Nyepi and Idul Fitri 2026: Why Bali Visitors Should Plan Ahead for March Holidays

Nyepi in Bali



Tourists planning to visit Bali in March 2026 are advised to make their bookings early. This is due to the close timing of Bali’s New Year, Nyepi or Hari Raya Nyepi (Thursday, 19 March), and Idul Fitri (21–22 March), which are only two days apart.

This combination is expected to create an extended holiday period of around seven days for many Indonesians.

For first-time visitors to Bali, it is important to note that Nyepi is a 24-hour Day of Silence marked by a complete shutdown across the island, including the suspension of all flights and transportation services.

Therefore, early planning and advance accommodation bookings are crucial to ensure a smooth and memorable holiday.

According to Kabarnusa, Bali’s appeal as a tourist destination continues to grow and shows no signs of slowing down. TripAdvisor recently named Bali the number one tourist destination in the world in the Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations 2026, surpassing London, Dubai, Paris, and New York.

Bali’s popularity is also reflected in record-breaking tourism figures. More than 7.1 million international visitors were recorded in Bali throughout 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and marking the highest figure in the island’s history.

Domestic travel to Bali is also expected to increase significantly during the March 2026 holiday period, driven by various government initiatives, including airline ticket discount programs ahead of Idul Fitri aimed at stimulating the national economy.

In addition, the opening of new international flight routes from Singapore, Newcastle (Australia), and Mumbai has further improved accessibility for international travelers.

Travel platforms such as Skyscanner have also highlighted a growing trend of multigenerational family travel, reinforcing the importance of securing accommodation early for family gatherings and group holidays.

With Chinese New Year falling on 17 February 2026, early bookings are becoming increasingly critical.

According to Jakartaterkini, Tourists planning to visit Bali in March 2026 are urged to secure accommodation as soon as possible. Hari Raya Nyepi falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026, while Idul Fitri is expected to take place on 21–22 March 2026, just two days later. This situation creates the potential for an extended holiday of up to seven days for many Indonesians.

Moreover, domestic travel to Bali is projected to rise sharply during the March 2026 holiday period, in line with various government initiatives, including discounted airfare programs ahead of Idul Fitri to boost the national economy.

Travel platforms such as Skyscanner have also observed an increase in multigenerational family travel, further emphasizing the need to secure accommodation early for family vacations and reunions.

With Chinese New Year falling on 17 February 2026, travel demand is expected to rise from the beginning of the year, making early bookings even more important.

Bali’s popularity as a global tourist destination also continues to strengthen. TripAdvisor recently ranked Bali as the world’s top destination in the Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations 2026, outperforming major cities such as London, Dubai, Paris, and New York.

Throughout 2025, Bali recorded more than 7.1 million international tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic figures and achieving the highest number on record.


Sources : Kabarnusa, Jakartaterkini
Feat Image : via Pexel/EL Jusuf

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