Bali remains the most popular Southeast Asian destination for French travellers. In 2026, the new 150,000 IDR (~€9) tourist tax on arrival and the reopening of direct ANA-Emirates flights simplify logistics. Here's our tested 12-day itinerary.
D1-2: Canggu (soft landing, beginner surf spots, healthy restaurants) D3-5: Ubud (Tegallalang rice terraces, market, Saraswati temple, Tibumana waterfall) D6-7: Nusa Penida (Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel Billabong) D8-9: Amed or Sidemen (diving, Mount Agung, authenticity) D10-12: Uluwatu (cliffs, Padang Padang & Bingin beaches, sunset temple, kecak dance)
Skip Kuta and Seminyak: overcrowded, disappointing, permanent traffic.
- Flight Paris-Denpasar return: €750 (Emirates via Dubai, Qatar via Doha) - Villas/hotels: €40/night × 11 = €440 (3* villa with pool in Ubud) - Meals: €15/day × 12 = €180 (warung €4, good restaurant €15) - Scooter: €6/day × 8 = €48 - Excursions (Nusa Penida, diving): €120 - Tourist tax + visa: €45
Total: ~€1,583/person as a couple. Add €200-400 for luxury experiences.
Visa: EU citizens buy VoA (Visa on Arrival) for 500,000 IDR (~€30) at Denpasar. Valid 30 days, extendable once. Passport valid 6 months.
Tourist tax (mandatory since February 2024): 150,000 IDR (~€9) via 'Love Bali' app or online before arrival. QR code to show at immigration.
Health insurance: strongly recommended, private care is expensive.
Dry season: May to October (25–30°C, low humidity). July-August are peak (+40%, crowds).
Ideal: May-June and September. Perfect weather, fair prices, fewer people.
Rainy season: November to April (short intense showers, 85% humidity). Bali still beautiful, lowest prices (-30%). Watch out for Dec-Jan peak despite rain.
Don't rent a scooter without an international A licence: police checks exploded in 2024, minimum fine 1,000,000 IDR (~€60).
Don't swim without checking flags: Bali has deadly rip currents. Safe: Sanur, Nusa Dua. Dangerous: Batu Bolong, Balangan.
Don't drink tap water, even filtered. Use the Refill My Bottle App (300+ Bali stations).
About €1,500/person as a couple: flight €750, accommodation/meals/activities €800. Add €200-400 for luxury.
Yes, VoA at 500,000 IDR (€30) on arrival. Passport valid 6 months. Add 150,000 IDR tourist tax.
May-June and September: dry season, fewer people, moderate prices. Avoid July-August (expensive peak).