Having trouble deciding between Bali and Mauritius for your honeymoon? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

Both Mauritius and Bali are stunning island destinations and world-renowned honeymoon locations for couples seeking luxury, beautiful beaches, adventure, and romance.

Read on to discover which paradise is best for you!

Bali vs. Mauritius: The Ultimate Comparison

• Best for romance: Mauritius
• Best for diving: Bali
• Most affordable: Bali
• Most beautiful beaches: Mauritius
• Best for nightlife: Bali
• Best for adventure: Mauritius
• Best for foodies: Bali

Bali: The Basics

Although Bali is a large island in the Indonesian archipelago, it is not its own country. Known as “the Island of the Gods”, this island paradise is world-famous due to the variety of activities, range of affordable yet luxurious accommodations, diverse landscapes, accessible beaches, and vibrant Hindu culture.

Visitors can also hike towering volcanoes, explore the jungle, trek through emerald rice fields, party in high-end nightclubs, kayak through sleepy mangroves, and retreat to the misty mountains.

Due to its immense popularity, some parts of Bali (Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta) can get very busy. If you are seeking seclusion, we recommend heading to Sidemen, Amed, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Penida.

Mauritius: The Basics

Mauritius (officially known as the Republic of Mauritius) is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean that is less busy than Bali.

While Bali has many affordable options, Mauritius is known for its luxury resorts, fine dining, relaxed atmosphere, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Mauritius is a less popular honeymoon destination than Bali due to its remote location. However, if you can get there, you will be amazed by the natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and opulent resorts that offer the epitome of laidback luxury.

It’s important to note that Mauritius is not a good choice for couples seeking nightlife and a party vibe.

Bali: What Are the Best Things To Do in Bali?

• Take a sunset cruise in a jukung – A jukung is a traditional Balinese fishing boat with outriggers on either side. It is also the perfect place to watch the sunset behind Mt. Agung as you ride the gentle waves in Amed.

• Shop, shop, shop – Bali is one of the best shopping destinations in South East Asia. Leather goods, tailormade clothes, wooden furniture, antiques, textiles, artisan jewelry, macrame wall hangings, carvings, and home décor are all popular items. The Ubud Market, Seminyak, Jalan Tegalalang, and Sanur are the best places to shop.

• Swim with manta rays – Famous for its marine life, Bali is home to colorful reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish, reef sharks, and barracuda. However, encountering manta rays is one of the most incredible experiences. The best time of year to see manta rays is between June and September when they congregate in the nutrient-rich waters off of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

• Soak in a flower bath – It’s worth the hype!

• Have a beach day – The beaches in Bali are famous for a reason. Sanur Beach is best for swimming, while Bingin Beach (Uluwatu) has the best sunsets. Jimbaran Beach offers delicious seafood barbeques and Virgin Beach is the best pristine beach.

• Visit Tanah Lot at sunset – Located on a rock outcropping surrounded by crashing waves, Tanah Lot is a Hindu sea temple and pilgrimage site. It features panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and sacred sea snakes that are considered guardians of the temple.

• Trek in the rice fields – Unlike Mauritius, Bali is home to an array of lush rice fields terraced into the countryside. Although the Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the most famous and easiest to access from Ubud, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are by far the most beautiful.

• Take an ATV tour – Bali is a great place to enjoy all kinds of adventure activities, but the ATV tours offered in Ubud are really something special. As you navigate waterfalls, muddy paths, and caves in the jungle, you’ll feel like you are in Temple Run.
• Rent a private villa – Imagine enjoying a floating breakfast in your private pool or having your entire pool covered in tropical flowers. Although there are cheaper options, renting a private villa will run you between $40 (yes, that’s correct) and $700 with a lot of great options around $120 to $250 per night.

• Go white water rafting – This is an amazing option for adventurous couples in Ubud or Sidemen!
• Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud – Nestled in an ancient forest filled with towering trees and temples, this sanctuary is home to over 350 long-tailed macaques. Pro tip: Don’t bring any food with you and make sure your phone, sunglasses, and anything else valuable is secure.

• Relax at a beach club – Bali is home to a variety of bustling beach clubs and more relaxed retreats. El Kabron, Ulu Cliffhouse, La Brisa, Potato Head, and Sandy Bay Beach Club are our favorites.

