Planning a 2025 Qingming Holiday Trip? Expect Major Traffic Jams in Bali! Here's How to Avoid Crowds and Travel Smoothly

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Planning a 2025 Qingming Holiday Trip? Expect Major Traffic Jams in Bali! Here's How to Avoid Crowds and Travel Smoothly
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The 2025 Qingming holiday coincides with Indonesia's Eid al-Fitr, bringing a massive influx of local Indonesians to Bali.

With Taiwan’s Qingming holiday in April, taking just three days off can stretch your break to nine days. Many plan to travel abroad, but this year, Indonesia/Bali might not be the best destination during this period!

That’s because nearly 90% of Indonesia’s population is Muslim. Among all Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr holds importance comparable to our Lunar New Year. According to the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr 2025 overlaps exactly with our Qingming holiday.

After Nyepi Day on March 29, 2025, comes ‘Eid al-Fitr.’ The Eid holiday begins in late March and lasts a full week. Eid al-Fitr is Indonesia’s most important holiday, marking the end of Ramadan for Muslims, but it’s also a time for Indonesians to reunite with family and friends—much like our Chinese New Year.

Quick Reference:

What is Nyepi Day? What special precautions should you take?

Based on past experience, Bali is expected to see an influx of local Indonesians starting around March 24, with crowds everywhere lasting about two weeks. This is the first and busiest of Bali’s five peak seasons—a holiday we recommend you avoid visiting Bali!

During the half-month period of Eid al-Fitr 2023, Bali’s airport handled 1.17 million passengers and 7,554 aircraft takeoffs and landings. For reference, Bali’s total annual visitors are around 6 million. So you can imagine it’s not just traffic jams—there might even be people jams!

If you absolutely must visit Bali during this time, or have already booked flights and can’t change plans, carefully follow these guidelines to avoid unnecessary disruptions to your trip:

Flights and Hotels

Because of the annual Eid al-Fitr holiday, Bali’s hospitality industry is in high demand, causing flight and hotel prices to rise. It’s recommended to book early to secure better prices and more options.

Visa

If you hold a Republic of China (Taiwan) passport, you can apply for a visa on arrival, which costs 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately USD$16).

If you plan to apply for an e-visa, do it early! During the nine-day Eid al-Fitr holiday period, the Indonesian immigration office typically closes online e-visa applications because government agencies are also on an extended break. Everyone will have to apply for a visa on arrival, which could lead to extremely long queues! Those who have already obtained an e-visa in advance won’t be affected and can still breeze through the automated gates.

(For more on e-visas, super-fast automated gates, tourist taxes, and other topics, see: 2024 Bali Entry Changes Explained in One Minute: Bali Entry Process - From Landing/Customs to Baggage Claim)

Transportation

Will Bali be heavily congested during the Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr? Should I still visit the attractions?

交通

Here are some specific tips for getting around Bali during this special period:

Plan your routes in advance

Try to avoid visiting well-known attractions, as traffic jams can be severe! If you still want to go, it’s recommended to use Google Maps or another navigation app to plan your route before you set out. You can check traffic conditions and choose the best route.

Allow Plenty of Time

During the Qingming Festival–Eid al-Fitr period, traffic will be even more congested, so you need to allow plenty of time. When using Google Maps to estimate travel time, add an extra 50% buffer on normal days (if Google Maps shows one hour, budget for an hour and a half); during the Qingming holiday, at least double the estimated time.

Avoid Peak Travel Times

Bali’s traffic peaks usually start around midday and continue into the night. If you can avoid traveling during these hours, you’ll reduce the likelihood of getting stuck in congestion.

Choose Private Car Hire

The best way to get around Bali is by hiring a private car. For more details, check out “The Complete Guide to Bali Private Car Hire – Costs, Booking, and Advantages

Opt for Small Area Attractions

During the Qingming Festival–Eid al-Fitr period, many of Bali’s famous attractions face severe traffic jams. It’s recommended to move within small areas to avoid wasting your holiday stuck in traffic. Check out these small areas:

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 stuck in traffic.

Beware of the Rainy Season

The Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr fall at the tail end of Bali’s rainy season. It might not rain at all, or it could pour for days on end. If you’re visiting Bali during this time, make sure you have a backup plan for sudden downpours. Check out “Bali Rainy Season: What to Do When It Rains? 60 Indoor Activity Ideas

A Guide to Happy Family Travel

During the long holidays, many families choose to travel to Bali together. This kind of family trip not only offers quality time with loved ones but also lets everyone experience the rich culture and stunning landscapes of this beautiful destination.

For the elderly in the family, Bali offers plenty of relaxing and leisurely spots, such as beautiful beaches, spas, and picturesque rice terraces. These places allow seniors to enjoy peaceful moments while also joining in local cultural activities to learn about Bali’s unique traditions. To ensure a worry-free trip for older family members, preparation is key! Check out:

For kids, Bali is a paradise of fun. With plenty of outdoor activities, zoo visits, and historical site explorations, it satisfies their curiosity and sense of adventure. For more tips and guides on family travel, see:

家庭出遊 大家都快樂的指南

Conclusion

Thorough preparation, understanding traffic conditions, and being ready for the rainy season are key to enjoying this enchanting island during the Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr. At the same time, taking care of the elderly and young children in your group ensures everyone has a great time—making it a truly unforgettable family trip!

Finally, we sincerely wish you and your family a warm, joyful, and unforgettable long vacation on the beautiful island of Bali!

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