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Itinerary

10 days in Indonesia: Bali in focus (Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu)

The essential Bali for time-pressed travellers: 4 nights in Ubud for rice terraces and temples, 5 nights in Canggu for surf and beach clubs, with two essential day-trips to Uluwatu and Nusa Penida. A dense but achievable format — no time lost on inter-island transfers.

The Editors
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Expert on Indonesia · 1 contributions

Reviewed by :South-East Asia Desk — Mowando·Editor
Estimated budget
€1,600 - €2,100 per person
moyen
Ideal for
  • · Travellers with limited leave but a Bali ambition
  • · Couples or friends seeking surf, culture and food
  • · First Bali trip without spreading across multiple islands
When to go

May, June, July, August, September

The right call at 10 days: 4 nights in Ubud, 5 nights in Canggu. Bali only — Lombok and Gili in 10 days means rushing. One rule: rent a scooter from day 2 in Ubud and day 5 in Canggu to move freely between spots.

Day by day

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Arrival in Denpasar — transfer to Ubud

    Landing at Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar. Avoid unofficial taxis at the arrivals exit: use Grab (app), Bluebird Taxi or a pre-booked transfer from Ubud (~150,000 IDR / €9, 1h30 drive). The 'official' taxis at the door often ask 250,000-400,000 IDR for the same journey.

    Arrive in Ubud late afternoon or evening depending on the flight. Check into your villa or guesthouse, then walk down Jalan Dewi Sita or Jalan Hanoman for the first dinner: local warung, nasi goreng at 30,000-45,000 IDR (€2-3), cold Bintang at 35,000 IDR. Adjust to the time difference — nothing ambitious tonight.

    Tips
    • · Currency: withdraw rupiah from a BCA or Mandiri ATM at the airport (decent rates, €1 ≈ 16,000-17,000 IDR in 2025). Avoid exchange booths at the arrivals exit.
    • · Recommended Ubud area: target Penestanan or Sanggingan (quiet, rice terraces nearby) rather than Monkey Forest Road (noisy, tourist-heavy).
    Ubud →
  2. 2
    Day 2

    Ubud — Tegalalang rice terraces and temples

    First full day in Ubud. Rent a scooter in the morning (70,000 IDR/day, ~€4, manual or automatic, helmet included — check the brakes before setting off). Head to the Tegalalang rice terraces (8km north of Ubud): free entry or sarong required for some sections, suggested donation 15,000-20,000 IDR. Go before 9am to beat the crowds and the heat.

    Afternoon: Pura Tirta Empul (purification temple, 50,000 IDR entry, sarong mandatory), then down to the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren) to watch the sunset from the inner courtyard. Dinner at Warung Ibu Oka (babi guling, Balinese roast suckling pig, 100,000 IDR) — arrive early, they close when stock runs out.

    Tips
    • · Instagram shots of Tegalalang are best taken early morning (7-8:30am): golden light, no crowds, light mist on the terraces.
    • · Sarong mandatory in all Balinese temples. Vendors rent them at the entrance (free or 10,000-20,000 IDR deposit).
    Ubud →
  3. 3
    Day 3

    Ubud — yoga class, market and local food

    A slower day, focused on local experience. Morning: yoga class at Yoga Barn (Jalan Pengosekan, 130,000-200,000 IDR / €8-12) or guided meditation — book the day before, the 8-10am slots fill up fast. Then explore Ubud Market (Pasar Ubud): tropical fruits (mangosteen, salak, rambutan), spices, textiles and crafts — always negotiate, opening prices are double.

    Afternoon: Balinese cooking class (many options from 300,000 to 500,000 IDR / €18-30, including market visit + preparation + tasting). Evening: Kecak dance at Pura Dalem Ubud in town (100,000-150,000 IDR) — not to be confused with the Uluwatu Kecak, which is saved for the day-trip on day 8.

    Tips
    • · Yoga Barn runs 2-3 class styles per slot (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin). Arrive 20 min early to pick a mat and introduce yourself to the teacher.
    • · Cheap local lunch: Warung Teges (Jalan Raya Teges) or the market warungs downstairs, 25,000-40,000 IDR per dish.
    Ubud →
  4. 4
    Day 4

    Mount Batur excursion — sunrise, waterfalls and temples

    Wake at 2:30am (yes). Depart by scooter or organised pick-up from Ubud to Toya Bungkah (1h15-1h30 drive). Guided trek mandatory on Mount Batur: guide 300,000-450,000 IDR per person, headlamp rental 30,000 IDR if needed. Ascent 1h30-2h to the summit (1,717m), arriving before dawn. Sunrise over Batur with the caldera lake below — one of the most striking views in Bali.

