
✨Why Malaysians Should Care About Indonesia's Public Holidays in 2025
Let’s be real — planning a holiday without checking the local calendar is like going to Bali without sunscreen. You can do it, but you’ll probably regret it. 😅
As Malaysians, we love a good cuti-cuti moment. And Indonesia? It’s just next door, penuh dengan stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and food that somehow tastes like home but also totally different at the same time. So it makes total sense to sync our travel plans with their public holiday calendar, especially if you're thinking of visiting hotspots like Bali, Jogja, Lombok, or even the hidden gems like Flores or Raja Ampat.
Knowing when the public holidays and cuti bersama (collective leave days) fall can literally make or break your trip. Imagine planning your getaway to Bali, only to land during Nyepi, the Day of Silence, where the entire island shuts down — no flights, no cars, no jalan-jalan, nothing. Or worse, trying to catch a Grab during Lebaran (Hari Raya Aidilfitri), when the entire population is in balik kampung mode and prices naik gila.
But don’t worry — I got you. This guide is here to help you:
✅ Avoid major crowd surges & price hikes
✅ Maximise your AL (annual leave) with cuti hacks
✅ Understand local customs so you don’t accidentally offend anyone
✅ Join in cultural festivals if you're the "go where the party is" type 🥳
We’ll cover everything from official national holidays, to cuti bersama tips, and even how to pair it with our own Malaysian calendar for those perfect 5-day escapes (yes, the kind that makes your boss jealous).
Ready to plan your 2025 trips the smart way? Let’s go through the full list and see how to make the most of it ✨
📅 Indonesia Public Holidays 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year’s Day | Global celebration, festive vibes especially in big cities |
| 29 Jan | Wed | Isra Mi'raj (Ascension of Prophet Muhammad) | Religious event, not much travel impact |
| 28 Mar | Fri | Hari Suci Nyepi (Balinese New Year) | Bali shuts down completely! No flights, no outdoor activity |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Good Friday | Observed in Christian-majority regions (e.g. East Indonesia) |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | Expect some rallies in major cities |
| 15 May | Thu | Waisak (Buddha’s Day) | Best time to visit Borobudur, spiritual atmosphere ✨ |
| 26 May | Mon | Ascension of Jesus Christ | Public holiday in Christian areas |
| 6–7 Jun | Fri–Sat | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Lebaran) | Nationwide celebrations, heavy domestic travel |
| 8–9 Jun | Sun–Mon | Cuti Bersama (Eid holidays extended) | Govt-declared collective leave, traffic madness across Java |
| 17 Jun | Tue | Idul Adha (Hari Raya Haji) | Religious day, ceremonies at mosques |
| 6 Jul | Sun | Islamic New Year | Low travel impact |
| 17 Aug | Sun | Indonesia Independence Day 🇮🇩 | Parades, festivals, patriotic vibes in every kampung |
| 6 Oct | Mon | Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) | Quiet day, religious activities only |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | Celebrated widely in places like Manado, Flores, Kupang |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Cuti Bersama (Christmas) | Long weekend — great time to visit Christian-majority regions |
Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bali
- Sehala
- Pergi Balik
- direct cheapest
KUL15:503j 10mTanpa hentiDPS19:00Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Jum, 9 Jan|Batik Air Malaysia€ 38€ 5126% OFF26% OFF€ 51€ 38
KUL19:403j 5mTanpa hentiDPS22:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 8 Jan|AirAsia Indonesia€ 41€ 5120% OFF20% OFF€ 51€ 41
KUL15:253j 10mTanpa hentiDPS18:35Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 8 Jan|AirAsia€ 41€ 5120% OFF20% OFF€ 51€ 41
KUL19:403j 5mTanpa hentiDPS22:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 11 Jan|AirAsia Indonesia€ 42€ 42
KUL13:203j 15mTanpa hentiDPS16:35Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 11 Jan|AirAsia€ 42€ 42
KUL19:403j 5mTanpa hentiDPS22:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Isn, 2 Mac|AirAsia Indonesia€ 42€ 42
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiDPS2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Bali|Sun, Dec 14|Batik Air MalaysiaCari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
Harga potongan adalah dikira berdasarkan harga purata laluan sepadan pada Trip.com.
🎯 Key Indonesian Holidays Malaysians Should Be Aware Of
🧘♂️ 1. Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) – 28 March 2025 (Friday)

