Complete Guide to Indonesia's Public Holidays & Bali Festivals in 2025: Exciting Event Dates!

Bali, this picturesque Indonesian island, will host a dazzling array of cultural celebrations in 2025. Whether you’re aiming to avoid a particular time or join a Bali festival, this complete guide will serve as your ultimate index! Let’s delve into the colorful and dynamic festivities this unique island presents!

• For those looking to avoid Bali’s five peak seasons, check out: Bali Actually Has Five Peak Tourist Seasons! How to Travel Smartly During Off-Peak Times?
• When are Indonesia/Bali’s rainy and dry seasons? See: Best Time to Visit Bali? In-Depth Look at Dry Season, Rainy Season/Pros & Cons

Before diving into the details below, it’s important to note that most Indonesian and Balinese holidays are tied to the Islamic calendar/Balinese calendar/Chinese lunar calendar, so their dates vary each year and differ from fixed Western calendar dates. Therefore, the same date next year (or any year) may not correspond to the same holiday!

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January

January 1: New Year’s Day (Indonesian National Holiday)

27th: Siwa Ratri Day (Balinese Hindu Festival)

27th: Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (Indonesian Public Holiday)

29th: Chinese Lunar New Year**(Indonesian Public Holiday)**

• January 1st, New Year’s Day, is a public holiday worldwide, including in Indonesia/Bali, with celebrations peaking on December 31st. Indonesians observe a spontaneous ‘Nataru’ holiday during this period—see the festival description at the end of December.
• January 27th marks [Siwa Ratri Day], one of the most important festivals in the Balinese calendar. Siwa Ratri emphasizes introspection, meditation, and seeking forgiveness. Rituals include staying awake for 36 hours, fasting for 24 hours, and maintaining silence for 12 hours. After this period, purification ceremonies are often held on beaches, alongside rituals at major temples across the island.
• January 27th, 2025, is also Indonesia’s national public holiday, ‘Ascension of Prophet Muhammad.’ This significant Islamic holiday commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension. On this day, Muslims gather at mosques for prayers and worship.
• January 29th is our Chinese Lunar New Year! Indonesia designates the first day of the lunar year (January 29th, 2025) as a public holiday, while Taiwan enjoys a nine-day holiday from January 25th (Saturday) to February 2nd (Sunday). Although the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday may seem unrelated to Bali, it’s a prime time for travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to take extended vacations. Additionally, since January 27th and 29th are Indonesian public holidays, with January 28th as a flexible holiday, this creates a five-day break. Taking two more days off on January 30th and 31st extends the holiday to nine days, attracting many Indonesians to Bali for vacations. Thus, Lunar New Year is also a peak tourist season in Bali! If you’re visiting Bali during this time, here are some tips: Bali Family Travel Guide for Lunar New Year: Flights, Visas, Transportation, Attractions

Escape the winter chill this Lunar New Year holiday! It’s the perfect time for adults to take a long break, kids to enjoy their winter vacation, and bring the whole family to Bali for some warmth.

February

8th: Hari Saraswati (Bali Hindu Festival)

26th: Maha Shivaratri (Bali Hindu Festival)

• Hari Saraswati on the 8th is a festival celebrating the goddess of wisdom. Primarily celebrated by children who pray and bring offerings to their school temples. Balinese people also pay homage to the goddess and books by sprinkling holy water. Bali’s most famous Saraswati water temple is just a five-minute walk from Ubud Palace, also known as the “Ubud Water Palace.” Check out Xiao Jie’s introduction: VID1

• The 26th is Maha Shivaratri, one of the three major Hindu gods. It is a Hindu festival held annually to honor Lord Shiva. On this day, Hindus gather in temples to pray and worship.

March

1st or 2nd: Start of Ramadan

14th: Holi (Bali Hindu Festival)

26th: Omed-Omedan Kissing Festival (Bali Event)

28th: Bali Monster Parade (Bali Event)

29th: Bali Silent Day & Hindu New Year (Nyepi) (Indonesian National Holiday)

• In the first two days of March, nearly 90% of Indonesia’s Muslim population begins a month-long fast! What is fasting? Why fast? For a Q & A about Ramadan, check out Xiao Jie’s mom’s explanation: The Origin and Significance of Ramadan｜Ramadan/Eid Q & A
• March 14th is Holi in 2025, a Hindu festival. Holi is a celebration of spring and love, also known as the Festival of Colors. On this day, people throw colored powder at each other and share food and sweets.

