These are the two most-requested honeymoons at our Surat desk, and couples agonise over them. Bali packages start from around ₹49,999 per person and the Maldives from about ₹59,999, both are best visited April to October, and they are very different holidays — here is an honest comparison so you pick the one that fits you.
The one-line difference
Bali is a destination — an island full of things to do, from temples and rice terraces to beach clubs and waterfalls, at great value. The Maldives is a resort — one island, one hotel, total seclusion and barefoot luxury. Bali suits couples who like variety and moving around; the Maldives suits couples who want to switch off completely.
Side by side
A Bali package from Gujarat starts at ₹49,999 per person for a suggested 5-6 nights of variety — culture, beaches and adventure — with cars and scooters for getting around and a visa on arrival for Indians. A Maldives package starts at ₹59,999 per person for a suggested 4 nights of pure seclusion in an overwater villa, reached by seaplane or speedboat, with a free visa on arrival for Indians. Bali's tourist areas make vegetarian and Jain food easy to find, while in the Maldives you request Indian or veg options from your resort in advance.
Things to do
In Bali, plan for the Ubud rice terraces, the jungle swing and temples, a Nusa Penida island day for the cliff views, sunset at the Tanah Lot and Uluwatu clifftop temples, and Seminyak’s beach clubs, spas and cafés. In the Maldives, the highlights are your own overwater villa with steps into the lagoon, snorkelling straight off the house reef, a sunset dolphin cruise, and a private candlelit dinner on the sand.
Cost and food
Bali gives you more holiday for the money: five or six nights of tours, transfers and a romantic dinner from around ₹49,999 per person with flights. The Maldives is priced by the resort — a four-night overwater stay starts around ₹59,999 per person and climbs quickly at the luxury end, with the seaplane transfer and half- or full-board dining as the big line items. In Bali's tourist areas, vegetarian, Jain and Indian food is easy to find; in the Maldives you are dining at your resort, so we flag your vegetarian or Jain requirement to the hotel before you arrive, and most island resorts handle Indian guests well when told in advance.
Our verdict
If this is your first big trip abroad and you love a mix of sightseeing, beaches and a little adventure, choose Bali. If you want to do nothing but relax in absolute privacy and are happy to splurge, choose the Maldives. For both islands, April to October brings the driest, sunniest weather, and we plan around the quieter shoulder weeks for better privacy and rates. Still torn? A number of couples do both across a longer trip — ask us and we'll price a twin-island honeymoon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bali or the Maldives cheaper for a honeymoon from Gujarat? Bali is generally better value — a 5-6 night honeymoon with flights starts around ₹49,999 per person, versus about ₹59,999 for a 4-night Maldives overwater stay.
Do Indians need a visa for Bali or the Maldives? Bali offers a visa on arrival for Indian travellers, and the Maldives gives a free visa on arrival with a confirmed resort booking, which we provide.
Can you get Jain or vegetarian food on these islands? Yes — Bali's tourist areas have plenty of vegetarian, Jain and Indian options, and in the Maldives we notify the resort of your requirement before arrival.
Bali or Maldives — Explera will plan your honeymoon down to the last detail, WhatsApp us to get a quote.