    Descend, breakfast of eggs cooked over volcanic steam vents (local tradition). Back in Ubud by 11am-noon. Afternoon: visit Tegenungan waterfall (10km south of Ubud, 20,000 IDR entry) or Kanto Lampo waterfall — swim in the natural pools, wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Late afternoon, stop at Pura Kehen (royal temple in Bangli, 50,000 IDR) if energy allows, or head straight back for a relaxed dinner in Ubud.

    Tips
    • · Temperature at Batur summit: 10-15°C even in dry season. Bring a fleece or windbreaker — several hikers turn up in flip-flops and t-shirts and regret it.
    • · Ubud agencies offer the Batur trek as a package (transport + guide + breakfast) for 350,000-500,000 IDR. Book the day before by 6pm.
    Ubud →
  5. 5
    Day 5

    Ubud → Canggu — getting into the surf scene

    Leave Ubud mid-morning after check-out (taxi or Grab, ~120,000-180,000 IDR / €7-11, 1h-1h30 depending on traffic). Arrive in Canggu, northwest Bali's surf and lifestyle district — radically different from Ubud: scooters, neighbourhood temples, laptop-friendly cafés and a surf break two minutes away.

    First reconnaissance: walk down to Batu Bolong Beach in the late afternoon, watch the surfers on the right-hand break, and catch sunset from the sand. Rent a scooter on arrival (70,000 IDR/day — essential for getting between Batu Bolong, Echo Beach and Berawa). Dinner at Old Man's (Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong) — beachfront bar-restaurant, fish & chips 85,000 IDR, beer 40,000 IDR, laid-back vibe. Book if possible — very popular.

    Tips
    • · Stay in Canggu: Berawa or Batu Bolong for walking distance to surf breaks. Avoid Pererenan without a scooter (too far out).
    • · Canggu is 20 min by scooter from Seminyak — a more upscale neighbourhood with high-end restaurants and fashion boutiques. Worth an evening visit.
    Canggu →
  6. 6
    Day 6

    Canggu — surf, lessons and beach clubs

    Canggu day done right. Morning: beginner or intermediate surf lesson on Batu Bolong or Echo Beach — recommended school: Rip Curl School of Surf (400,000-600,000 IDR / 2h, €24-36), or an independent instructor on the beach (~200,000-300,000 IDR for 90 min). Batu Bolong waves are beginner-friendly in dry season: regular right-hander, sandy bottom, instructors on-site. Echo Beach is more powerful — for experienced surfers only.

    Light lunch at Warung Dandelion or Satu Satu (healthy bowls, 60,000-90,000 IDR). Afternoon: La Brisa (Jalan Munduk Catu, beach club wrapped in tropical foliage, cocktails 120,000-180,000 IDR) for the sunset session. Arrive before 5:30pm to get a table — free entry, minimum spend 150,000-200,000 IDR. Dinner at Betelnut Café (Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Asian fusion cuisine, mains 80,000-130,000 IDR).

    Tips
    • · La Brisa is packed in July-August. Book via Instagram DM or WhatsApp 24-48h ahead to secure a sea-view table.
    • · For experienced surfers: Echo Beach works best on an incoming tide. Check the surf report on Magicseaweed or Surfline the night before.
    Canggu →
  7. 7
    Day 7

    Canggu — free day, exploration and Old Man's

    Unscheduled day — Canggu's gift. Options depending on mood: (1) morning surf session then café and coworking at Dojo (Jalan Batu Mejan, co-working café, day pass 75,000 IDR); (2) scooter ride north to Pererenan and Cemagi, still-authentic Balinese villages away from mass tourism, rice fields and neighbourhood temples; (3) local shopping along Jalan Batu Bolong and Jalan Raya Canggu (clothing, crafts, surf gear — 30-50% cheaper than Seminyak).

    Evening in Canggu: dinner at Shady Shack (Jalan Tanah Barak, inventive plant-based cuisine, mains 80,000-130,000 IDR), then drinks at Pretty Poison or back to Old Man's — which often runs a quiz or themed night mid-week.