• March 26: Omed Omedan, one of Bali’s most exciting festivals. On this day, large groups of unmarried young people gather to participate in a mass kissing event. Men and women stand opposite each other, then begin hugging and kissing. Spectators cheer them on by splashing water. Foreign tourists are welcome to watch, but should avoid participating.

• March 28: Bali’s Ogoh-Ogoh Parade, a truly unique experience! Check out Xiao Jie’s introduction and consider experiencing it for yourself if you have the chance:

• March 29: Nyepi Day / Balinese Hindu New Year. This is the most important holiday of the year in Bali.

• What is Nyepi Day? Is Nyepi Day a good time to visit Bali? What should you be aware of? Where can you watch the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade? Click here for more info.

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April

April 1: Eid al-Fitr (Indonesian National Holiday)

April 18: Good Friday (Indonesian National Holiday)

April 23: Galungan & Kuningan (Balinese Hindu Festival)

• The 2025 Eid al-Fitr holiday in Indonesia will begin on April 1, with a national holiday lasting about ten days. Eid al-Fitr is Indonesia’s most important holiday, celebrating the end of Ramadan for Muslims. It’s also a time for Indonesians to spend with family and friends, similar to Chinese Lunar New Year. Expect Bali to start filling up with locals from March 24 onwards, with crowds lasting about two weeks. This marks the first of Bali’s five peak seasons - a period we recommend avoiding!

Scenes from previous Eid al-Fitr holidays in Bali

The Eid al-Fitr period is also known as ‘Lebaran’. For more about Eid al-Fitr, check out Xiao Jie’s video:

• April 18th is a Christian holiday and, according to Indonesia’s Pancasila principle of equality among the five major religions, it is also a national holiday in Indonesia.
• Starting on April 23rd, Galungan & Kuningan (Galungan and Kuningan Festival) is one of Bali’s most important festivals. Galungan begins on April 23rd and continues until Kuningan ten days later, celebrating the creation of the universe and the triumph of good over evil. During this festival, towering penjor decorations bring vibrant energy to the streets, while abundant offerings, rituals, and celebrations offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Families honor their ancestors at home, seeking their blessings, and ceremonies are held in temples to pay respect to the gods. Galungan, according to Bali’s Pawukon calendar, is also the day of the universe’s creation. During this period, schools in Bali close for two weeks, highlighting the festival’s significance! Note that transportation services such as ferries, private cars, and taxis may be affected. Many local guides and drivers take days off during the main celebrations, so it’s best to book in advance. The day after Galungan, known as Manis Galungan, is when locals visit relatives or go out together, so you may find the roads particularly crowded. Large celebrations can also cause traffic congestion.

May

May 1: International Labor Day (Indonesian Public Holiday)

May 7th: Bali Spirit Festival (Bali Event)

May 9th–12th: Indonesian Music Expo (Bali Event)

May 12th: Buddha’s Birthday (Waisak Day) (Indonesian National Holiday)

May 29th: Ascension Day of Jesus Christ (Indonesian National Holiday)

May 30th–June 1st: Ubud Food Festival (Bali Event)

• May 1st: International Labor Day
• May 7th–11th: The five-day Bali Spirit Festival is a music, wellness, and yoga festival designed to provide participants with a holistic mind-body-soul experience. The festival takes place at The Yoga Barn in Ubud. It features world-class yoga instructors, international music performances, and wellness experts. Tickets are now available for purchase online. Whether you attend the full event or just a single day, you’ll be immersed in this feast for the mind, body, and soul.
• May 9th–12th: The Indonesian Music Expo in Bali is a significant event showcasing the diversity of Indonesian music. It includes live music performances, seminars and workshops related to the music industry, instrument exhibitions, and networking opportunities for musicians and industry professionals. Such events aim to promote Indonesian music and foster international collaboration and cultural exchange.
• May 12th: Waisak Day, the most important Buddhist holiday, is observed as a national holiday in several Asian countries.
• May 29th: A Christian holiday and national holiday.
• May 30th–June 1st: The Ubud Food Festival takes place in Ubud, Bali. This festival celebrates Indonesian food and drink with various activities, including long-table lunches, culinary collaborations among Southeast Asia’s leading chefs, food talks, concerts, and film screenings. If you’d like to attend, you can purchase tickets on the official website.