What it is:
Nyepi is the Balinese New Year, but unlike our meriah countdowns, this day is observed in total silence. No cars, no cooking, no lights — even the airport is closed. It’s a day of complete stillness and spiritual reflection.
What it means for you:
If you're in Bali, you won’t be allowed to leave your hotel/villa at all on this day. Everything shuts down — even Wi-Fi might be off. But some hotels provide quiet indoor activities and candlelit dinners, so it's kinda romantic if you're with bae. Just... don't expect to go beach hopping.
Travel tip:
🛫 Don’t schedule flights on 28 March in/out of Bali. Plan to arrive before or after Nyepi.
🌙 2. Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Lebaran) – 6–7 June 2025 (Friday–Saturday)

● Cuti Bersama 8–9 June 2025 (Sunday–Monday)
What it is:
Like our Hari Raya, this marks the end of Ramadan. It's the biggest migration season in Indonesia — millions of people balik kampung. Roads, trains, flights — everything is gila padat.
What it means for you:
Expect massive crowds, high ticket prices, and traffic jams — especially in Java and Sumatra. In Bali, it’s usually quieter because locals balik kampung, but flights into Bali from Jakarta might be packed.
Travel tip:
✈️ Avoid domestic travel within Indonesia during this week unless you booked way in advance. Or go off-grid to chill places like Sumba or Raja Ampat where it’s less affected.
🛕 3. Waisak Day (Buddha’s Day) – 15 May 2025 (Thursday)

What it is:
Buddhist holiday celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. The most iconic celebration is held at Borobudur Temple with thousands of monks and candlelight processions. Super spiritual vibes.
What it means for you:
If you love culture and unique moments, this is the time to visit Central Java. Hotels in Yogyakarta may get booked out fast though!
Travel tip:
📸 Stay near Borobudur 1–2 nights before the ceremony to witness it fully. Respect dress codes.
🇮🇩 4. Indonesia Independence Day – 17 August 2025 (Sunday)

What it is:
The spirit of Merdeka! but Indonesian style — full of community competitions, red-and-white flags everywhere, and patriotic energy.
What it means for you:
A unique day to be in Indonesia! Watch panjat pinang (people climbing greased poles for prizes), cultural parades, and street games. Best seen in small towns or kampung areas.
Travel tip:
🎉 Great time to be in a homestay or village if you want authentic Indonesian experiences. Bring red and white clothes to join in!
🎄 5. Christmas & Cuti Bersama – 25–26 December 2025 (Thu–Fri)

What it is:
Especially big in Christian-majority regions like North Sulawesi, Flores, Kupang, Timor — expect festive lights, mass, and decorations.
What it means for you:
Tourist areas like Bali will have lots of events and Christmas dinners at hotels. Christian towns will go all out — think of it like a Natal Kampung experience.
Travel tip:
🎁 Book early — year-end is peak season. It’s a great time to explore the eastern islands for a different Christmas feel.
📌 What is “Cuti Bersama”? (And Why You Should Care)

If you’ve never heard of it before, Cuti Bersama literally means “joint/shared leave”. It’s a uniquely Indonesian concept where the government declares extra leave days around major public holidays to create longer breaks.
It’s like the government telling everyone to go on holiday together — boleh chill sama-sama lah 😎
So... is it a real public holiday?
Yes and no.
Cuti Bersama is not a national public holiday by law, but it’s observed by:
● Most civil servants
● Government offices
● Many private companies
● Banks and schools
So while technically optional, it’s widely practised. Think of it like Malaysia’s “cuti gantian” or bridge holidays, but on steroids. 💪
🧠 Why It Matters to Malaysian Travellers
If you're planning a trip to Indonesia in 2025, knowing when Cuti Bersama falls can help you:
✅ 1. Avoid insane crowds
The roads get jammed (like KL before Raya), flights get pricey, and attractions can feel like pasar malam. Especially during:
● Lebaran Aidilfitri (6–9 June 2025)
● Christmas weekend (25–26 December 2025)
✅ 2. Join the fun (if that’s your vibe)
If you enjoy festive chaos, colourful events, and the chance to connect with locals, it’s actually quite seronok. You’ll find:
● Cultural shows
● Family-friendly street activities
● A lot of happy locals in chill mode
✅ 3. Plan leave strategically from Malaysia
Match your own Malaysian public holidays with their Cuti Bersama, and boom — long weekend magic. Just one AL day from your boss, and you’re sipping coconut by a volcano.
✨ Pro Travel Tip

🗓 Book transport and hotels way earlier during Cuti Bersama periods, especially if travelling within Indonesia (e.g. Jakarta to Bali).
And if you want a quieter escape, avoid Java altogether and head to more off-the-grid gems like:
● Labuan Bajo (Komodo dragons 🐉)
● Banda Neira (for history buffs)
● Sumba (for surfers and sunset chasers)
Cheap Hotels in Bali
5 star
Business travel
Breakfast
🧒 Indonesia School Holidays 2025 – What Malaysian Travellers Should Know

