• In recent years, South Africans have flocked to Bali to bask in its beauty. Bali has become a go-to destination for honeymoons and it’s not difficult to see why. With picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches for swimming, surfing and a one-of-a-kind culture, Bali holds endless opportunities for fun and romantic honeymoon activities. Here are some that are not to be missed.

    Watch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple 

    There is nothing that says romance better than a sunset. Standing at the temple, with a drink in hand, staring out at the vast sea and setting sun will surely be a fond memory.

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    Have a candle-lit dinner at Swept Away Restaurant (The Samaya Ubud)

    Like a scene from a movie, Swept Away Restaurant offers you a candle-lit dinner by the river. A six course menu and your pick of wine tops off the experience.

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    Visit The Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple

    If you want to get some amazing snapshots for your honeymoon photo album, this is where you’ll get them. The temple is located in the East of Bali, just over 2 hours away from Ubud. There are also other temples inside, which makes for a day of sightseeing and exploring.

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    Stroll through Balai Gili 

    The ‘water palace’ garden is sure to leave you in awe. You can have a romantic picnic and watch the fish in the water, then take a walk through the garden and admire the scenery.

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    Take a dip at one of the many waterfalls 

    Bali is home to a multitude of waterfalls, there are so many to choose from; there is the Tegenungan waterfall, the Git Git Waterfall, and the Sekumpul Waterfall, to name a few. Swimming seems so much more romantic and adventurous when there is a waterfall involved.

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    Explore the Rice Terraces 

    It may not sound like much, but when you finally catch a glimpse of the rice fields you will be in awe of its beauty. You can walk through the steep rice fields and build up an appetite, then have some lunch and continue staring in admiration.

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    Get on top of the world at the Kamandalu Swing

    Unforgettable views and a sense of adventure and excitement is what you’ll get from visiting the Kamandalu Swing. While the most of the other famous swings in Bali only take one person at a time, this tandem swing accommodates two people which makes it the perfect one for a honeymoon activity. It has also become one of the top Instagram spots in Bali, if you’re looking to add some amazing shots to your feed.

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    Go horseback riding on the beach 

    You can have a 2 hour long horseback ride on the beach with The Bali Equestrian Centre. Along the way you’ll see not only the beach, but also various temples and villages and you may even cross a creek or two. You’ll be escorted by an expert.

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    Go scuba diving or snorkeling 

    There are quite a few locations where you could go snorkeling or scuba diving, but at Tulamben you can see a US liberty Ship Wreck and catch a glimpse of the coral fish at the same time. History and adventure all in go.

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    Visit the Marigold Fields

    The marigold is a significant part of culture in Bali. Its striking colour is commonly associated with the Supreme Balinese God. You can pay a visit to the marigold fields and enjoy the view.  This is yet another destination in Bali that makes for a great photo opportunity too.

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    Image:Pexels 

    Glamorous and sensual, the one-shoulder gown is perfect for the bride wanting to make a statement. Go understated with a simplistic silhouette or bold with a beaded beauty.

    Take inspiration from these gorgeous gowns:

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    Image: Pexels

    Weddings are incredibly meaningful days for everyone in attendance. However, for those that have lost loved ones, they feel that emptiness. One bride decided to fill that void and give her groom the wedding gift of a lifetime when he could hear his late brother’s heart beat again.

    When he was only 13-years-old, Derick Smith’s brother Jake was hit by a car and killed. His family donated his organs, hoping that Jake would live on and do good things for others in need. Now an adult, Derick and his family have never had the opportunity to meet anyone that received Jake’s organs. Until now.

    Derick’s future wife, Katy, wanted to give her husband-to-be a gift he would treasure forever: the opportunity to hear his brother’s heart beat again. She thus decided to find the woman who received Jake’s heart.

    “I had asked Derick’s mom, I said, you know this is going to be a really personal question, and you can tell me no, but I’m really interested in trying to find the person that received Jake’s heart and would you be willing to do that?” Katy told Inside Edition. “She cried and she was really happy and she said, ‘Absolutely, I think this will be a great idea’.”

    After a year of searching, Katy found Gracie Wilkinson.

    “I found out her name and I found her on Facebook, and so I sent her a message… within two minutes she responded saying, ‘Absolutely, I would love to be there, just tell me when and where and I will be there,’” Katy said.

    On their big day, Derick and Gracie had a heartfelt embrace and shared many tears. Derick was able to listen to his brothers heart again, and Gracie gifted him with a keychain with an image of his brother’s heartbeat from an EKG.

    Credit: Inside Edition
    Credit: Inside Edition

    “What it was like to hear his heartbeat was a flood of different emotions,” Smith said of the moment.  “There’s not a word to describe it. She gave me the gift of closure.”

    And it meant just as much for Gracie, who was only 6-years-old when she received Jake’s heart,

    ”Getting to meet everyone and getting to be part of their day and a part of that moment for Derick and kind of bringing Derick some closure from losing his brother means the absolute world to me,” she added.

    Image: Inside Edition

    It’s almost Christmas and then before you can say ‘Happy New Year,’ It will be January. We’re super excited for the Oakfield Farm’s Bridal Exhibition in Krugersdorp coming up soon. There will be exciting prizes to win (including a honeymoon in Mauritius!), a free fashion show and loads of advice, ideas and inspiration to make your dream wedding a reality.

    The team from WeddingETC will also be there on January 25 and 26, 2020 at Stand BB B54. If you’re attending the event, come say hi!

     

    Picture: Pexels