Important Dates
When planning a trip to Indonesia, it is advisable to take the following public holidays and important religious celebrations into account.
- 11 March 2024 – Nyepi / Day of Silence: BALI ONLY! The day before Nyepi is particularly significant, with many ceremonies taking place and the famous Ogoh-Ogoh statues being carried through the streets of Bali. The Balinese New Year begins with a period of reflection and silence. Travel to, from, or within Bali is impossible on this day. Hotels and resorts usually continue to operate, although guests are expected to observe an appropriate level of silence.
- 23 May 2024 – Waisak / Buddha’s Birthday: A wonderful celebration to experience! However, be prepared for large crowds around Borobudur and the surrounding areas, including Magelang and Yogyakarta.
- 12 March – 9 April 2024 – Ramadan / Month of Fasting: During the holy month of Ramadan, mosques are more active and some restaurants may only open around sunset. Ramadan ends on 9 April and is followed by celebrations, including parades with decorated floats and numerous prayers.
- 10 & 11 April 2024 – Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan: This is the most important celebration for Muslims, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. These two days, together with several days beforehand and approximately a week afterwards, are public holidays. In the week leading up to Eid al-Fitr, many people travel from their workplaces and cities back to their hometowns and villages to celebrate with their families. On some islands, this results in a massive exodus. Trains, flights, and ferries should be booked well in advance. Please contact us if you are travelling during this period!
- 17 August 2024 – Hari Merdeka / Independence Day: This is generally a day of celebration throughout Indonesia. Shops and tourist attractions are usually open as normal.
- 17 June 2024 – Eid al-Adha / Feast of Sacrifice: The celebration begins at sunset on 16 June, when mosques become more active, and continues until around midday on 17 June. Shops are generally open again afterwards.