Mauritius: What Are the Best Things To Do in Mauritius?

• Witness the 7-Color Earth in Chamarel – Located on the west coast of Mauritius, Chamarel is a small village famous for its vividly colored soil that ranges in color from deep rust to purple. In addition, the lush surroundings, hiking trails, and delicious cuisine make Chamarel a must-see destination.

• Take a catamaran cruise – Whether you book a day trip for snorkeling and cruising along the coast or just sail during sunset, you won’t be disappointed. Île aux Cerfs, Blue Bay Marine Park, Tamarin Bay, and Grand Baie are a few great places to enjoy your cruise.

• Indulge in a sugarcane scrub – For years sugarcane has played an important part in the economy and history, but it also makes an excellent exfoliant. Other signature spa treatments include a massage with locally produced vanilla oil and sea salt scrubs.
• Explore the underwater world – Mauritius is almost completely surrounded by coral, which makes for great scuba diving and snorkeling. You can expect to see hawksbill turtles, parrotfish, triggerfish, hard and soft corals, moray eels, and eagle rays.

• Go skydiving – Get your adrenaline pumping as you dive from 10,000 feet! Skydive Mauritius gets great reviews and is known for providing professional, safe service.
• Take a hike – There are some pretty amazing trekking trails in Mauritius, ranging from basic to quite challenging. Experienced hikers will love the challenge of climbing the peak trail at Le Morne Brabant. Black River Gorges National Park is a great destination if you’re looking for a variety of moderate hikes in a lush rainforest.

• See the giant lily pads at Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens – The giant water lilies range in size from 4 feet to 6 feet in diameter!

• Relax on a white sand beach – If you’re seeking stunning beaches with powdery, white sand and turquoise waters, Mauritius is the best choice! In comparison, most of the beaches in Bali have golden or black sand with the exception of Virgin Beach and beaches on Nusa Penida. Flic en Flac, Belle Mare, and Trou aux Biches are beautiful.

• Go whale watching – During the winter months, humpback whales, sperm whales, and occasionally Bryde’s Whales migrate to Mauritius to breed, feed and socialize. Tamarin Bay, the Black River coast and near Le Morne are great places for whale-watching trips.

• Play a round of golf – Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club is home to a 19-hole, resort-style course that’s considered one of the best in the world. Every hole has an ocean view and players praise the attentive caddies.

• Go kitesurfing – The expansive Le Morne Lagoon is the perfect place for kitesurfing of all levels.

Bali: Where Are the Best Places To Stay in Bali?

Because Bali is such a large island you’ll only be able to stay in a few places. Here are our recommendations.

Ubud

Located in the interior of the island, Ubud is best known for its rice fields, stunning temples, vegan options, restaurants, and “Eat, Pray, Love” vibes. Ubud is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the area, hiking Mount Agung, and chasing waterfalls.

Nusa Dua

Home to most of the flagship luxury resorts, Nusa Dua has long been a destination for honeymooners due to its beautiful beaches and exclusive atmosphere. Here you can experience high-end facilities, 5-star service, and luxurious villas/suites that will take your breath away.

Amed

Honeymooners always say, “I wish I’d spent more time in Amed”. Located in east Bali, about 3 hours from the international airport, Amed is an 8-mile stretch of volcanic coast, dotted with tiny fishing villages and black sand beaches. If you’re looking for a slow life, love scuba diving, or just want to see the local way of life, Amed is the best choice.

Seminyak

If you’re craving shopping, fine dining, exciting nightlife, luxurious beach clubs, and a social atmosphere, you will love Seminyak.

Uluwatu

Possibly the trendiest place in Bali, Uluwatu is a rugged peninsula that juts out into the ocean. Surfers flock to this rugged coastline to ride world-class waves, while spectators watch from the cliffs. Uluwatu has a distinctly bohemian vibe with plenty of boutique resorts, cafes, and local fashion labels as well as yoga, Pilates, and CrossFit gyms.

Munduk

Nestled in the misty mountains of the north, Munduk is an off-the-beaten-path destination surrounded by lush jungle and rushing waterfalls. Even though it’s only 2.5 hours from the Denpasar airport, the temperatures are cooler year-round and it’s never that busy.