    Tips
    • · The Berawa area north of Canggu has the best brunch spots (Crate Café, The Shady Shack, Mythic Canggu). Ideal for a quiet morning before a surf session.
    • · Massage in Canggu: avoid the waterfront salons (poor value). Better to use massage houses in the Batu Bolong back lanes — same quality at 30-40% less (150,000-180,000 IDR/h).
    Canggu →
  8. 8
    Day 8

    Uluwatu excursion — temples, cliffs and Kecak at sunset

    Day in the Bukit peninsula, south Bali — 45min-1h from Canggu by scooter. Morning: Pura Luhur Uluwatu (entry 50,000 IDR, sarong provided), temple perched 70m above the Indian Ocean on a cliff edge. Beware of macaque monkeys — they snatch glasses, phones and plastic bags with alarming precision. Allow 1h on site.

    Head down to the peninsula beaches: Bingin Beach (steep 10-min staircase access, powerful waves, beachside warungs, mains 50,000-80,000 IDR) and Padang Padang Beach (entry 15,000 IDR, squeeze through a rock crevice, ideal for snorkelling in calm water). Warung lunch by the beach. Head back to Uluwatu for the Kecak sunset dance show (100,000 IDR, 6pm — book in the morning). Dinner at Single Fin (Jalan Labuansait, 180° panoramic ocean view, mains 120,000-200,000 IDR, beer 45,000 IDR).

    Tips
    • · At Uluwatu temple: hold your phone with both hands and tuck sunglasses into a pocket. The monkeys are fast. A temple keeper can retrieve the item in exchange for a banana or snack (bring small change).
    • · Single Fin is packed on Sundays (Sunday Sessions, DJ set). On weekdays, you can eat in peace with an unobstructed view. Reservation recommended for sunset dining.
    Canggu →
  9. 9
    Day 9

    Nusa Penida day trip — Kelingking, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay

    Early departure from Canggu to Sanur port (40km, 1h by scooter or 150,000-200,000 IDR by Grab). Fast boat to Nusa Penida: departures 7-8:30am, recommended operators Rocky Fast Cruise or Maruti Speedboat, tickets 200,000-250,000 IDR return (€12-15), journey 45 min. Book online or through the hotel the day before — early boats fill up in high season.

    On Nusa Penida, rent a scooter or hire a private driver (350,000-500,000 IDR for the day — recommended given the road conditions). Itinerary: Kelingking Beach (the T-Rex cliff, breathtaking panorama, optional descent 45 min each way if physically fit) → Broken Beach (natural arch, turquoise water, rock iguanas) → Angel's Billabong (natural rock pool, swimming possible at low tide only) → Crystal Bay (snorkelling, seasonal manta rays July-October, calm beach). Last boat back to Sanur: 5-6pm. Return to Canggu in the evening.

    Tips
    • · Nusa Penida demands good physical fitness: the descent to Kelingking (T-Rex cliff) is a 45-min walk on a steep, sometimes slippery path. Walking shoes or grip sandals — no flip-flops.
    • · Manta rays at Crystal Bay: mainly present July to October, early morning (7-9am). Bring a mask and snorkel (rental 50,000 IDR on site or bring your own).
    Canggu →
  10. 10
    Day 10

    Canggu → Denpasar → departure

    Last morning in Canggu. If the flight is in the evening, enjoy a final brunch at Crate Café (Jalan Canggu, smoothie bowl 75,000 IDR, specialty coffee 40,000 IDR) or one last morning surf at Batu Bolong before check-out. Allow for the transfer to Denpasar airport from Canggu: 45 min to 1h30 depending on traffic, Grab or taxi (~100,000-180,000 IDR). Avoid afternoon departures on Fridays or weekends (chronic congestion on the airport road).

    Arrive at Ngurah Rai at least 3 hours early in July-August — the airport is chronically overcrowded and security lines extend. While waiting for the flight: final Bali coffee, final nasi goreng, final Bintang. Bring back a bag of kopi Bali (roasted Balinese arabica) and local spices — buy at Ubud market before leaving (40% cheaper than Ngurah Rai duty free).

