Bali vs Maldives: Which is best?

If you’re planning a knock-your-socks-off getaway, Bali and the Maldives are on pretty much every traveller’s radar.

The Maldives is known for being a honeymoon hotspot, but its mega-luxe, all-inclusive resorts are also geared up for families. Meanwhile, Bali has it all: world-class diving, epic jungle treks and high-end spa resorts just made for couples’ breaks. Here’s how to choose between Bali and the Maldives for your next romantic retreat or family adventure.

Sandies Bathala, Maldives

Bali vs Maldives: Which one is right for you?

Bali is an island with a diverse tapestry of culture, nature and adventure. Crumbling temples peek through steamy jungles, pristine beaches sit alongside dramatic cliffs and serene rice terraces look like something straight out of a painter’s canvas. Bali’s got a magic mix of excitement and tranquillity that’s hard to match.

The Maldives is a paradise of scattered jewel-like atolls, known for its overwater villas, crystal-clear lagoons and world-class resorts. Here, it’s all about privacy, relaxation and untouched nature. Sip cocktails on your private deck as the sun sinks into the ocean or swim with whale sharks and manta rays.

Four reasons why the Maldives is the place to book

1. Private escapes

Exclusivity is what the Maldives does best. Imagine waking up in an overwater villa surrounded by nothing but endless sea views and the sound of lapping waves. Ideal for couples who value privacy or for families looking to get away from it all and reconnect.

2. Year-round sunshine

A tropical climate means air temperatures hover between 25 and 30°C throughout the year. The sea remains a balmy 25 degrees too.

3. Marine adventures

With spectacular house reefs just steps from your villa, the Maldives is the place to come for out-of-this-world marine life encounters. Snorkelling safaris and diving trips bring you face-to-face with technicolour shoals of fish, graceful turtles and majestic whale sharks.

4. All-inclusive resorts

In the Maldives, an all-inclusive stay means everything has been taken care of. Enjoy delicious meals and flowing drinks at the sand-floored restaurants, offering a range of world cuisines. Some non-motorised watersports may be included in your package, alongside full access to the resort facilities.

Milaidhoo Maldives

Why is the Maldives great for a honeymoon?

Sure, the Maldives might be a bit of a cliché as a honeymoon destination, but there’s a good reason for that. Candlelit dinners on the beach, dreamy sunset cruises and luxurious spa treatments for two all come as standard here, as does utter privacy. With perks like complimentary champagne and tailor-made excursions, it’s little wonder so many couples choose the Maldives for post-wedding bliss.

Four reasons why Bali is a dream destination

1. Cultural haven

In Bali, locals celebrate their rich culture and traditions daily. From temple ceremonies with hypnotic dances to colourful festivals, the island’s Hindu heritage permeates in every corner.

2. Diverse activities

Bali is an adventurer’s playground with adrenaline-pumping activities to match. Trek to waterfalls, surf world-class waves or challenge yourself to a hike up Mount Agung. Prefer to take it slow? Wander through the lush rice terraces or unwind in a jungle retreat.

3. Wellness retreats

Wellness isn’t just a buzzword in Bali – it’s a way of life. Unleash your inner zen with aerial yoga, soothe your body and mind with spa therapies and feast on nourishing acai bowls and vitamin-packed smoothies at one of the island’s many health-focused cafés.

4. Great value

Bali caters to every budget. You can book swish villas and dine in high-end restaurants, but you’ll also find charming, affordable hotels and vibrant street food stalls.

The Elysian, Bali

Why choose Bali for an anniversary or honeymoon?

Bali’s combination of lush jungle and pristine beaches appeals to couples that like a bit of adventure. After jungle trekking, soothe sore muscles with a couple’s massage in an intimate riverside spa. Add extra wow factor to your evening meal by dining at a restaurant with volcano views. If you like variety, book a multi-centre holiday and travel to different locations in Bali to experience everything from misty mountain jungles to energetic temple ceremonies.

Comparing costs: Bali vs Maldives

In the Maldives, you’re paying for luxury, but you can still find a range of prices – Sandies Bathala is a great value option. For ultimate seclusion and all-out extravagance, go for Milaidhoo Maldives.

A longer stay in Bali can be surprisingly affordable. Local warungs serve cheap authentic food and temples aren’t expensive to visit. Bali offers great value for couples or families who want to stretch their budgets. On the flip side, if money is no object, Bali also has plenty of lavish villas with private pools.

Subsix, Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Top activities in the Maldives and Bali

The Maldives’ most thrilling activities

· Dine below sea level at Subsix on Niyama Private Islands, one of the Maldives’ most spectacular underwater restaurants. There aren’t many places you can feast on reef lobster while you gaze at sharks and rays gliding past your table.

· If you prefer to be above the water, take a sunset cruise and look out for playful pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Sip on a crisp glass of Champagne as the heat leaves the day and the sky is painted in shades of red and pink.

· Pamper yourself at a spa with massages and facials inspired by the ocean, often with stunning sea views.

· Try everything from paddleboarding to jet skiing with expert instructors. Adaaran Club Rannalhi has a packed water sports programme, where you can snorkel with nurse sharks on the house reef and sign up for private excursions to outstanding nearby dive sites.

Bali’s best experiences

· Bali’s temples are rightly famous. If you have a head for heights, explore ancient sites like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, perched dramatically on cliffs.

· Interact with cheeky macaques in the Sacred Monkey Forest – just hold onto your hat, glasses and bag if you don’t fancy losing them to their quick fingers.

· Food should be a core part of any trip to Bali. Learn to prepare Balinese dishes, from smooth satay to spicy sambal, at a cooking class with local chefs.

· Bali was made for adventure-seekers. Tackle the island’s network of hiking trails or get your kicks white-water rafting on the Ayung River.

Kandolhu Maldives

Four of the most romantic resorts in the Maldives and Bali

Whether you’re lovestruck newlyweds or looking to celebrate a romantic milestone, both Bali and the Maldives are top picks for couples. Here are a few of our favourite resorts for a dreamy getaway for two:

Maldives:

Baros Maldives

The intimate resort of Baros is known for its personalised experiences. Expect private dinners for two on the piano deck, set above the water on the lagoon, and luxurious overwater villas. You can even cruise on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat.

Kandolhu Maldives

Kandolhu is a small island with big ideas, home to one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. It’s a great spot for couples who want everything within easy reach and, despite its tiny size, it still has five different restaurants to choose from.

Viceroy Bali

Bali:

The Elysian

Built from teak, slate and volcanic stone in true Balinese style, The Elysian is set in the hip resort of Seminyak. Come for the sleek private pool villas and stay for the lively beach clubs.

Viceroy Bali

Perched above the forested Valley of the Kings, the Viceroy Bali is surrounded by nature but still close to Ubud’s buzzy centre. It’s a five-star retreat with unmatched views and opulence – plus the infinity pool is so spectacular it’s starred on magazine covers.

More tips for choosing between the Maldives and Bali

Weather: The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April for dry, sunshine-filled days. While there is a monsoon season, which usually runs from May to November, the rain never hangs around for long. Bali’s dry season runs from April to September. July and August can be very busy, so for more manageable numbers, travel to Bali in May, June or September.

Trip length: The Maldives is ideal for a week of relaxation, but Bali’s diverse attractions are better suited to longer stays of at least 10 days.

Travel time: The Maldives has direct flights from London during peak season, which take just over 10 hours. Bali requires a stopover and the trip takes at least 17 hours. Both destinations can be combined with a city break. Stopover in Dubai en-route to the Maldives or spend a couple of days in Singapore on the way to Bali.

This feature was created on 26th November 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.