When planning a trip to Bali or anywhere else in Indonesia, most people check flight prices and hotel deals — but forget to check Indonesian school holidays. This is a sneaky factor that can totally change your experience.
Why? Because when local schools are out, you’ll find:
● Larger family crowds at beaches, malls, and tourist spots
● Higher prices for domestic flights and hotels
● Traffic jams especially around big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung
🗓 So When Are Indonesian School Holidays in 2025?
Here's a rough estimate based on past patterns (official dates vary slightly by province, but this gives you a strong idea):
| Period | Dates (Estimated) | Notes |
| Mid-Year Break | 23 June – 13 July 2025 | 3-week holiday – busiest time for family travel |
| End of Year Break | 15 Dec 2025 – early Jan 2026 | Longest school holiday, peak festive season |
| Short Break (Semester 1 Mid-Term) | Late March | Usually 1 week after Nyepi |
| Short Break (Semester 2 Mid-Term) | Around late October | Some provinces only, depending on exam schedules |
📌 Crowd Factor: What to Expect
● Bali: Gets busier with Indonesian families during these breaks, especially in areas like Kuta, Sanur, and Ubud.
● Yogyakarta & Bandung: Filled with local tourists from Jakarta and Surabaya on road trips.
● Theme Parks (e.g. Jawa Timur Park, Dufan): Absolutely packed. Kalau tak tahan queue panjang, better skip.
💡 Travel Hacks for Malaysians
- Plan trips just before or after their school holidays – you’ll enjoy better prices and emptier beaches.
- Go off the beaten path during school holidays – try Bukittinggi, Lake Toba, or the Karimunjawa Islands.
- Sync with Malaysian school holidays for family trips: easier to plan, and kids tak miss school either!
🧳 How to Maximise Your Leave: Syncing Malaysian & Indonesian Holidays (2025 Edition)
If you’ve ever pulled off a 1 day leave = 5 days holiday move, you know the pure satisfaction it brings. Now imagine syncing it with Indonesia’s holidays — you'll not only enjoy your own long weekend but also catch the best vibes (or avoid the crowd) on their side too!
So here's a cheat sheet on how to smart-plan your annual leave and cross-border adventures with both calendars side by side:
✨ Smart Leave Combos (Malaysia + Indonesia 2025)
| Malaysian Holiday | Date | Combine with... | Result |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | 31 Mar–1 Apr (Mon–Tue) 🇲🇾 | Nyepi in Bali on 28 Mar (Fri) 🇮🇩 | Book leave on 27 Mar (Thu) and enjoy a 6-day trip — 26 Mar to 1 Apr. Magical vibes, witness Nyepi (quiet day) + Raya chill! |
| Labour Day | 1 May (Thu) 🇲🇾 | Waisak on 15 May (Thu) 🇮🇩 | Take AL on Fri 2 May — then go again mid-May for Borobudur’s Waisak candlelight ceremony ✨ |
| Agong’s Birthday | 2 Jun (Mon) 🇲🇾 | Lebaran Aidilfitri on 6–7 Jun + Cuti Bersama 🇮🇩 | Plan a trip from 1–9 Jun — the ultimate Raya double celebration in both countries. Book flights early though! |
| National Day | 31 Aug (Sun) 🇲🇾 | Combine with a long weekend trip | August is off-season for Indo holidays = cheaper & quieter travel |
| Christmas | 25 Dec (Thu) 🇲🇾 | Christmas + Cuti Bersama 25–26 Dec 🇮🇩 | Take AL on 27 Dec and you’ve got a long break till New Year. Perfect for Bali year-end magic 🌴🎄 |
🧠 Bonus Tips
● Weekday public holidays (like Thursday) = perfect for bridging into long weekends.
● Avoid travelling during Indonesia’s school holidays unless you’re travelling off-path or love crowds.
● Nyepi is a special experience if you want a peaceful, digital detox escape.
🛫 Travelling in Indonesia During Public Holidays – What to Expect & How to Survive It
✅ What’s Usually Open?
| Category | Status |
| Tourist Attractions (e.g. temples, beaches, theme parks) | Mostly open, but expect bigger crowds |
| Restaurants & Cafés | Open, especially in tourist zones (Bali, Yogyakarta) |
| Malls & Shopping Streets | Open and super lively during holidays |
| Government Offices & Banks | Closed on public + Cuti Bersama days |
| Public Transport | Runs normally, but crazy packed during big holidays like Lebaran |
| Airports | Operational, but expect flight delays and higher ticket prices |
❌ What Might Be Closed?
● Bali during Nyepi (28 March 2025) – literally everything shuts down. Even the airport, Wi-Fi, and roads.
● Smaller local businesses in less touristy towns — especially during Lebaran or Christmas
● Banks and ATMs might be offline on Cuti Bersama — so withdraw cash earlier if you're in rural areas
🔥 Pro Tips for Travelling During Indonesia’s Public Holidays

