The 2025 Qingming holiday coincides with Indonesia's Eid al-Fitr, bringing a surge of local Indonesian visitors to Bali. Expect higher prices for flights and hotels, along with major traffic congestion. If you want to avoid the crowds and traffic jams, read this guide carefully

Travel Tips

Planning a trip abroad during the 2025 Qingming holiday? Expect heavy traffic in Bali! Here's how to avoid the crowds and travel smoothly

2024年2月24日 ✏️ 編輯文章

During Taiwan’s Qingming holiday in April, taking just 3 days off can give you a 9-day vacation. Many plan to travel abroad during this time, but Indonesia/Bali might not be the best destination for the 2025 Qingming holiday!

This is because nearly 90% of Indonesia’s population practices Islam. Among all Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr holds significance comparable to our Lunar New Year. According to the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr in 2025 coincides exactly with our Qingming holiday

Following Nyepi Day on March 29, 2025 comes Eid al-Fitr. The Eid holiday begins at the end of March and lasts for a whole week. As Indonesia’s most important holiday, while celebrating the end of Ramadan, it’s also a time for Indonesians to spend with family and friends, much like our Chinese Lunar New Year

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Based on past experience, Bali will likely start seeing an influx of Indonesian visitors from March 24, with crowds lasting about two weeks. This marks the first of Bali’s five peak seasons, a period we recommend avoiding for your Bali trip!

During the Eid al-Fitr period in 2023, Bali’s airport handled 1.17 million passengers and 7,554 flights in just over half a month. For reference, Bali’s total annual visitor count is over 6 million. You can imagine not just traffic jams, but possibly even people jams during this period!

If you must visit Bali during this time or have already booked your tickets, please carefully consider the following guidelines to minimize disruptions to your trip:

Flights and Accommodation

Due to the high demand during the annual Eid al-Fitr holiday, both airfare and hotel prices in Bali tend to rise. It is advisable to book in advance to secure better prices and options.

Visa

If you hold a Republic of China (Taiwan) passport, you can apply for a visa on arrival, which costs IDR 500,000 (approximately USD$31).

For those planning to apply for an e-visa, please do so early! During the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which lasts about nine days, the Indonesian Immigration Office typically suspends online e-visa applications as government offices are also on a long holiday. This means everyone will have to apply for a visa on arrival, potentially leading to long queues! Those who have already obtained an e-visa will not be affected and can still enjoy smooth automatic clearance.

(For more information on e-visas, ultra-fast automatic clearance, tourism tax, etc., please see: 2024 Bali Entry Changes Explained in One Minute: Bali Entry Process - From Landing to Customs to Baggage Claim)

Transportation

Will there be heavy traffic in Bali during the Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr? Should I still visit tourist spots?

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Here are some specific recommendations for navigating Bali’s traffic during this special period:

Plan your travel route in advance

Try to avoid visiting well-known tourist spots as traffic congestion can be severe! If you still wish to go, it is recommended to use Google Maps or other mapping applications to plan your route before departure. You can check traffic conditions and choose the optimal route.

Allow Plenty of Time

During the Qingming Festival-Eid al-Fitr period, traffic will be heavier, so you need to allow plenty of time. When using Google Maps to estimate travel time, it’s recommended to add a 50% buffer during normal times (if Google Maps shows one hour, estimate one and a half hours); during the Qingming holiday period, add at least double the time.

Avoid Peak Travel Times

Bali’s traffic peaks usually start around midday and continue into the evening. If you can avoid traveling during these times, you’ll reduce the likelihood of encountering traffic congestion.

Opt for Private Car Hire

The best mode of transportation in Bali is hiring a private car. Check out the ‘Complete Guide to Private Car Hire in Bali - Costs, Booking Methods, Advantages’ for more details.

Choose Small Area Attractions

During the Qingming Festival-Eid al-Fitr period, many famous attractions in Bali experience heavy traffic. It’s recommended to move within small areas to avoid wasting your holiday in traffic jams. Here are some small areas to consider:

部分知名景點最好放棄，免得把假期浪費在塞車上

It’s best to skip some famous attractions to avoid wasting your holiday in traffic jams.

Beware of the Rainy Season

The Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr fall towards the end of Bali’s rainy season, which can be unpredictable — it might not rain at all, or it might rain for several days in a row. When visiting Bali during the rainy season, it’s essential to have backup plans for sudden downpours. Check out “Bali Rainy Season: What to Do When It Rains? 60 Backup Plans for Rainy Days in Bali”

A Guide to Happy Family Travel

During long holidays, many families choose to take their loved ones to Bali. This family travel option not only provides an opportunity to spend quality time together but also allows everyone to experience Bali’s rich culture and natural beauty.

For older family members, Bali offers plenty of relaxing and leisurely spots, such as beautiful beaches, spas, and picturesque countryside. These places allow seniors to enjoy peaceful moments while participating in local cultural activities and learning about Bali’s unique traditions. To ensure a worry-free trip for elders, thorough preparation is essential! Check out:

For children, Bali offers a joyful vacation experience. With plenty of outdoor activities, zoo visits, and historical site explorations, kids can satisfy their curiosity for adventure and discovery. For tips and guides on family travel, see:

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Conclusion

Thorough preparation, understanding transportation, and being ready for the rainy season are key to enjoying this enchanting island during the Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr. Taking care of both elders and children ensures everyone has a memorable and enjoyable family trip!

Finally, we wish you and your family a warm, joyful, and unforgettable holiday in beautiful Bali!

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