Chinese New Year trips to Bali and Riau

Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February in Indonesia’s holiday list, with collective leave on Friday 5 February ^[1]. A Bali break gives you villas and variety in the wet season. A Batam or Bintan break gives you a shorter ferry trip with temples, markets and spas close by.

Start with the season, activity and traveller-fit hub for the wider calendar. Then use this page to choose between the two.

When is Chinese New Year in 2027?

Indonesia lists Imlek on Saturday 6 February 2027, with collective leave the day before ^[1]. Malaysian public holidays and school days follow their own lists, so match all three before you book. Our 2027 school holidays guide sets out the term breaks.

The date also sits close to Ramadan, which is expected to start around 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting ^[2]. Families with Muslim friends or relatives joining the trip may want to talk about timing early.

What is the weather like in Bali in February?

February sits inside Bali’s wet season, which runs November to March. It is hot and humid, with rain in the morning and afternoon, a quieter island and cheaper hotels ^[3]. Skies can clear for a few hours between showers.

Plan an indoor option for each day, such as a spa, a cooking class or a museum. Our wet season guide and the best time to visit Bali for Malaysians cover this in more detail.

What can you do in Riau during Imlek?

Tanjung Pinang on Bintan hosts a Chinese New Year market on Jalan Merdeka, and a temple of 500 Lohan statues stands about 10 km from the city centre ^[4]. Both fit a short Bintan stay. Nagoya Superblock in Batam suits a shopping afternoon.

For a longer outing, Ho Ann Kiong temple in Selatpanjang is about three hours by speedboat from Batam. A water-splashing tradition runs there in the first six days of Imlek ^[5]. Treat it as a separate trip rather than a day excursion.

Which break suits your family?

Option	Best suited to	Worth knowing
Bali	Week-long break, villas, mixed ages	Wet season, longer flight and transfers
Batam	Short break, shopping, spa	Ferry timing matters
Bintan	Resort stay, beach, calm	Transfer legs from the ferry terminal

If you are comparing the two Riau islands, read our Batam versus Bintan guide. Short breaks work best with one base.

How should you book over a peak week?

Book flights and ferry tickets first, then the hotel. Ask the agency which legs can be changed and what each change costs. Our peak-season surcharges guide explains the lines to check on the quote.

Sea conditions can also affect ferry timing, so leave a buffer on the way home. Our guide to ferry cancellations in rough weather shows what to ask before you pay.