🎟️ 1. Book early – and I mean really early
Flights and hotels can triple in price especially during:
● Lebaran Aidilfitri
● Year-End Holidays
● School breaks (June & December)
Even local hotels in Bali can go from RM120 to RM500+ per night if you wait too long.
🚗 2. Plan for traffic (macam KL balik kampung vibes)
If you're visiting Java (Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya), prepare for:
● Highways jammed for hours
● Ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek also kena surge price
● Train tickets sell out weeks in advance
🧘 3. Embrace the vibe
If you’re in town during a celebration, go all in!
Try the food, join a street fest, wear local colours — orang sana are super friendly, especially if they see you respecting their traditions 🥰
🙏 4. Be mindful of religious practices
During Ramadan:
● Some eateries may be closed in the day (especially outside tourist zones)
● Avoid eating in public out of respect (especially on public transport)
● At night, go bazaar-hopping and feast like a king! 😋
During Nyepi:
● Stay indoors, lights off or dimmed
● No pool parties, loud music, or walking around — even tourists must follow the silence
📍 5. Choose destinations wisely
If you want to avoid the chaos:
| Instead of... | Go to... |
| Kuta during Lebaran | Nusa Lembongan or Amed |
| Jakarta traffic madness | Bandung hills or Yogyakarta |
| Peak Bali beach season | Hidden spots like Sumba or Karimunjawa |
📍 Best Indonesian Destinations by Public Holiday Season (2025 Edition)
🌌 March – Nyepi Season (Day of Silence: 28 March 2025)
📍 Best for: Spiritual retreat, nature lovers, chill couples
| Destination | Why Go | Bonus Tip |
| Ubud, Bali | Yoga, rice terraces, calm vibes | Stay at a retreat-style resort — many offer indoor programs for Nyepi |
| Sidemen Valley, Bali | Super quiet, untouched nature | Perfect for a digital detox 📵 |
| North Bali (Lovina, Munduk) | Less touristy, spiritual energy | Great for pre- or post-Nyepi travel |
Note: Stay in Bali during Nyepi ONLY if you’re ready to completely slow down and reflect — no jalan-jalan, okay?
🌙 June – Lebaran / Hari Raya Aidilfitri (6–9 June 2025)
📍 Best for: Culture, food, family vibes, escaping crowds in touristy areas
| Destination | Why Go | Bonus Tip |
| Yogyakarta | Rich traditions + Prambanan temple | Book train tickets early — locals also balik kampung here |
| Labuan Bajo (Flores) | Off-the-beaten-path, Komodo dragons 🐉 | Quiet and stunning during Lebaran — no balik kampung madness |
| Bali | Less crowded during Lebaran | Focus on Ubud, Amed, or Nusa Penida for peaceful vibes |
Avoid travelling through Java this week — roads and stations are super jammed. Unless you suka challenge la 😅
🕯️ May – Waisak at Borobudur (15 May 2025)
📍 Best for: History buffs, culture seekers, photographers
| Destination | Why Go | Bonus Tip |
| Borobudur (Magelang, near Yogyakarta) | Candlelit Buddhist procession, once-in-a-lifetime event | Book a stay near the temple and go with a local guide to understand the rituals |
| Yogyakarta | Culture, batik, temples, museums | Combine Waisak with visits to Prambanan & food hunting! 🍲 |
Best time to visit Central Java — Waisak is meaningful, serene, and visually stunning.
🇮🇩 August – Independence Day (17 August 2025)
📍 Best for: Local vibes, community events, off-the-grid adventures
| Destination | Why Go | Bonus Tip |
| Bandung (West Java) | Festive kampung competitions | Join locals in games like panjat pinang — fun gila! |
| Tana Toraja (Sulawesi) | Cultural ceremonies and festivals | A rare glimpse into unique death rituals and culture |
| Any village homestay | Best way to see real Indonesia | Red & white everywhere — like our Merdeka but kampung style 🇲🇾❤️🇮🇩 |
🎄 December – Christmas & New Year (25–31 December 2025)
📍 Best for: Festive beach escapes, family trips, island-hopping
| Destination | Why Go | Bonus Tip |
| Bali | Beach parties + hotel Christmas dinners | Book way in advance — peak season! 🎉 |
| Manado (North Sulawesi) | Christian-majority city, big Xmas vibes | Try their spicy food & join midnight mass |
| Kupang / Flores | Laid-back Christmas, local traditions | Get a mix of beach, culture & celebrations |
December is PEAK season — plan flights and stays early, or pay sky-high prices.
Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bali
- Sehala
- Pergi Balik
- direct cheapest
KUL15:503j 10mTanpa hentiDPS19:00Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Jum, 9 Jan|Batik Air Malaysia€ 38€ 5126% OFF26% OFF€ 51€ 38
