Festivals & events
Festivals and events that shape a trip — celebrations, closures, peak prices and when to book ahead.
Galungan & Kuningan
Celebration
Jan–Dec · approximate dates
Bali's most important festival, streets lined with towering penjor bamboo poles. Recurs on the 210-day Balinese calendar.
Chinese New Year (Imlek)
Celebration
Jan–Feb · approximate dates
Lively in Jakarta's Glodok and especially Singkawang (Borneo). Lunar dates, late Jan–Feb.
Nyepi (Bali Day of Silence)
Closures
Mar · approximate dates
Bali shuts down completely for 24h — no flights, no going out, even the airport closes. Lunar date, usually March.
Idul Fitri (Lebaran)
Book ahead
Mar–Apr · approximate dates
End of Ramadan and the huge 'mudik' homecoming: transport booked out and closures nationwide. Moves ~11 days earlier yearly.
Waisak at Borobudur
Celebration
May · approximate dates
Buddhist Vesak: monks and lantern releases at Borobudur temple. Lunar date, usually May.
