- Let's take a look at the map
- How is the New Year celebrated in Indonesia?
- In local traditions
- Useful information for travelers
Scattered over the islands of the Malay Archipelago on both sides of the equator, Indonesia is one of those countries about which we usually say "not a passing light." Just for the sake of just lying on the beach, fly many thousands of kilometers from home and spend almost a day on a one-way trip? There are not so many who want to accomplish the feat, but still, no, no, and a Russian red-skinned passport will flicker in the border window of the airport of Bali, and then the daredevil will go swimming in the gentle ocean waters thousands of nautical miles from the slushy Moscow winter. Celebrating the New Year in Indonesia is a costly event in all respects - both money and time for those who want oriental exoticism will have to be stocked up in abundance. But if you still decide on such a trip, you will be rewarded with unique sunrises, white beaches, perfect surfing and the special comfort that the locals traditionally and generously give, regardless of the category of the hotel or restaurant chosen by the guests.
Let's take a look at the map
Distant Indonesia is washed by the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and lies almost entirely in the equatorial climate zone:
- The peculiarities of the weather at such latitudes are high humidity, reaching 90 percent or more in certain periods of the year, and pronounced dry and rainy seasons.
- The wet period begins in November and lasts until the last days of April. At this time, the rains are regular and from short tropical showers can turn into prolonged precipitation that does not stop for several days. During the rest of the year, rainfall is unlikely in Indonesia.
- The air temperature in December and January in resort areas is usually + 26 ° С - + 28 ° С. The water in the ocean warms up to about the same values.
If you are ready to go to celebrate the New Year in Indonesia, remember that the time of winter holidays is here - the season is quite wet. The heat in such latitudes can be difficult to endure, but if this does not scare you, you will be able to relax wonderfully.
How is the New Year celebrated in Indonesia?
The funniest night in the Old World of the year in Indonesia is much more modest. On December 31, most of the hotels where foreigners live remain smartly decorated since Christmas, and special festive dishes appear on the menu in honor of the New Year. The highlights of the culinary program are rice desserts, fried chicken, palm vodka and local beers. The hotels are preparing an entertainment program in which local artists, musicians and hotel guests take part.
Bali, the main tourist island of Indonesia, usually becomes the center of New Year's celebrations. The long-awaited night is a great occasion to show oneself and look at others, and therefore the Balinese arrange a carnival procession with music, dancing and theatrical street performances. Most of the celebrations take place right on the beaches, and swimming with champagne and Santa Claus becomes an indispensable party program.
On the island of Lombok, locals have been organizing an underwater show for tourists over the past few years. By renting a scuba gear, you can dance around a real Christmas tree at the bottom of the sea.
Local traditions
The absolute majority of Indonesians who profess Islam celebrate their own New Year on the first day of the month of Muharram. Its date is floating and is determined in accordance with the Muslim calendar based on the phases of the moon.
In February, the country is celebrating again, and this time the New Year is coming according to the Chinese version. In another way, this day is called the holiday of spring, and marks the completion of the full lunar cycle.
But the most amazing rituals accompany the New Year for those who preach Hinduism. Most of all, the holiday called Nyepi is celebrated on the island of Bali. Nyepi is the first day of the year according to the lunar calendar. During Nieppe, it is customary to be silent, not to make a fire or turn on the electricity, not to drive and do nothing at all. The Balinese establish such a regime so that evil spirits, deciding that the island is empty, leave it.
Nyepi is preceded by a series of festive preparations, including bathing in springs or the sea of statues of the gods, cleansing houses, ritual chanting, and smoking incense. But the day after Nyepi, the islanders indulge in culinary debauchery and visit each other. On New Year's Day in Hindu style, you can also taste dozens of amazingly delicious local dishes made from seafood, fruits and vegetables.
Useful information for travelers
- A flight to Indonesia in general and to the island of Bali, in particular, will be the cheapest for those who buy a tour, of which a charter flight is a part. If you prefer to organize your own trips on your own, focus on 800-900 euros for a round-trip ticket. The Chinese will drive you the cheapest way. The flight with transfers to Urumqi and Guangzhou will take about 15 hours excluding the connection.
- Aeroflot flies to Bali with a dock in Hong Kong. The pleasure of speaking with the flight attendants in their native language will cost 1000 euros and take about 14 hours of pure time.
- Profitable shopping is an important task for those who flew to celebrate the New Year in Indonesia. Holiday sales start in the country in November and, starting from this moment, everyone can become the proud owner of clothes and jewelry, souvenirs made of wood and Javanese spices, paintings and handicrafts made from natural stones at very reasonable prices. Don't forget to bargain! Polite and delicate bargaining in Indonesia is not only permitted but encouraged.
If your vacation falls during the New Year in Indonesia, and no matter what calendar, take care of the timely booking of tours, hotels and air tickets. The islands become an especially popular destination not only during the Christmas holidays, but also in February-March, when the first days of the new lunar cycle begin.