KUL19:403j 5mTanpa hentiDPS22:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 8 Jan|AirAsia Indonesia€ 41€ 5120% OFF20% OFF€ 51€ 41
KUL15:253j 10mTanpa hentiDPS18:35Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 8 Jan|AirAsia€ 41€ 5120% OFF20% OFF€ 51€ 41
KUL19:403j 5mTanpa hentiDPS22:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 11 Jan|AirAsia Indonesia€ 42€ 42
KUL13:203j 15mTanpa hentiDPS16:35Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 11 Jan|AirAsia€ 42€ 42
KUL19:403j 5mTanpa hentiDPS22:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Isn, 2 Mac|AirAsia Indonesia€ 42€ 42
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiDPS2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Bali|Sun, Dec 14|Batik Air MalaysiaCari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
Harga potongan adalah dikira berdasarkan harga purata laluan sepadan pada Trip.com.
🏁 Your Ultimate Guide to Travelling Indonesia in 2025 (Without the Headache)
So there you have it — from Nyepi silence in Bali, to candlelit Waisak ceremonies at Borobudur, and even panjat pinang Merdeka madness, Indonesia’s 2025 calendar is penuh dengan opportunities for unforgettable travel moments.
But like any good trip, timing is everything.
✅ Planning to chill? Avoid Cuti Bersama and school holidays — head to hidden gems like Sumba, Raja Ampat, or quiet Bali towns.
✅ Want to immerse in culture? Sync your travel with holidays like Lebaran, Waisak, or Independence Day.
✅ On a budget? Use those smart cuti hacks to stretch one day of AL into a long, blissful escape. Your boss will survive. You need this 🧘♀️
In short — treat Indonesia’s public holidays not as a challenge, but as a travel cheat code 🧠✨. With a little planning (and this guide), you can avoid the crowds when needed, join the festive energy when you want it, and discover deeper sides of a country that feels close to home, but still full of surprises.
Now all that’s left?
🛫 Open your calendar.
📱 Call your travel buddy.
💻 Book that flight on Trip.com.
Because 2025 is just around the corner — and Indonesia is waiting 🏝️🇮🇩
FAQ about Indonesia Public Holidays 2025
Can I travel to Bali during Nyepi?
Nyepi falls on 28 March 2025 and is the Balinese New Year, observed with a full day of silence. The entire island shuts down — no flights, no transport, no walking outside, and even no lights at night. You can travel before or after Nyepi, but on that day, you’ll need to remain indoors at your hotel or villa. It’s a unique and spiritual experience, but not ideal if you were planning to explore or party.Is Indonesia very crowded during Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
Yes, extremely. Known locally as Lebaran, it’s the busiest travel season in Indonesia. Millions of people balik kampung, especially from big cities like Jakarta. Airports, highways, trains, and hotels get packed. If you’re planning to travel within Indonesia during this time (6–9 June 2025), book flights and accommodation very early. Alternatively, it’s a great time to visit quieter places like Bali or remote islands where the crowd is minimal.Do I need to worry about public transport being closed on holidays?
Generally, public transport continues to run on national holidays, but it can be very crowded, especially during peak holidays like Lebaran or Christmas. During Cuti Bersama periods, tickets for buses, trains, and domestic flights often sell out fast. For Bali, expect minimal disruption except on Nyepi, when transport stops entirely.Are tourist attractions open during Indonesian public holidays?
Most major tourist attractions remain open during holidays, especially in popular areas like Bali, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta. However, some smaller attractions or family-run businesses may close during Hari Raya or Christmas. During Nyepi, everything in Bali is closed for a full 24 hours. It’s best to check ahead if your visit coincides with a major holiday.What is Cuti Bersama and how does it affect travellers?
Cuti Bersama, or “collective leave,” is a special leave declared by the Indonesian government to extend major holidays. It often creates long weekends or week-long breaks, especially around Lebaran and Christmas. While not a formal public holiday, most offices, banks, and schools close. For travellers, this means increased traffic, crowded tourist spots, and higher prices — so plan accordingly and book early.
