Bali or Dubai — Which Is Better for a Honeymoon?
Bali and Dubai rank in the world’s list of best honeymoon destinations. Both are famous for their unique romantic experiences.
How do you choose between the two? Unsure what to choose — Bali’s cultural richness or Dubai’s modern marvels? Although there are many factors to concider, overall, Bali is a better option for a honeymoon when weighing the overall costs, choice of activities and accommodation options.
In this blog, we will list the criteria of each destination and highlight their important aspects, so that you can make an informed choice based on your individual preferences.
How To Choose Between Bali and Dubai?
We list three criteria to help you decide the location for your romantic getaway.
Uniqueness
Bali is a tranquil cultural sanctuary. It has a mix of old new-world charm. It’s famous for ancient wellness retreats as well as bars and nightlife.
Dubai is a vibrant mix of glamour and excitement. This city is comparatively more fast-paced than Bali.
Cost
Bali offers luxury resorts, delicious food, and fun activities that are more affordable than Dubai. In Bali, you can plan a honeymoon on a budget or completely spurge on a luxury trip. In Dubai, prices are higher so can expect your honeymoon to be more expensive.
Time of Visit
If you’re honeymooning between May and October, choose Bali. If you’re planning your honeymoon between November and March, select Dubai. These months are ideal for each location’s weather and conditions.
| Location | Climate | Peak Tourist Season | Off-Season |
| Bali | Tropical | Dry Season (April to September): The weather is sunny. Humidity is low. It’s the best time for beach days, outdoor adventures, and exploring the island. | Rainy Season (October to March): Humidity is high and rain showers are frequent. This is a great time for visiting Bali’s lush landscapes and temples. |
| Dubai | Desert | Cool Season (November to March): The weather is pleasant with mild temperatures. It’s perfect for outdoor activities, beach outings, and exploring the city. It’s also a lively time for events and festivals. | Hot Season (April to October): Temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C). But you can still enjoy indoor attractions. |
Tip: You can visit during the shoulder season months. April and October are the shoulder months for both Bali and Dubai. You’ll experience a nice balance of good weather, fewer tourists, and better prices.
Bali vs Dubai for Honeymoon: Top Reasons To Visit
| Aspect | Bali | Dubai |
| Luxury Accommodations | You can stay in luxurious honeymoon villas with private pools, gardens, and breathtaking views of the jungle or ocean. You can opt for additional perks like butler service, private chefs, and personalised experiences. Or select one of the pre-curated honeymoon packages to take the stress out of making decisions. Luxury Accommodation Example: –Viceroy Bali | You can stay in world-famous luxury suites at iconic skyscrapers, sky-high dining and pools, stunning city views, extravagant amenities, and unparalleled service. Luxury Accommodation Example: –Burj Al Arab |
| Dining Experience | You can indulge in traditional Balinese dishes like Babi Guling (suckling pig) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice) at upscale restaurants. Many fine-dining venues offer an exquisite blend of Indonesian and international cuisine through tasting menus. They also offer an extensive collection of premium wines and spirits. A standout feature of many restaurants in Bali is their stunning jungle or beachfront settings. They raise the romance quotient and make dining immersive. Also, Bali is a haven for vegan food lovers. | Dubai has an impressive selection of Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury lounges with exceptional service and opulent atmospheres. Though Bali offers incredible luxury dining experiences, it doesn’t have Michelin-starred venues yet. So, Dubai scores here. |
| Cultural Experiences | Bali offers a unique cultural experience through its majestic temples, local arts and crafts, and vibrant festivals. Discover Bali’s spiritual side at Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple. These sites offer a glimpse into Bali’s heritage and provide backdrops. At these temples, you can witness traditional ceremonies and captivating dance performances like the Kecak Fire Dance. You can visit Ubud’s art galleries to shop for intricate carvings, beautiful textiles, and cultural souvenirs. If you’re in Bali during Nyepi Day, you’ll experience a day of island-wide silence and self-reflection that is truly special. Other must-see events include the Bali Arts Festival, and the Ubud Food Festival. There are numerous online honeymoon guides to make planning easy. | Dubai offers a unique blend of traditional Emirati culture and modern advancements. The Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort provides insights into the city’s past, while the Dubai Heritage Village lets you explore traditional Emirati life. At the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, you can learn about Emirati traditions and customs through cultural tours and workshops. Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Food Festival are must-visit events. They are vibrant spaces with sales, entertainment, and international shopping experiences. |
| Notable Attractions | Natural Wonders: -Tegallalang Rice Terraces -Mount Batur -Nusa Penida Island -Munduk Waterfalls -Gitgit Waterfall -Sekumpul Waterfall -Sambangan Waterfall -Jatiluwih Rice Terraces -Campuhan Ridge Walk Beaches and Coastal Areas: -Seminyak Beach -Jimbaran Bay -Sanur Beach -Kuta Beach -Padang Padang Beach -Bingin Beach -Balangan Beach -Nusa Dua Beach -Suluban Beach Wildlife and Adventure Parks: -Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary -Bali Safari and Marine Park -Bali Bird Park -Bali Butterfly Park -Bali Treetop Adventure Park Cultural and Art Experiences: -Ubud Art Market -Ubud’s Art Galleries (Agung Rai Museum of Art, Neka Art Museum) -Celuk Village (Gold and Silver Jewelry) -Bali Museum -Blanco Renaissance Museum Shopping and Entertainment: -Bali Collection Shopping Complex -Seminyak Village -Beachwalk Shopping Center Island Excursions: -Gili Islands -Lembongan Island -Gili Trawangan Unique Experiences: -Bali Swing -Bali Chocolate Factory Tour -Private Helicopter Ride -Balinese Cooking Class -Sunrise Trekking Tour | Iconic Landmarks: -Burj Khalifa -Burj Al Arab -Dubai Frame -Palm Jumeirah -Atlantis The Palm -Dubai Marina -The Dubai Fountain Shopping and Entertainment: -The Dubai Mall -Mall of the Emirates -Dubai Outlet Mall -City Walk -Dubai Marina Mall -Gold Souk -Spice Souk -Global Village -The Beach at JBR Beaches and Coastal Areas: -JBR Beach -Kite Beach -La Mer Beach -Sunset Beach -Al Mamzar Beach Park Desert Experiences: -Desert Safari -Camel Rides -Dune Bashing -Sandboarding -Dinner in the Desert Theme Parks and Attractions: -Dubai Parks and Resorts -Motiongate Dubai -LEGOLAND Dubai -Bollywood Parks Dubai -IMG Worlds of AdventureAquaventure Waterpark -Wild Wadi Waterpark -Ski Dubai (Indoor Skiing) Modern Architecture and Urban Experiences: -Dubai Marina Walk -Dubai Canal -Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye) -One Za’abeel -The Address Boulevard Cultural Experiences and Tours: -Dubai Opera -Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo -Dubai Dolphinarium -Dubai Miracle Garden -Ripe Market Island and Water Attractions: -Bluewaters Island -Al Marmoom Camel Racing Track -Dubai Water Canal Unique Experiences: -Helicopter Tour of Dubai -Luxury Yacht Charter -Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve -Dubai Creek -Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo -Dubai Opera -Dubai Butterfly Garden -Dubai Garden Glow |