Quick Reference:
Ubud Food Festival 2025: A Culinary Heritage Journey in the Heart of Bali

June

June 1: Pancasila Day (Indonesian National Holiday)

June 6th–7th: Ultra Bali (Bali Event)

June 7th: Eid al-Adha (Indonesian National Holiday)

June 15 - July 13: Bali Art Festival

June 19-20: Jatiluwih Festival

TBD: Bhineka Pantai Jerman Culture Festival

• June 1st, Pancasila Day, is similar to Taiwan’s Constitution Day (Indonesian National Holiday). Check out Xiao Jie’s introduction:

• June 6-7 marks Eid al-Adha, the second most important Islamic holiday, known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice.’ Despite its seemingly gruesome nature, the festival carries profound meaning.

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• On June 6-7, the ‘Ultra Bali’ electronic music festival will take place. This event is part of the Ultra Music Festival brand, known for hosting electronic music festivals worldwide.
• Every June, Bali hosts the Bali Arts Festival, the island’s largest cultural celebration, dedicated to preserving and promoting Balinese art and culture. This festival, which began in 1979, is one of Indonesia’s oldest cultural events. It typically starts on the second Saturday of June and lasts for a month. During this time, towns are adorned with traditional bamboo and coconut decorations, and outdoor stages are set up across Bali for various performances. Visitors can enjoy dance, puppet shows, and music performances. The festival kicks off with a parade in Denpasar, followed by traditional music, public art exhibitions, craft displays, and food stalls offering Balinese cuisine. The 2025 edition is scheduled for June 15 - July 13. Link to the 2023 Bali Art Festival introduction
• The ‘Jatiluwih Festival’ on June 19-20 is a cultural celebration held in the Jatiluwih region of Bali, famous for its stunning rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The festival highlights local traditions, agricultural practices, and natural beauty, featuring traditional music and dance performances, local cuisine, handicraft displays, and activities related to rice farming.
• The Bhineka Pantai Jerman Culture Festival takes place at Jerman Beach in Kuta, Bali. This event celebrates Indonesia’s cultural diversity, particularly Balinese traditions and arts. It typically includes dance performances, traditional music, handicraft exhibitions, and food stalls, attracting both locals and tourists. The festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and learning.

July

TBD: Bali Kite Festival

TBD: Sanur Village Festival

July 3-5: Penglipuran Village Festival

TBD: Suara Festival

• The Bali Kite Festival, celebrating Balinese culture, is usually held in July and August each year, with the 2025 dates yet to be announced. Participants from around the world bring their colorful kites to compete on the beaches of Sanur.

The Bali Kite Festival is an internationally renowned kite competition

• The Sanur Village Festival is an annual event (Read more: What’s fun in Sanur? Check out our Sanur Guide Map｜45 Things to Eat, Drink, and Enjoy, Plus SPA and Accommodation Recommendations!). This festival celebrates art, food, culture, fashion, yoga, and the environment. Numerous large-scale events and festivities take place simultaneously, such as tennis, traditional boat races, marine water sports, surfing competitions, photography contests and exhibitions, kite flying festivals, village cycling tours, markets, coral planting, baby turtle releases, food festivals, music and cultural performances, yoga, open golf championships, and the Bali International Triathlon.

Sanur Village Festival

• Held in July, the “Penglipuran Village Festival” is an annual cultural event in Penglipuran Village, Bali. This festival aims to showcase the traditional culture and lifestyle of Penglipuran Village, which is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural practices. Activities include traditional dance and music performances, handicraft exhibitions, local food stalls, and cultural workshops. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Penglipuran Village’s unique culture and experience the daily lives of its residents, making it an ideal way to explore Bali’s traditional village culture. (Read more: Time Travel in Penglipuran Village: Experiencing Bali’s Ancient Charm)

Penglipuran Village is a wonderful experience

• Another event in July is the Suara Festival. This is a music and arts-themed festival in Bali, focusing on contemporary music, visual arts, and cultural performances. It aims to provide a platform for local and international artists to showcase their creativity. The Suara Festival is typically held at various locations across Bali, attracting a large number of music and art enthusiasts. Activities include live music performances, art installations, workshops, and cultural exchange events. The Suara Festival injects new vitality into Bali’s cultural life while fostering interaction and integration between local and global art communities.