    Tips
    • · Indonesian customs on departure: no export of protected marine products (corals, shells, CITES-listed species). Bag checks at Ngurah Rai are thorough on this point.
    • · If you have an early morning flight: sleep in Seminyak or Kuta the night before (10-15 min from the airport) rather than Canggu (45-90 min depending on traffic).
    Canggu →

Other durations

14 days
14 days in Indonesia: Bali, Lombok and the Gili islands
€1,900 - €2,500 per person
21 days
21 days in Indonesia: Java, Bali, Lombok and Gili
€2,800 - €3,600 per person

Frequently asked questions

Faut-il un visa pour entrer en Indonésie ?+
Depuis 2024, __les ressortissants français et de l'UE bénéficient d'un visa à l'arrivée (Visa on Arrival, VoA) valable 30 jours, prolongeable une fois 30 jours supplémentaires__. Tarif : 500 000 IDR (~30 €) à payer en cash ou par carte à l'aéroport. Il existe aussi un e-Visa disponible en ligne avant le départ (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) au même tarif. Passeport valide au moins 6 mois après la date d'entrée et billet de retour obligatoires. Un séjour de 10 jours rentre largement dans le cadre du VoA 30 jours.
Peut-on conduire un scooter à Bali sans permis international moto ?+
Techniquement, __le permis international de catégorie A (moto) est obligatoire__. En pratique, la majorité des voyageurs conduisent avec un permis voiture seul ou sans permis international — les contrôles de police ciblent ponctuellement les zones touristiques et les amendes informelles oscillent entre 50 000 et 200 000 IDR. Obtenir le permis international moto en France avant le départ (coût ~11 €) est vivement recommandé : il protège en cas d'accident et simplifie les démarches d'assurance. À Bali, le scooter est indispensable pour naviguer entre les spots — sans lui, chaque trajet passe par Grab ou taxi.
Y a-t-il un risque palustre à Bali ?+
__Bali est considérée comme une zone sans risque palustre__ par Santé Voyageurs France. Pas de prophylaxie antipaludique nécessaire pour un séjour balinais classique (Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida). En revanche, les moustiques sont bien présents : utiliser un répulsif à base de DEET ou d'IR3535, particulièrement en soirée dans les zones de rizières autour d'Ubud. La dengue est présente à Bali — port de vêtements couvrants au crépuscule conseillé. Vaccinations recommandées : hépatite A, typhoïde, tétanos-polio mis à jour. Consulter un médecin du voyage 4-6 semaines avant le départ.
Faut-il tout payer en cash à Bali ou les cartes sont-elles acceptées ?+
La roupie indonésienne (IDR) reste __la devise du quotidien__ à Bali. Les warungs, les loueurs de scooters, les marchés, les entrées de temples et la plupart des petits commerçants n'acceptent que le cash. Les hôtels, les beach clubs et les restaurants touristiques acceptent les cartes Visa/Mastercard, souvent avec une surcharge de 2-3 %. Conseil pratique : retirer __400 000-800 000 IDR par personne__ et par jour en ATM BCA ou Mandiri (les plus fiables, sans frais excessifs). Le taux de change est autour de 1 € ≈ 16 000-17 000 IDR en 2025. Éviter les bureaux de change non officiels à la sortie de l'aéroport.
Peut-on faire le Mont Rinjani depuis Bali en 10 jours ?+
__Non — le Mont Rinjani (Lombok) est incompatible avec un itinéraire Bali 10 jours__. Le Rinjani demande 2 à 3 jours de trek complet depuis Lombok, auxquels s'ajoutent 2 à 3 heures de transport depuis Bali (fast boat Padang Bai → Gili, puis bateau vers Lombok). Intégrer Lombok dans un séjour de 10 jours signifie rogner sur Ubud ou Canggu, et précipiter toutes les étapes. Le format 14 jours est le minimum pour inclure Lombok et les Gili dans de bonnes conditions. Pour 10 jours, le Mont Batur (Bali, 1 717 m, excursion J4) offre une expérience volcan-lever de soleil comparable sans transfert inter-île.
Quel est le meilleur moment pour faire cet itinéraire Bali 10 jours ?+
