Planning your engagement trip to Bali? You’ve made an excellent choice.

As a wedding photographer who’s spent years documenting love stories across this incredible island, I can tell you that Bali offers something truly special for couples. The combination of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and romantic experiences creates the perfect backdrop for celebrating your engagement.

Honestly, there’s something magical about this place that I still can’t quite explain. Maybe it’s the way golden light filters through ancient temples at sunrise. Or how you can find complete serenity in a hidden waterfall just an hour from bustling Ubud.

Let me share the absolute best things to do in Bali that will make your engagement trip unforgettable.

Why Bali is Perfect for Couples: Unforgettable Things to Do

After working with hundreds of couples here, I’ve noticed something interesting. Bali has this unique ability to help people reconnect with each other. The slower pace, incredible natural beauty, and welcoming culture create space for couples to simply be present together.

Plus, your budget stretches much further here than most romantic destinations. You can stay in a luxury villa with a private pool for less than a standard hotel room in many Western cities.

The food scene is incredible too. You’ll discover flavors you never knew existed, often for a fraction of what you’d pay at home.

1. Get a Private Villa (Trust Me on This)

Skip the hotel. Seriously.

I always recommend couples stay at Kayon Jungle Resort if they want an experience they’ll never forget. Picture waking up in your own piece of paradise, surrounded by lush jungle, with breakfast literally floating across your private pool.

The Details:

• Website: thekayonjungleresort.com
• Address: Br. Bresela, Payangan, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80572, Indonesia
• Phone: +62 361 978098
• Why it’s special: They literally float your breakfast across the pool

The floating breakfast isn’t just Instagram worthy. It’s genuinely one of those pinch-me moments that make you remember why you’re celebrating your engagement in the first place.

Yes, $200 sounds steep at first. But when you split it between two people and consider you’re getting your own jungle sanctuary, it’s actually incredible value.

2. Tanah Lot Temple: An Iconic Thing to Do in Bali

Here’s the thing about Tanah Lot. Everyone goes there, and for good reason. This ancient temple perched on a rock formation in the ocean creates some of the most dramatic sunset photos you’ll ever see.

But timing is everything.

Arrive at 4:30 PM, not a minute later. The crowds build quickly, especially on weekends. If you can swing a Tuesday visit, even better.

The temple appears to float on the water during high tide, creating this almost mystical atmosphere.

3. Karsa Spa

Karsa Spa offers something you won’t find at your typical day spa.

Karsa Spa Details:

• Website: karsaspa.com
• Address: Jl.Markandiya II, Bangkiang sidem, Ubud, Bali
• Phone: +62 813 533 92013
• What makes it special: You get massaged outside while staring at rice fields

You’ll receive your treatment outdoors, overlooking emerald rice terraces while tropical birds provide the soundtrack. It’s deeply relaxing and surprisingly affordable.

I had one couple tell me their Karsa experience was better than any spa treatment they’d had in five-star hotels back home. The natural setting makes all the difference.

Book well in advance. This place stays busy for good reason.

4. Jungle Swings

Jungle swings might seem like pure Instagram bait. But you know what? They’re genuinely enjoyable.

Tegallalang has the best swing experiences. The key is arriving early, around 7 AM, before the tour groups descend. By 10 AM, you’re looking at hour-long waits for a 30-second swing.

Most locations charge $10-15 and include a flowing dress for photos if you want it. The real joy comes from the laughter and shared experience, not just the photos.

5. Sekumpul Waterfall (For the Adventurous)

This one requires some effort, but rewards you handsomely.

Sekumpul Waterfall:

• Location: Sekumpul, Lemukih, Buleleng Regency, Bali
• The deal: Seven waterfalls, barely any tourists, but you gotta work for it

Seven waterfalls cascade into natural swimming pools, with hardly any tourists around. The hike is steep and can be slippery, so bring proper shoes and take your time.

Once you reach the bottom, you’ll have this incredible natural amphitheater almost to yourselves. Perfect for couples who love adventure and don’t mind working for their rewards.

Pack snacks, water, and maybe some bandages. The trail can be unforgiving, but the payoff is extraordinary.

6. Cook Together: A Romantic Thing to Do in Bali

Paon Bali Cooking Class changed my perspective about cooking classes.

The Details:

• Website: https://paoncookingclassubud-online.globaltix.com/
• Address: Jalan Raya Laplapan, Petulu, Ubud, Petulu, Kecamatan Ubud, Bali, 80552
• Phone: +62 813 3793 9095
• What you do: Market tour, then cook in a traditional kitchen

You’ll start with a traditional market tour, then cook in an authentic Indonesian kitchen. The instructor, Made, has this wonderful way of making everyone feel comfortable while keeping things fun and educational.

The best part? You’ll eat way too much delicious food and leave with recipes to recreate the magic at home. It’s hands-on, engaging, and creates great memories together.

7. Take a Nusa Penida Day Trip

The speedboat ride to Nusa Penida is an adventure in itself. If you’re prone to seasickness, maybe reconsider. But if you can handle 45 minutes of choppy water, you’ll discover one of Indonesia’s most stunning islands.