August

August 1: Ubud Village Jazz Festival

August 17: Indonesian Independence Day (National Holiday)

August 22-24: Tanah Lot Arts and Culture Festival (Bali Event)

August 27: Ganesh Chaturthi (Balinese Hindu Festival)

• August 1-2: The Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF) is one of Asia’s most important jazz events! This festival has become a signature event in Bali’s cultural center, attracting jazz enthusiasts from around the world each year. In 2025, UVJF will take place on August 1st and 2nd at STHALA UBUD in Ubud, offering two unforgettable nights of music. UVJF 2025 has been selected by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy as one of the top ten national events of the year, highlighting its influence and significance. The festival brings together top jazz musicians from around the world and receives support from various embassies, making it an important platform for international cultural exchange.

• August 17: Indonesian Independence Day, also known as Indonesia’s National Day, is celebrated annually on August 17th. On this day, Indonesians hold various celebratory activities, including fun competitions, parades, concerts, and fireworks displays.

• August 22-24 marks the three-day annual festival at Tanah Lot Temple in Tabanan Regency. This festival features: Cultural Performances and Parades The celebration includes various traditional performances such as Balinese dances, music shows, and culturally rich parades. Activities include the Baleganjur parade, coconut leaf weaving parade, and Balinese dance and rindik instrument parade. There’s also a lively local market showcasing handicrafts, with participation from small and medium enterprises in Tabanan promoting local products. Food is a key part of the festival, offering authentic Tabanan cuisine.

• On the 27th of this month, Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of prosperity and wisdom, is highly revered by the Balinese people. This festival usually occurs in August or September, depending on the Hindu calendar.

September

5th: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad) (Indonesian National Holiday)

22nd: Navaratri (Balinese Hindu Festival)

26th: Bali Carnival

TBD: Bali Rocking Blues Festival (Bali Event)

• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad) is an Islamic holiday celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It usually falls on the 12th day of the third month (Rabi’ al-awwal) in the Islamic calendar.
• Starting on the 22nd, Navaratri (see 10/1)
• From September 26th to October 2nd, the highlight is the six-day “Bali Carnival”! This is an annual cultural festival in Bali known for its vibrant South American carnival spirit and traditional Balinese dances, music, and art performances, attracting tourists worldwide. In recent years, more international participants have joined the parade! Check out the official video.

Bali Carnival

• Scheduled for September, the “Bali Rockin Blues Festival” is a spectacular music event blending rock and blues. Presented in a mixed “rockin” format, it features performances by various artists showcasing rich musical energy and creativity. Besides captivating music performances, the festival includes a beachside food and drink market, allowing participants to enjoy great music and food in Bali’s enchanting coastal setting. This event promises an unforgettable audiovisual feast for rock and blues enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

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October

1st: Dussehra (Balinese Hindu Festival)

7th: “Ocean Peace Day” on Nusa Penida/Lembongan/Ceningan

October 20: Diwali (Bali Hindu Festival)

October 29: Ubud Writers and Readers Festival

• September 22: Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga. This festival usually takes place in September or October each year and lasts for 9 days, during which people engage in fasting, prayers, flower offerings, and dancing. The last day of Navaratri (October 1) is “Dussehra,” celebrating Prince Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana. This is also the story told in the Bali Kecak Fire Dance!
• October 7: This day is the “Ocean Peace Day” for Bali’s three main offshore islands. Friends traveling to and from Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan should take note, as all ferry services will be suspended on this day. Be sure to plan accordingly! What is “Ocean Peace Day”? What should you be aware of? Check out our explanation here.
• Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu celebration of light overcoming darkness. This festival usually occurs in October or November each year, with the date determined by the Hindu calendar. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20.
• October 29 to November 2: The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival will take place in Ubud. This is one of Indonesia’s largest international cultural events, bringing together top talents in literature, art, and culture.

