Celebrating Chinese New Year in Bali: Where to Go and What to Expect in 2026
Keyword: Chinese New Year in Bali
Meta Description: Chinese New Year in Bali brings a festive delight. Here’s where to go and what to expect for celebrating Chinese New Year in Bali.
Chinese New Year in Bali brings a festive delight where cultural traditions, decorations, and beauty blend together in a tropical island of joy. The fusion of Chinese cultural traditions, ceremonies, Balinese culture, decorations, special festive cuisine, and celebrations gives a glimpse of how joyous the Lunar New Year is celebrated in Bali.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is celebrated as the start of a new year in the Chinese calendar system. It is a special opportunity to feel renewed, to offer thanks, and to bring in new good luck. There is something particularly special about experiencing Chinese New Year in Bali due to the unique influence of the Chinese-Indonesian culture in the country.
The festivities will usually revolve around temples, families, and rituals, which symbolize balance, a quality that is also reflected in Balinese and Chinese cultures. The festivities in 2026 will mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse, a zodiac symbol associated with energy, freedom, confidence, and forward movement. Thus, it can be concluded that aside from having festivities, the event will also have some underlying cultural connotations.
When Is Chinese New Year in 2026?
Chinese New Year falls on February 17, 2026, and is a public holiday in Indonesia. This translates into a more vibrant holiday atmosphere in Bali, with temple events, cultural happenings, and festive decorations dotting the island. Many businesses stay open, but areas of high tourist concentration, temples, and restaurants may be busier than normal. Travelers are advised to book accommodations and transportation in advance for comfortable participation in the festivities during this peak holiday period.
Top Places to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Bali
Vihara Satya Dharma
Vihara Satya Dharma is one of the most iconic Chinese temples in Bali, recognized easily even before entering the place because of its striking Goddess Guan Yin statue. During Chinese New Year, it usually becomes one of the most visited sites of prayer and celebrations, as well as of interesting events to behold, particularly on Chinese New Year’s Day, as it enjoys being in an excellent and central location.
Location: Jl. Raya Pelabuhan Benoa, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali
Ling Gwan Kiong
This temple, called the “Temple of the Profound Source,” has great historic value as it was constructed in the vicinity of the seaport to provide protection to sailors. In the case of the Chinese New Year, the traditional practices are conducted with the feeling of heritage associated with the historic presence of the Chinese-Indonesian community in the island. The coastal location of the temple is unique in its appeal.
Location: Jl. Erlangga No.65, Kp. Bugis, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81114
Brahma Vihara Arama
Known colloquially as Bali's mini-Borobudur, Brahma Vihara Arama offers a quiet, meditative joy: greeting the Lunar New Year in serene surroundings. Constructed specifically for meditation, this Buddhist monastery offers a quiet, spiritual atmosphere that puts one far enough away from the crowds and noise to either reflect or renew with quiet time during Chinese New Year. The peaceful surroundings amplify the mindfulness and, thus, balance of the occasion.
Location: Banjar Dinas Tangeb, Banjar Tegeha, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152
Family Lunch or Dinner in Kuta and Seminyak
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort provides guests with an opportunity to experience a unique look and feel at a Chinese New Year dinner that evokes a spirit of reunion and abundance. Various options are available for a Chinese New Year dinner at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. They include a sumptuous buffet at Pala Restaurant or a special opportunity to try a Chinese New Year Hot Pot at Bai Yun Restaurant. Alternatively, Reef Beach Club provides a rotisserie menu for a more laid-back celebration, or try a unique Artisan Afternoon Tea at Selasar Deli. Reservations are essential for limited seats.
Location: Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
W Bali - Seminyak
At the W Bali Seminyak, the celebration of the Chinese New Year is stylishly created with a vibrant look of renewal, knowledge, and prosperity. During the festive season, the hotel offers food celebrations with its themed venues featuring authentic dim sum dishes, craft cocktails, and refreshing mocktails created specifically for the occasion. Making it even more thrilling for the holiday is the exclusive performance of the Lion Dance with its rich meaning of good luck and good fortune.
Location: Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Chinese New Year Activities in Ubud
Capella Ubud
Capella Ubud offers an enriched Chinese New Year celebration in Ubud with ritual, performance, and culinary offerings in an upscale setting. The event kicks off with Yusheng, or Prosperity Toss, in a symbolic celebration of prosperity and success with friends or loved ones. Next is an exciting Lion Dance performance, celebrating bravery, courage, and rejuvenation in dance. There is also a special Lunar New Year Feast at Mads Lange, celebrating Chinese-Indonesian cuisine with Peranakan dishes after years of interchanging culture.
Location: Jl. RY Dalem, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
ARMA Museum & Resort
The ARMA Museum Resort will be hosting a Chinese New Year experience buffet dinner in an outdoor space. Complemented by Barongsai shows with traditional Balinese Barong Dance performance. The environment shall be an enjoyable way by artistically celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year in Ubud.
Location: Jl. Made Lebah, Mas, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Luxury Celebration on The Shivanna
Why not host your own Chinese New Year celebration? Enjoy a luxurious Chinese New Year aboard the Shivanna, surrounded by your loved ones this festive season. Get in touch with our team today to book our entire vessel, with customisable itineraries, versatile spaces, and a team of experienced crews ready to help you welcome the new year in style.
Travel Tips for Chinese New Year in Bali
- Expect Crowds around Temples and Tourist Spots
Popular temples, malls, and restaurants can become very crowded, especially during Chinese New Year's Day. Areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Singaraja can become more crowded, so it's advisable to visit them early in the morning or in the evening.
- Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic may also be more than usual, especially in areas near temples and the city center, where ceremonies and lion dances are held. In addition, if your journey involves moving to different locations, it would be wise to add more buffer time to your itinerary.
- Check Business and Attraction Hours
Although Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Indonesia, some places may not fully observe this. For some shops and restaurants, they may open for shorter hours, while some are fully open. One should confirm this, particularly for spa and food stores.
- Dress Respectfully Especially When Visiting Temples
Red or gold attire is very popular during Chinese New Year. It depicts good fortune. However, when visiting temples, it is better to wear clothes that cover your shoulder and knee to demonstrate proper etiquette.
- Be Mindful of Temple Etiquette
Loud talking, flash photography in prayers, and stepping on offerings are to be avoided. If in doubt, the photographer can refer to the locals or officials at the site.
- Book Flights and Hotels Early
The period around Chinese New Year in Bali often coincides with one of the biggest travel periods in Bali. Flights, resorts by the beach, and some of the most in-demand villas can sell out quickly, with prices increasing in the lead-up to the date itself.
- Reserve Special Dinners and Events in Advance
Most festive dinner events, yacht cruises, and hotel celebrations tend to offer limited seating. Reserving prior seats will also prevent you from missing out on special Chinese New Year offerings.
- Create a Flexible Itinerary
Some activities, such as lion dances or religious ceremonies in temples, can follow their own unpredictable schedules. Be flexible with your itinerary in order to appreciate these impromptu moments of culture.
FAQ
Is Chinese New Year a public holiday in Bali?
Yes. Chinese New Year, known as "Imlek," is an official public holiday in Indonesia, including Bali.
Where are the best Chinese temples in Bali?
Some popular temples to visit include Vihara Satya Dharma, found in Benoa, Ling Gwan Kiong, which is located in Singaraja, and Brahma Vihara.
Are there fireworks on Chinese New Year in Bali?
Fireworks are normally used during hotel events, yacht cruises, and personal parties but not during public events.
Can tourists join the celebrations?
Yes. In fact, tourists are welcomed in temples, are allowed to witness the lion dance, and can participate in any festive activity.