__Mai, juin, juillet, août et septembre__ sont les mois idéaux : saison sèche, ciel bleu, mer calme pour le day trip Nusa Penida et les sessions surf à Canggu. Juillet-août sont les plus populaires (prix hébergements en hausse de 20-40 %, beach clubs bondés — réserver La Brisa et Old Man's à l'avance). Avril et octobre sont d'excellents compromis : fin/début de saison sèche, moins de monde, tarifs normaux. Éviter décembre-mars (mousson, pluies quotidiennes en milieu d'après-midi, mer parfois agitée pour Nusa Penida, visibilité réduite pour le lever de soleil sur le Batur).
Vaut-il mieux passer plus de temps à Canggu ou à Ubud pour 10 jours ?+
La répartition __4 nuits Ubud + 5 nuits Canggu__ proposée dans cet itinéraire est l'équilibre optimal. Ubud concentre la culture balinaise, les temples, les rizières et le Mont Batur — 4 nuits suffisent pour couvrir l'essentiel sans répétition. Canggu bénéficie d'une nuit supplémentaire car elle sert de base pour deux grosses excursions (Uluwatu J8, Nusa Penida J9) en plus du contenu surf/beach club local. Inverser (5 nuits Ubud, 4 nuits Canggu) est possible mais implique de repartir tôt depuis Ubud le matin du day trip Nusa Penida, ce qui rallonge la journée.
Comment se déplacer à l'intérieur de Bali ? Faut-il louer une voiture ?+
Le __scooter est le moyen de transport optimal à Bali__ pour un itinéraire comme celui-ci. Il coûte 70 000 IDR/j (~4 €), se faufile dans les embouteillages, se gare partout et permet d'accéder aux plages et temples non desservis par Grab. La voiture de location avec chauffeur (250 000-350 000 IDR/j) est une option confortable pour ceux qui ne souhaitent pas conduire un deux-roues, notamment pour les excursions longues comme Uluwatu ou le Mont Batur. Grab (équivalent Uber) est utile pour les trajets aéroport-Ubud et Ubud-Canggu où conduire un scooter chargé de bagages n'est pas pratique.
Nusa Penida vaut-elle vraiment le détour depuis Canggu ?+
__Oui, sans hésitation — c'est l'une des plus belles excursions de Bali__. La difficulté logistique (Canggu → Sanur en scooter, fast boat 45 min, routes dégradées sur l'île) est compensée par des paysages exceptionnels : la falaise de Kelingking est une des photos les plus saisissantes d'Indonésie, Broken Beach est une arche naturelle unique, Crystal Bay offre l'un des meilleurs spots de snorkeling de la région (manta rays de juillet à octobre). Prévoir une forme physique correcte, partir tôt (7h depuis Sanur) et ne pas surestimer le nombre de spots dans la journée — 4 sites en une journée est le maximum réaliste.
Les beach clubs de Canggu (La Brisa, Old Man's) sont-ils adaptés à tous les budgets ?+
Old Man's est l'option la plus accessible : ambiance décontractée, pas de minimum de consommation strict, bière Bintang à 40 000 IDR, plats à 70 000-120 000 IDR. Un dîner pour deux revient à 250 000-350 000 IDR (~16-22 €). __La Brisa__ est plus premium (cocktails 150 000-180 000 IDR, consommation minimum de 150 000-200 000 IDR par personne) mais l'ambiance et le cadre tropical en font une expérience à vivre au moins une fois. Alternative budget : apporter ses propres boissons achetées en minimart (Bintang à 25 000 IDR) et poser sa serviette sur la plage publique de Batu Bolong — le coucher de soleil est le même, sans frais.

Our verdict

Ten days are enough for a complete Bali experience provided you resist the temptation of the wider archipelago. This Bali-only format isn't a compromise — it's an editorial choice. Ubud for rice terraces, temples and a volcano. Canggu for surf, beach clubs and creative energy. Uluwatu and Nusa Penida as two distinct day-trips from Canggu. By skipping Lombok and the Gili islands, you save two days lost to maritime logistics and can spend every hour on experience rather than transit. The 4+5 split (Ubud-Canggu) is field-tested and holds up: enough time in the rice fields, enough time on the waves.

Two classic pitfalls for a 10-day trip: trying to squeeze in Nusa Penida and Lombok and the Gilis — which turns the journey into a transit race — and underestimating Balinese traffic (Canggu to Uluwatu can take 1h30 on a Friday afternoon). Done right, this itinerary delivers the best of Bali without dilution. And the good news: Nusa Penida, glimpsed as a day-trip, will have you wanting two full nights there on the next visit — that's how Bali turns into a habit.

Read also

Written by La rédaction · Updated 5/29/2026

Indonesia

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