November

November 19: Galungan & Kuningan

Starting on November 19, Galungan & Kuningan (Galungan and Kuningan Festival) is the second occurrence of this festival in 2025 and one of Bali’s most important celebrations. Galungan begins on November 19 and continues until Kuningan 10 days later, celebrating the creation of the universe and the triumph of good over evil.

Many local guides and drivers take a few days off during the main celebrations, so it’s best to book in advance. The day after Galungan (Manis Galungan) is when locals visit friends and family or go out together, so you may find the roads particularly crowded. Large celebrations can also cause traffic congestion.

December

December 24: Indonesian Christmas Flexible Holiday

25th: Christmas (Indonesian National Holiday)

• December 25 is Christmas, a national holiday in Indonesia. For Christians, Christmas is an important festival, and Christians make up nearly 10% of Indonesia’s population. Since Christmas and New Year’s Day are close together, many Indonesians try to take time off to connect the two holidays into one long vacation. This gives them the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends and travel to other cities or countries. Indonesians have even coined the term “Nataru,” meaning “Christmas-New Year holiday,” combining “Natal” (Christmas) and “tahun baru” (New Year) to represent this holiday.

Many Indonesians take advantage of the Christmas holiday to visit Bali.

Welcome to the Southern Hemisphere for New Year’s! But be prepared for large crowds!

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Above is the most complete list of festivals in Indonesia/Bali for 2025. Bali is a popular tourist destination, and during peak seasons, it can get very crowded. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can steer clear of the “Five Peak Travel Seasons in Bali” we introduced. By combining this with some of the unique Balinese festivals mentioned above, “plan your trip to Bali around these dates,” and your vacation will be more diverse and exciting!

*The above dates are subject to final government announcement

*The Indonesian government has not yet announced how public holidays will be scheduled. Please stay tuned for our updates!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Will Bali’s Nyepi Day affect my travel plans?

Yes, on Nyepi Day, all commercial activities and transportation come to a halt, including airport operations. Visitors must remain within their hotels, but this offers a unique opportunity to experience Balinese culture.

2. Do I need to purchase tickets for Bali’s festival events?

Most festival events are open to the public and free of charge, especially ceremonies held within temples. However, appropriate attire and respectful behavior are required.

3. When is the best time to experience Bali’s cultural festivals?

The best periods to experience multiple important festivals are from March to May and November to December, including Nyepi Day, Galungan, and Kuningan festivals.

4. How can I respectfully participate in Bali’s festivals?

It is recommended to wear traditional sarongs and sashes, and to respect local customs and taboos to avoid inappropriate behavior.

5. Are Bali festivals suitable for families?

Absolutely! Many festivals not only allow children to experience different cultural atmospheres but also enhance family bonding through participation in festival activities. However, some ceremonies may last for extended periods, so it’s advisable for families to plan their time well to prevent children from getting tired.

6. Do Bali festivals affect traffic?

Yes, especially during major festivals like Galungan or Kuningan, some streets may be temporarily closed for parades or events. It’s recommended to plan your itinerary in advance or opt for walking, which also allows you to enjoy the festival activities up close.

7. Can I photograph local festival ceremonies?

Photography is generally allowed, but it’s best to ask locals or guides first as a sign of respect, particularly in temples or during traditional ceremonies. Some ritual occasions may have restrictions, so maintaining respect and handling your camera discreetly is courteous.

8. What special foods can I try during Bali festivals?

During festivals, visitors can enjoy many local traditional dishes such as Babi Guling (roast suckling pig) and Lawar (a mix of vegetables and meat). These dishes often carry cultural significance tied to festival rituals and are definitely worth trying.

9. How can I avoid cultural conflicts during festivals?

Respecting local culture is paramount. Travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with festival-related taboos in advance, such as maintaining silence during Nyepi (Day of Silence) and avoiding photographing prohibited scenes. It’s also important to observe and adapt to local behavior.

10. How do Bali’s festivals foster community connections?

Festival activities are typically grand events for villages or communities, where residents come together to prepare and participate, strengthening emotional bonds and enhancing community cohesion. Participating in these events not only offers cultural experiences but also allows travelers to feel the warmth and friendliness of local residents.

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