Planning a trip to Indonesia? The country continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading global travel destination, offering experiences that extend well beyond the familiar appeal of Bali.
For international travellers and expats living in Indonesia, the archipelago presents a wide range of options, from highland retreats and cultural landmarks to marine destinations recognised worldwide.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Indonesian government has confirmed its schedule of national holidays and collective leave days. These dates create several long weekends throughout the year, which are likely to influence peak travel periods, particularly for domestic travel.
For expats and foreign tourists, understanding holidays in Indonesia can be useful when planning trips, whether to align annual leave with major holidays or to avoid busier periods at popular destinations.
While Bali remains a favorite, several other locations have garnered international acclaim.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, located in West Papua, is widely recognised for its marine biodiversity. The archipelago consists of more than 1,500 small islands, sandbanks, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool.
The name Raja Ampat is derived from a local legend about a woman who discovered seven eggs. Four of the eggs hatched into kings who ruled the main islands, while the remaining three became a woman, a spirit, and a stone.
Covering approximately 9.8 million hectares of land and sea, Raja Ampat is home to more than 540 coral species, over 1,000 reef fish species, and hundreds of mollusc species. A joint report by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International states that around 75 per cent of the world’s marine species can be found in this region.
Mandalika, Lombok
@garuda.indonesia Pesona pemandangan indah yang terdiri dari hamparan pantai pasir putih yang dipadukan dengan bukit-bukit hijau, membuat sirkuit Mandalika dijuluki sirkuit terindah di dunia. Menuju event MotoGP di sirkuit Mandalika 2023, Garuda Indonesia menambah penerbangan lebih dari 6.200 seat dari dan menuju Lombok selama periode MotoGP 2023 Pesan tiketnya segera yuk di • Aplikasi FlyGaruda atau • www.garuda-indonesia.com 📷: @rezaardiantori #GarudaIndonesia #BecauseYouMatter #Mandalika #Lombok #MotoGP ♬ suara asli – Garuda Indonesia
Mandalika, located in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, is home to Indonesia’s only international racing circuit. The Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit has become a key attraction for both motorsport enthusiasts and international travellers.
Set against coastal scenery, Mandalika has hosted international racing events and continues to draw visitors interested in sports tourism, beaches, and newly developed tourism infrastructure.
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple in Central Java is the largest Buddhist monument in the world and one of Indonesia’s most important cultural landmarks. Built in the 9th century during the Syailendra dynasty, the temple features 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
The stone reliefs depict scenes from the life of Buddha and are considered one of the most complete collections of Buddhist narrative art globally. Borobudur remains a major destination for cultural travellers and religious pilgrims.
Lake Toba
@pesonaindonesia Danau Toba selalu punya cara sendiri untuk bikin siapa pun jatuh cinta—pemandangan yang menenangkan, budaya lokal yang kaya, dan udara sejuk yang bikin betah berlama-lama. Kini, keindahan itu makin terjaga lewat inisiatif Gerakan Wisata Bersih oleh Kementerian Pariwisata, yang mengajak semua pihak ikut andil dalam menjaga kebersihan dan kenyamanan tempat wisata. Cr/IG: jonesdospy18 📍 Danau Toba, Sumatera Utara #PesonaIndonesia #DiIndonesiaAja #GerakanWisataBersih ♬ alarm bakso pak tembong – alfon bayora
Lake Toba in North Sumatra is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest volcanic lakes in the world. At its centre lies Samosir Island, known for Batak cultural heritage, traditional villages, and historical stone tombs.
Situated around 900 metres above sea level, the region offers cooler temperatures compared to major cities. The Lake Toba Festival, first introduced in the 1980s and later restructured in 2011, is held annually across regencies surrounding the lake.
Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is located within Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java. The area is known for its sunrise viewpoints, volcanic landscapes, and vast sand plains.
The crater can be accessed via a staircase, making it suitable for a wide range of travellers. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area on horseback or by jeep tours, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Holidays in Indonesia: National Holidays and Collective Leave Days 2026
The Indonesian government has announced 17 national holidays and eight collective leave days for 2026. These dates are significant for travellers, particularly during long weekends and major holidays, when domestic travel demand is higher.
2026 National Public Holidays
- Thursday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
- Friday, 16 January: Isra Mi’raj of the Prophet Muhammad
- Tuesday, 17 February: Chinese New Year 2577
- Thursday, 19 March: Nyepi (Saka New Year 1948)
- Saturday, 21 March: Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH
- Sunday, 22 March: Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH
- Friday, 3 April: Death of Jesus Christ
- Sunday, 5 April: Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Easter)
- Friday, 1 May: International Workers’ Day
- Thursday, 14 May: Ascension of Jesus Christ
- Wednesday, 27 May: Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijri
- Sunday, 31 May: Vesak Day 2570 BE
- Monday, 1 June: Pancasila Day
- Tuesday, 16 June: Islamic New Year 1448 Hijri
- Monday, 17 August: Indonesian Independence Day
- Tuesday, 25 August: Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
- Friday, 25 December: Christmas Day
2026 Collective Leave Days
- Monday, 16 February: Chinese New Year
- Wednesday, 18 March: Nyepi
- Friday, 20 March: Eid al-Fitr
- Monday, 23 March: Eid al-Fitr
- Tuesday, 24 March: Eid al-Fitr
- Friday, 15 May: Ascension of Jesus Christ
- Thursday, 28 May: Eid al-Adha
- Thursday, 24 December: Christmas
These upcoming long weekends and major holidays provide opportunities for travellers to explore Indonesia’s leading destinations while planning around peak travel periods. For business owner, this official public holidays in Indonesia can be a benchmark to arrange responsibility in the office.
Photo by Muhammad Hary/Pexels