Sanur

This underrated honeymoon destination is perfect for older couples or those seeking a bit of entertainment, but also a good night’s sleep. A promenade shaded by trees follows the curve of the beach – it’s the perfect place for an evening walk or bike ride. There are also plenty of mid-range restaurants, modern and old-style Balinese resorts, good shopping, and casual bars.

Mauritius: What Are the Best Places To Stay in Mauritius

Although the Republic of Mauritius is comprised of 4 islands, we will mostly talk about Mauritius Island because it is the largest with the most tourism facilities and a plethora of activities.

Trou aux Biches

Located on the northern coast of Mauritius, Trou aux Biches is a favorite among honeymooners due to the sheltered beaches with crystal-clear waters. In addition, this area offers some of the best resorts on the island in a setting that’s quieter than Port Louis or Grand Baie but still developed for tourism.

Bel Ombre

If you love being in natural settings and have an adventurous heart, but also crave luxury, Bel Ombre is the ultimate choice. Bel Ombre is known for its laidback vibe, secluded location, eco-tourism, and the Heritage Golf Course. However, it’s also a great place to enjoy adventure activities, such as kitesurfing, hiking, ziplining, kayaking, paddle boarding, quad biking, and deep-sea fishing.

Île aux Cerfs

Situated off the eastern coast of Mauritius, Île aux Cerfs is a privately owned island that is utterly picture-perfect. Think aquamarine waters, powdery white sand, and swaying palm trees. You can visit as a day trip or spend a few nights in an upscale resort.

Le Morne

Featuring the imposing Le Morne Brabant mountain in the background, Le Morne is slightly less developed than Bel Ombre but offers the same seclusion and peace. It’s the best choice for couples who want to relax on the beach, enjoy the resort facilities, and take in views of lush landscapes.

Flic en Flac

If you’re on a budget and want to socialize, Flic en Flac is an economical option! This coastal village offers white sand beaches, lots of food options, and a range of more affordable accommodations. Buddha Bar Beach is a great place to soak up the sun and enjoy a cocktail at sunset.

Bali: How’s the Food in Bali?

Bali has an array of dining options that cater to any budget or taste. Homestyle Korean cooking, Dim Sum, Australian BBQ, pub fare, sushi, fine French dining, and dishes from all over Indonesia are just a sampling of what’s on offer.

However, traditional Balinese cuisine is delicious and can be a bit spicy. Most of the dishes are rice-based and utilize fresh seafood, curried meats, local vegetables, and tropical fruits. Must-try dishes include babi guling (suckling pig), grilled tuna or red snapper, nasi campur (rice topped with a variety of spiced meats, sautéed vegetables and fragrant sauces) and nasi goreng (Balinese-style fried rice).

Mauritius: How’s the Food in Mauritius?

Mauritius is a fine dining destination with renowned chefs from around the world. Couples who enjoy creative menus, curated ambiance, and exclusive settings will be very happy.

The local Mauritian cuisine reflects the island’s multicultural history and can be spicy. You can taste the influence of Creole, Chinese, Indian, and French cuisine with every bite. Must-try dishes include rougaille (a fragrant tomato sauce prepared with fish, sausage, or chicken), boulettes (dumplings served in broth), fish curry, and Mauritian-style biryani.

Bali vs Mauritius Honeymoon: Which Is Cheaper?

Overall, Bali is cheaper than Mauritius. This is because Bali has a wider selection of budget and mid-range accommodations. For example, you can stay in a sea-view bungalow for $50 per night at Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas.

The local food, street food, and fine dining are also cheaper in Bali. For example, you can enjoy a plate of nasi ayam for $2, but you can also partake in the Signature Degustation menu at Apéritif (arguably the best fine dining experience in Bali) for $110.

Activities and transportation in Bali also tend to be cheaper.

Bali vs. Mauritius: How Is the Weather?

Both Bali and Mauritius are tropical areas that experience a dry season and a rainy season. However, Mauritius experiences cyclone season between January and March and Bali does not.

Bali is also slightly warmer than Mauritius due to its location near the equator, but you won’t really feel the difference in practice.

The best time to visit either destination is during “shoulder season”, the time between high and low season when prices are lower and it’s less crowded, but you might get a bit of rain. In Mauritius, the shoulder season is between April and October, while Bali’s shoulder season is between April and June as well as September and October.