Ubud for Couples: Most Romantic Things to Do in Bali

Ubud is the ultimate romantic getaway for couples seeking lush jungle views, world-class dining, and spiritual connection. From sunrise hot air balloon rides to intimate candlelit dinners by the Ayung River, it is a place where romance feels effortless. To make the most of your trip, you will need a reliable data connection for navigating scooter routes and booking hidden gems, which is why skipping the expensive roaming fees from home is your first step to a stress-free holiday.## Why Ubud is the Heart of Romance in BaliWhile Seminyak has the beach clubs and Uluwatu has the cliffs, Ubud has the soul. It is a place where the morning mist clings to the rice paddies and the only sound is the distant chime of a temple bell. For Australians and Kiwis, it is a relatively short hop across the pond to a world that feels entirely different. Whether you are on your honeymoon or just needing a break from the daily grind in Sydney or Auckland, Ubud offers a level of intimacy that is hard to find elsewhere.However, nothing kills the mood faster than a massive phone bill waiting for you at home. If you are still using the Telstra International Day Pass or Optus daily roaming, you are essentially paying a 'convenience tax' that adds up to hundreds of dollars. Instead, savvy travellers are switching to eSIMs. You can see plans that connect directly to local Indonesian networks like Telkomsel and XL, giving you 5G speeds without the legacy carrier markup.## Staying Connected Without the Roaming StingWhen you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the last thing you want to do is hunt for a physical SIM card stall while a dozen taxi drivers shout for your attention. By installing an AussieRoam eSIM before you leave home, your phone connects to the local network the moment you touch down. This is a data-only service, meaning you do not get a local phone number, but in Bali, you do not need one. Everyone—from your villa host to your Grab driver—uses WhatsApp.### Roaming Comparison: Why Local Networks WinMost Aussies are used to paying $10 a day for roaming. Over a two-week trip, that is $140 just to use the data you already pay for at home. With an eSIM, you are accessing local rates. Here is how it stacks up:| Feature | Home Carrier Roaming | AussieRoam eSIM || :--- | :--- | :--- || Cost | High daily flat fee ($10+) | One-time plan cost || Network | Deprioritised roaming | Local networks (Telkomsel/XL/Indosat) || Setup | Automatic (and expensive) | Install via QR code in minutes || Data Limits | Often capped or throttled | Flexible plans from 1GB to 50GB |## Top 5 Romantic Activities for Couples in Ubud### 1. The Campuhan Ridge Walk at SunriseFor a truly romantic start to the day, set your alarm for 5:30 AM. The Campuhan Ridge Walk offers stunning views of the Wos River valley. It is an easy walk, but the light hitting the long grass is magical. After the walk, navigate your way to a nearby cafe for an organic breakfast. Having a solid data connection is vital here, as the trailhead can be a bit tricky to find if you are coming from the northern end of town.### 2. Private Flower BathsUbud is famous for its luxury spas. Many offer 'Couple’s Rituals' that end with a giant stone tub filled with rose petals and frangipanis arranged in intricate patterns. Places like Maya Ubud or Fivelements are world-renowned for this. You will want to post those photos to Instagram immediately, so make sure you have a plan with enough data for high-quality uploads.### 3. Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the 'Love' SwingYes, it is a bit touristy, but swinging over the emerald green terraces with your partner is a quintessential Bali experience. To avoid the crowds, go early. Use Google Maps to find the less-crowded entrances further north of the main strip. If you have already looked at the Kyoto Temple Etiquette guide, you will know that respecting local customs is key, even at these photo-heavy spots. Wear a sarong if you plan to visit the small shrines nearby.### 4. Candlelit Dinner by the Ayung RiverFor the ultimate 'propose-able' moment, book a private bale at Kubu at Mandapa or the Cascades Restaurant. You will dine on a multi-course degustation menu while the river rushes past below. These spots are popular, so you will need to book weeks in advance via their websites or WhatsApp.### 5. Hot Air Ballooning over the JungleDid you know you can take a hot air balloon flight in Ubud? Operated by The Chedi Club, it offers a birds-eye view of Mount Agung and the surrounding forest. It is one of the most unique things to do in Bali for couples.## Understanding Bali’s Network CoverageNot all networks are created equal in the jungle. In the centre of Ubud, you will likely see 5G icons on your phone if you are using a modern device. AussieRoam works with Telkomsel, which is the 'Telstra of Indonesia'—it has the widest coverage, especially if you venture out to the north or east towards Mount Batur. We also use XL and Indosat to ensure you have a backup if one tower is congested.If you are planning to head further afield, perhaps comparing this trip to an Amalfi Coast 7 Day Itinerary, you will find that Bali’s mobile infrastructure is surprisingly robust in tourist areas, often outperforming rural Europe. However, in deep valleys or thick jungle, signals can dip. Having an eSIM that can switch between carriers is a massive advantage.## How to Set Up Your eSIM Before You FlySetting up your connection is simple. First, check if your phone is on the list of compatible devices. Most iPhones from the XR onwards and modern Samsung/Google Pixel phones are ready to go.1. Purchase your plan: Choose from fixed plans (like 3GB, 10GB, or 20GB) or daily passes depending on your usage. See plans here to find your fit.2. Scan the QR Code: You will receive an email with a QR code. Go to your phone's 'Cellular' or 'Mobile Data' settings and select 'Add eSIM'.3. Label your lines: Call your home SIM 'Primary' and your AussieRoam SIM 'Travel'.4. Toggle Roaming: Ensure 'Data Roaming' is turned ON for the travel eSIM, but keep your home SIM's roaming OFF to avoid charges.5. Land and Go: When the plane touches down in Bali, switch your 'Mobile Data' source to the travel eSIM.For more detailed steps, check out our installation guide.## Data Needs: How Much is Enough?Ubud is a very 'visual' destination. You will be using more data than you think. - Navigation: Google Maps is essential for avoiding the infamous Bali traffic. - Social Media: Uploading 4K reels of your jungle villa consumes roughly 100-200MB per post. - Calls: Since these are data-only plans, you will be using WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls. A 10-minute video call uses about 150MB.If you are a light user, 3GB or 5GB for a week is plenty. If you are a digital nomad couple or a heavy social media user, go for the 20GB or 50GB options. The best part? You can always top up if you run low.## The bottom lineUbud is a paradise for couples, but the experience is much smoother when you are not worrying about the next Wi-Fi hotspot or a massive roaming bill. By choosing an AussieRoam eSIM, you get the best of local Indonesian networks with the ease of an Australian-focused service. Skip the Telstra and Optus daily charges, install your eSIM at the airport, and spend your money on an extra Balinese massage instead.## FAQ