchen & Bar (Bisma Eight) for creative cocktails or try Seniman’s coffee mocktails if you’re keeping it mellow.
Day 2: The Best of Ubud (Private, All-Inclusive Tour)
Spend the day with a driver-guide covering Ubud’s greatest hits—ideal for photos, culture, and gentle adventure. Hotel pickup, tickets, and timing are handled so you can focus on each other.
Discover The Best of Ubud: All-Inclusive and Private Guided Tour

- Highlights: Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terrace walk, Tirta Empul purification temple, a hidden waterfall, and a coffee plantation.
- Foodie tip: Ask your guide to stop at a countryside warung near Tegallalang for nasi campur or crispy duck. Vegetarian-friendly options are plentiful.
Evening: Back in town, dine at Pica (vibrant South American plates) or Warung Biah Biah for shareable Indonesian small dishes. Dessert at Gelato Secrets—try the local salak (snake fruit) flavor.
Day 3: Slow Ubud—Cooking, Spa, and Sunset Ridge Walk
Morning: Coffee at Seniman Coffee Studio (single-origin pours and excellent cold brew). Join a Balinese cooking class—Casa Luna’s longstanding school or a village home class—where you’ll grind spice pastes, steam in banana leaves, and sit down to a generous lunch you’ve made together.
Afternoon: Couples spa time. Book a river-view suite or garden pavilion for a flower bath and long massage; Karsa Spa and other boutique spots near the rice fields are serene favorites. Afterwards, shop for textiles and wood carvings along Jalan Raya Ubud and at local ateliers.
Evening: Golden hour on the Campuhan Ridge Walk—soft breezes, tall grasses, and a painterly sky. For dinner, make it a riverside date: Kubu (bamboo pods beside the Ayung, tasting menus) as a splurge; or go cozy and affordable at Casa Luna (Balinese dishes and well-curated wines).
Day 4: Ubud → Uluwatu Cliffs and Kecak Fire Dance
Morning: Transfer to Uluwatu/Jimbaran (1.5–2 hours; IDR 300k–450k by private car). Check into your cliff or beach stay. Brunch at Suka Espresso (great eggs, smoothie bowls) or Drifter Café (surfer-chic, strong coffee).
Afternoon: Beach time at Melasti—white sand and dramatic limestone backdrops for portraits—or Padang Padang’s turquoise cove. Rent a daybed, swim, and unwind.
Evening: Witness a fiery sunset and traditional chanting on a cliff-edge stage with a guided experience:
Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay

- After-show dinner: Choose a table in the sand at Jimbaran Bay. Menega Cafe and Lia Cafe grill the catch of the day over coconut husks; pick your fish and prawns and dine by candlelight.
Day 5: Private Boat to Nusa Penida—Mantas, Snorkeling, and Hidden Bays
This is your adventure-romance day on the water, perfect for photography and shared thrills. Expect early pickup, calm morning seas, and a mix of snorkeling and scenic stops.
Nusa Penida by Private Boat - Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

- What you’ll do: Snorkel at four sites (often Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Crystal Bay), then visit scenic viewpoints such as Kelingking. Premium options can include a photographer and celebratory drinks.
- Tips: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and motion-sickness tablets if needed. Manta sightings are weather-dependent.
Evening: Celebrate back on the mainland. Dine at Cuca (creative, produce-driven tapas) or book a beachfront table at Sundara (smart-casual, great cocktails) in Jimbaran.
Day 6: Lazy Morning by the Sea → Departure
Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast—try BGS Bali for excellent flat whites or a final smoothie bowl at The Cashew Tree near Bingin. If you want one last splash, snag a day pass at a beach club and tuck into a late brunch by the water.
Afternoon: Souvenir stop for local coffee and artisan salts, then transfer to DPS (30–60 minutes depending on traffic). If you’re extending your stay closer to Kuta, note family-friendly amenities at Bali Dynasty Resort, and budget travelers can check M Boutique Hostel in Seminyak.
Dining & Coffee Shortlist (Save for Easy Reference)
- Ubud breakfast/coffee: Seniman Coffee Studio; Anomali Coffee; Watercress for hearty brunch.
- Ubud lunch: Warung Biah Biah (Indonesian small plates); Cafe Wayan (Balinese staples); Bebek Bengil for crispy duck.
- Ubud dinner: Mozaic (tasting menu); The Sayan House (sunset views); Casa Luna (reliable classics).
- Uluwatu/Jimbaran breakfast/coffee: Suka Espresso; Drifter Cafe; BGS Bali.
- Uluwatu/Jimbaran lunch: The Cashew Tree (healthy bowls); Warung Local (Indonesian rice plates); Fat Chow Temple Hill (Asian comfort).
- Uluwatu/Jimbaran dinner: Jimbaran seafood warungs (Menega, Lia, Made Bagus); Cuca (creative plates); Sundara (beachfront).
Practical Tips for a Smooth Honeymoon
- Transfers: Hire a private driver for day touring (IDR 700k–900k for ~8–10 hours). Intercity rides run ~IDR 300k–500k. No trains on Bali.
- Temples: Shoulders and knees covered; sarongs are typically provided with ticket. Be mindful of monkeys—secure sunglasses and phones.
- Money: Many places accept cards, but keep cash for markets and small warungs. Use ATMs attached to banks.
- Safety: If renting a scooter, wear a helmet and only ride if experienced. Otherwise, taxis and drivers are inexpensive.
Optional Swap (for culture lovers): Trade Day 3 for a temple-and-terrace circuit in North Bali:
Full-Day Tour to Water Temples and UNESCO Rice Terraces in Bali

- Why go: Ulun Danu Beratan floating temple, Jatiluwih’s UNESCO-listed fields, and cooler mountain air—photography heaven.
Ready to book flights? Compare fares and routes to Denpasar (DPS) on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays, explore VRBO Ubud, Hotels.com Ubud, VRBO Uluwatu, and Hotels.com Uluwatu.
Honeymoon summary: Over six days, you’ll sip single-origin coffee in Ubud, bathe in temple light and jungle shade, watch a crimson sun drop behind Uluwatu’s cliffs, and snorkel beside coral gardens off Nusa Penida. It’s a romantic, mid-budget Bali itinerary with room for a couple of memorable splurges—built for foodies and photographers in love.