Postcard Journeys: Our Honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩

Ahhh, I wanted to write about our honeymoon trip to Bali for so long but it has been so busy over the past few months. I never quite found the right moment to sit down with a notepad and a pen, a cup of tea, some light music in the background, and my favourite Pistachio & Rose cake slice from Gail’s Bakery.

But here I am now making the most of my time and typing away on the train on my way home after a long day at the clinic (magical in its own way, or not?!) Outside, it’s wet, cold and dark and it will take me a bit longer than usual to reach home. So, I thought I’d escape for a bit in my memories, soaking up the sun, sea, and vibes from Bali and then write a bit about it too!

Would you believe it, we hadn’t even geographically looked up Bali before we made the trip!? We boarded the flight from Cochin Airport to Vietnam and then there was a 2 hour layover before we got on the flight to Bali. Until we reached Vietnam, we had no clue that Indonesia was less than 4 hours away from Australia - Perth, to be precise. We were so shocked and it made sense why it took hours to reach there! In retrospect, the decision to visit Bali for our honeymoon was made very quickly amidst stressful wedding planning! So, it kinda makes sense why we didn’t look into it too much and weren’t aware of how much of a journey we had to make before stepping foot in Bali.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly tour guide who took us to the hotel. The hotel was located a 15 minute drive away from the airport and a short walk away from the beach. After freshening up and munching on some snacks, we made our way to the beach to capture the sunset. I most probably say this more than I should but it really was magical. The smell of the sea air, the waves, the chatter on the beach coming from tourists and locals, surfers, and little children running around, it was very grounding to say the least. We grabbed a few drinks and then found ourselves walking along the beach, hand in hand, talking endlessly about how far we had come. We took some time to reflect on the wedding season. From the proposal to the wedding, so much had happened in such a short span of time. Indeed, we were grateful for all the memories made and the good times! And what felt truly amazing was to be able to narrate it all like it was a fairytale. It was also a nice way to de-stress from everything and take things nice and slow… Soon it began to get dark, and we headed straight back to the hotel to wind down.

Following a delicious breakfast, our second day in Bali involved a lot of activities and sightseeing. We started off at Tegenungan Waterfall, located a short distance from the centre of Ubud. It’s known for its lush jungle surroundings, scenic views, and relatively easy access — you only need to walk down a series of steps to reach the base (walking back up really tested my hiking skills - haven’t done a proper hike since 2021!). We’re glad that we started off here, the waterfall is so impressive and has a large natural pool at the base, which visitors can swim in or simply enjoy the views from lookout points.

We then headed to the Luwak Coffee Plantation. Known as the world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak has a fascinating (and slightly unusual) origin story. The coffee is made using beans that have been eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet — a small, cat-like animal native to Indonesia. As the beans pass through the civet’s digestive system, they undergo a fermentation process that gives the coffee its distinctive smooth and rich flavour, with less bitterness than regular brews.

Even if you’re not a coffee enthusiast, the experience is a lovely way to connect with Balinese culture and agriculture. Many plantations also grow cocoa, vanilla, and spices, making it a sensory feast surrounded by scenic jungle views. By the end of some extended coffee tasting, we were hungry enough to go and munch on some Indonesian food, and so, we did just that! We headed to Dineora Bali which was the perfect spot for some lunch but also to capture the most spectacular view of Mount Agung - Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano. And, did you know?! According to myth, the mountain is the center of the universe on the island and the earthly home of Hindu deities. It was quite packed but the wait was definitely worth it, and the food was just too good.

The final spot on our sightseeing list for day 2 was Uluwatu Temple. Honestly, it took me right back to those days when I was studying Philosophy at A-Level and was particularly interested in Eastern Philosophy. Perched dramatically on the edge of a 70-metre-high cliff, Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of Bali’s most breathtaking sea temples — a place where spirituality, culture, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Located on the southwestern tip of the island, this ancient temple is dedicated to the Hindu sea gods, believed to protect Bali from evil spirits that dwell in the ocean.

The temple’s clifftop setting offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, making it one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset. As the sky turns golden and waves crash against the rocks below, the atmosphere feels so magical. And just as you’re taking in the views and focussing on the present moment, you see a monkey jumping right past you and trying to snatch someone’s phone. It was terrifying and I literally held on to our valuables with all my life. These monkeys are cheeky, clever and full of personality and are actually considered guardians of the temple. Whilst their antics can be entertaining, just make sure that you keep a distance and avoid direct eye contact, which monkeys can interpret as a challenge. After soaking in the beauty of the temple, we headed to another hotel, which was to be our home for the next few days.

The final two days passed by in a blur, most likely because it was largely spent doing water sports during the day and then treating ourselves to a Balinese spa at night. We also managed to fit in a visit to the Bali Swing as well! The water sports included Jet skiing and Paragliding. We also got a chance to go underwater - it was quite scary at the start and I regretted going for it but I am so so so glad that I took that opportunity! Being underwater and seeing some of the creatures there was a simple, yet powerful reminder of just how beautiful this world is! The Bali Swing experience was one of our favourite moments from our visit. Few experiences capture the magic of Bali quite like soaring through the air on a Bali Swing. With sweeping views of lush jungles, rice terraces, and winding rivers below, these giant swings offer a mix of thrill and serenity — all wrapped in one unforgettable photo opportunity.

As for the Balinese massage/spa, no trip is complete without indulging in a traditional Balinese spa. Both Ricky and I asked for a head and body spa, which goes beyond a regular massage, targeting muscle tension, scalp stress, and energy flow for a holistic sense of well-being.

Our time in Bali was short but sweet. On the first day, we questioned whether we had made the right decision in choosing Bali as our honeymoon destination. However, as we boarded our flight back to India, we knew that choosing Bali was the best decision. It gave us everything we needed after a very packed wedding season - peace and tranquility. We knew we would miss Bali but promised each other to come back at some point in the future to make more memories! And, as the plane soared up, we fondly looked down on the rice terraces and lush greenery, counting down the days till we go again!