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

💡 Quick Answer

The 2025 Qingming holiday coincides with Indonesia's Eid al-Fitr, bringing a surge of local Indonesian tourists to Bali.

During Taiwan’s Qingming holiday in April, taking 3 days off can extend your break to a total of 9 days. 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 with our Qingming holiday.

After Bali’s Nyepi Day on March 29, 2025, Eid al-Fitr begins. The Eid holiday starts at the end of March and lasts for a week. Eid al-Fitr is Indonesia’s most important holiday, celebrating the end of Ramadan and a time for families and friends to gather, much like our Chinese Lunar New Year.

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What is Nyepi Day? What should you pay special attention to?

Based on past experiences, Bali is expected to see an influx of local Indonesians starting March 24, with crowds lasting for about two weeks. This marks the first peak season among Bali’s five major peak periods, making it a holiday you should avoid visiting Bali!

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 annual tourist count is around 6 million. It’s safe to say that during this time, you might not just encounter traffic jams but also crowds of people!

If you must visit Bali during this period or have already booked your tickets, carefully follow these guidelines to minimize disruptions to your trip:

Flights and Accommodation

Due to high demand during the annual Eid al-Fitr holiday, prices for flights and hotels in Bali tend to rise. It’s recommended 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 nine-day Eid al-Fitr holiday, the Indonesian immigration office typically suspends online e-visa applications as government offices are closed for the extended 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 on e-visas, ultra-fast automatic clearance, tourist taxes, etc., see: 2024 Bali Entry Changes Explained in One Minute: Bali Entry Process - From Landing to Baggage Claim)

Transportation

Will Bali experience heavy traffic during the Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr? Should I visit tourist spots?

Transportation

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

Plan your route in advance

Try to avoid visiting famous attractions as traffic congestion could be severe! If you still want to go, it’s recommended to use Google Maps or other map apps to plan your route before departure. You can check traffic conditions and choose the optimal route.

Allow plenty of time

During the Qingming Festival and Eid al-Fitr period, traffic will be more congested, so you should allow extra 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, plan for one and a half hours); during the Qingming holiday, double the time at least.

Avoid traveling during peak hours

Peak traffic hours in Bali 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 jams.

Opt for Private Car Hire

The best mode of transportation in Bali is hiring a private car. For more details, check out “Complete Guide to Bali Private Car Hire - Costs, Booking Methods, and Advantages”.

Choose Smaller Area Attractions

During the Qingming Festival-Eid al-Fitr period, traffic congestion is common at many popular attractions in Bali. We recommend moving within small areas to avoid wasting your holiday time stuck in traffic. Refer to 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 time in traffic.

Beware of the Rainy Season

The Qingming Festival-Eid al-Fitr period falls at the end of Bali’s rainy season, which may bring unpredictable weather—either no rain or several days of rain. When visiting Bali during the rainy season, always have a backup plan for sudden downpours. Check out “Bali Rainy Season: What to Do When It Rains? 60 Indoor Activities in Bali”.

A Guide for Family Trips Where Everyone is Happy

During long holidays, many families choose to travel to Bali with their loved ones. This family vacation 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 elderly family members, Bali offers many 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 seniors, 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:

A Guide for Family Trips Where Everyone is Happy

Conclusion

To fully enjoy this enchanting island during the Qingming Festival-Eid al-Fitr period, prepare thoroughly, understand traffic conditions, and be ready for the rainy season. Taking care of both elderly family members and children ensures everyone has a memorable and enjoyable family vacation!

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

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