Bali or Lombok for a Honeymoon?
Bali and Lombok are two of Indonesia’s top honeymoon islands.
In 2025, Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice named Bali the 2nd best honeymoon destination in the world. It ranked Lombok 5th among the best nature destinations in the same year.
The two islands offer very different experiences. Bali is about variety, luxury, and cultural depth. Lombok offers quiet beaches, simplicity, and seclusion.
This Bali or Lombok for a honeymoon guide compares these locations across key aspects so you can choose which one best suits your honeymoon vision.
Vibe – Bali vs Lombok
Bali offers vibrancy and calm. Lombok has a peaceful and rustic vibe.
Bali
Bali mixes wellness, nightlife, and luxury. So, the honeymoon mood depends on where you stay.
Ubud feels cultural and serene. Seminyak and Canggu are trendy and lively. Uluwatu has a high-energy social scene. Sanur is calm.
Lombok
Lombok feels quieter and less commercial than Bali.
Senggigi has a relaxed resort pace. Kuta is surfy and laid-back. The Gili Islands move at an even slower rhythm – Meno is private, Air is balanced, and Trawangan is more social. In the north, life around Rinjani is rustic and traditional.
Time of Visit – Bali vs Lombok
Bali and Lombok have tropical climates with dry and wet seasons. The dry season is the best time for a honeymoon on either island.
Bali
The dry season runs from May to October. Days are warm, skies are clear, and the sea is calm. July and August are peak months, when resorts and beaches are busiest.
The wet season lasts from November to March. The island remains warm and lush, with fewer tourists.
Lombok
The dry season lasts from April to October. It is the best time for beach days, diving, and trekking.
November to March is wetter. Resorts are quieter and prices are lower. June to September is ideal for couples seeking the best blend of weather and privacy in Lombok.
Natural Beauty – Bali vs Lombok
Bali has rice terraces, jungles, waterfalls, volcanoes, and scenic beaches.
Lombok is known for white sand beaches, turquoise waters, waterfalls, a towering volcano, and the coral-rich Gili Islands.
Must-See Places in Bali
- Rice terraces: Tegallalang, Jatiluwih
- Volcanoes: Mount Batur (sunrise trek), Mount Agung
- Waterfalls: Tegenungan, Gitgit
- Beaches: Golden sand in the south (Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur), volcanic black sand in the north (Lovina, Amed, Canggu)
- Cliffs: Uluwatu’s dramatic coastline
Must-See Places in Lombok
- Beaches: Selong Belanak, Mawun, Tanjung Aan
- Volcano: Mount Rinjani and crater lake trek
- Waterfalls: Tiu Kelep, Benang Kelambu
- Gili Islands: Gili Meno, Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, for snorkelling and diving with coral reefs and clear water
Key Romantic Experiences – Bali vs Lombok
Bali
- Jungle swing in Ubud
- Hike to a secluded waterfall
- Spa services for couples
- Temple visits at sunset (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple with Kecak dance)
- Fine dining in a romantic setting
- Frangipani flower bath
- Private yacht to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan
- Mount Batur sunrise hike
- Jungle strolls and tours of rice terraces
- Sunrise walk on Campuhan Ridge
- Tirta Empul purification prayer
Lombok
- Private picnics on deserted beaches
- Sunset views at Selong Belanak or Tanjung Aan
- Exploring the Gili Islands by diving and snorkelling
- Swimming near Tiu Kelep and Benang Kelambu waterfalls
- Trekking Mount Rinjani and touring neighbouring villages
- Boutique resort stays with beachfront dinners
Honeymoon Stay Options – Bali vs Lombok
In Bali, stays range widely. They span from luxury resorts to boutique villas. Honeymoon packages may include flower baths, private pools, and butler service.
In Lombok, resorts are simpler and focus on privacy.
Stay Options in Bali:
- Honeymoon resort, hotel and villa accommodations in Ubud overlooking rice fields and jungles.
- Clifftop resorts in Uluwatu with ocean views
- Beachfront resorts in Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Sanur
- Boutique eco-villas for couples wanting privacy and nature
Stay Options in Lombok:
- Luxury beachfront resorts in Senggigi and South Lombok
- Boutique eco-lodges
- Intimate, small resorts in Gili Meno
- Boutique stays in Gili Air
- Romantic boutique hotels in Gili Trawangan
Dining Scene – Bali vs Lombok
Bali has a global dining scene. It offers options from fine dining to street food.
In Lombok, dining is relaxed. You will find local dishes and fresh seafood.
Dining Options in Bali:
- Gourmet dining and luxury restaurant options in Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu
- Romantic jungle and clifftop dining settings
- Trendy cafés in Canggu and Seminyak
- Street food and local warungs for budget-friendly meals
- Vibrant nightlife with beach clubs and bars
Dining Options in Lombok:
- Fresh seafood is served on beaches and in small restaurants
- Sasak cuisine (local Lombok dishes) in traditional warungs
Note:
- Resort restaurants provide the most upscale dining options.
- Nightlife is limited, mostly to small beach bars.
- It is hard to find alcohol outside Senggigi, Kuta, and the Gili Islands.
Accessibility – Bali vs Lombok
Bali:
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) has direct flights from Asia, Australia, and the Middle East
- It is easy to get around with taxis, private drivers, and scooters
- Day trips between regions usually take 1-2 hours by car
- Traffic can be heavy in popular areas like Seminyak and Ubud
Lombok:
- Lombok International Airport has fewer international connections. Many travellers arrive via Bali or Jakarta.
- Ferries connect Bali and Lombok.
- There are fewer transport options once on the island. Taxis and scooters are common.
- Travel times between regions are longer.
Which Couples Should Choose Bali?
- Couples who want luxury, culture, dining, nightlife, spa days, and adventure all in one trip
- Those who love private pool villas, fine dining, and world-class service
- Honeymooners who enjoy chic cafés, beach clubs, and lively streets
- Couples who are Interested in yoga retreats, holistic spas, and healthy dining
Which Couples Should Choose Lombok?
- Couples who prefer quiet beaches and fewer people around
- Those who enjoy untouched landscapes, turquoise waters, and waterfall treks
- Couples who love hiking or going off the beaten path
- Honeymooners who love local food and island-hopping
- Couples who have been to Bali before and want something different and less crowded
Book your Honeymoon at Viceroy Bali
If you decide on Bali for your honeymoon, Viceroy Bali in Ubud offers the island’s most romantic honeymoon package. Degustation dining, flower petal baths, and other extras are included in the honeymoon package. The resort’s intimate setting and intuitive service make it stand out for newlyweds. Book now.