Must-see spots:

• Kelingking Beach: The famous T-Rex shaped cliff
• Angel’s Billabong: Natural infinity pool (exercise extreme caution)
• Crystal Bay: Best swimming beach on the island

Hire a driver once you arrive. The roads are challenging and local drivers know all the safe routes. A full day trip costs around $50 per person, including boat transport and driver.

8. Potato Head Beach Club (Expensive But Worth It)

Potato Head Beach Club:

• Website: https://seminyak.potatohead.co/
• Address: Jalan Petitenget no. 51B, Seminyak, Kuta Utara Kabupaten Badung, Bali 
• Phone: +62 361 620 7979
• Vibe: Fancy beach club with infinity pool and great music

Yes, it’s expensive by Bali standards. But sometimes you want to feel glamorous while celebrating your engagement.

The infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean is spectacular. The DJs actually know their craft, unlike some beach clubs here. Get a daybed if possible. You’ll hit the minimum spend with just two cocktails anyway.

9. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike: A Challenging Thing to Do in Bali

This means a 2 AM pickup. Let that sink in for a moment.

But honestly? Watching the sunrise paint the sky while your guide cooks eggs using volcanic steam is pretty incredible. It’s cold, dark, and you’ll question your sanity at 3 AM. Yet every couple I’ve recommended this to returns with this special glow.

The guided tours cost around $30 per person and include that unique volcanic breakfast. It’s challenging but creates the kind of shared experience that bonds couples together.

10. Invest in Professional Photography

Here’s where I get a bit biased, but hear me out.

Your phone won’t capture the magic of Bali properly. The light here, the landscapes, the genuine moments between you two deserve better documentation.

At Thin Spaces, we specialize in couples photography across Bali. We know the hidden rice terraces, secret beaches, and temple courtyards where the light hits just right.

We invite you to genuinely enjoy yourselves and capture the real moments. The laughter, the quiet instances, how you look at each other when you think nobody’s watching.

11. Sacred Monkey Forest (Secure Your Belongings!)

The monkeys here are professional pickpockets. I’m completely serious.

Despite the mischievous residents, it’s genuinely beautiful. Ancient temples, massive trees, and yes, entertaining monkeys everywhere. Entry costs about $3. Just leave valuable items secured at your villa.

12. Book a Sunset Cruise

Bali Hai Cruises offers sunset experiences. The food is good, drinks are a little pricey, but the sunset views are legitimate.

You’ll share the boat with around 100 other people. But if you want to feel like you’re in a romantic movie while the sun melts into the ocean, it delivers.

Cost is around $60 per person, including dinner and drinks.

13. Try Couples Yoga at The Yoga Barn

The Yoga Barn:

• Website: theyogabarn.com
• Address: Jl. Sukma Kesuma, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
• Phone: +62 361 971236
• Cost: $15 for drop-in classes

The open-air studios nestled in jungle settings create this incredible sense of peace. Morning classes are particularly beautiful, with birds chirping and that fresh jungle air.

Partner yoga is less awkward than you might expect. The instructors excel at making beginners feel comfortable and welcomed.

14. Romantic Dinner at Swept Away

Swept Away at The Samaya Ubud:

• Website: https://thesamayabali.com/ubud
• Address: Jl. Baung, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
• Phone: +62 361 973606
• Cost: $100+ for two people

This is where you go for proposal dinners or major celebrations. They create private riverside dining experiences with candles everywhere and the gentle sound of flowing water.

The food ranks among Bali’s finest. Yes, it’s expensive, but for celebrating your engagement, it’s worth every rupiah.

Book well in advance. They’re consistently booked solid.

Engaged? This could be the perfect wedding place in Bali for you!

15. Explore Ubud’s Traditional Markets

The art market in Ubud is organized chaos at its finest.

Everything’s negotiable here. Start at half the asking price and work upward. Vendors expect this dance and often seem to enjoy the interaction.

Great finds include hand-carved wooden sculptures for around $5, quality silver jewelry, and stunning textiles perfect for home decoration.

Bring cash in small bills. Don’t hesitate to walk away if the price isn’t right. Often, they’ll call you back with a better offer.

Essential Tips for Things to Do in Bali

Best time to visit: April through October offers dry weather and fewer crowds.

Temple etiquette: Always cover shoulders and knees. Locals appreciate respect for their customs.

Transportation: Use Grab or hire daily drivers. Traffic is intense, but local drivers know all the shortcuts.

Money matters: Bring USD and exchange at the airport. ATMs are everywhere, but fees accumulate quickly.

Let’s Capture Your Bali Love Story

After documenting dozens of couples across Bali, I understand what creates truly memorable photographs.

The magic here isn’t just scenic beauty. It’s how this island helps couples feel more relaxed, more connected, more authentically themselves. Those are the moments worth preserving forever.

We document you actually enjoying Bali together. Your genuine laughter when a monkey tries stealing your water bottle. How you look at each other during that perfect sunset. The quiet moments that happen when you think nobody’s watching.

Your Bali engagement adventure will be incredible. But you’ll want to remember exactly how it felt, not just how it looked.

We would love to be your Bali wedding photographer. We know every hidden spot, every perfect lighting moment, and exactly how to capture the magic you’re about to experience. Let’s chat about creating something beautiful together.

Ready to take your love story to the next level? We’ve got complete guides on Bali weddings and on how to elope in Bali!