New Year’s Eve in Indonesia is a truly vibrant experience, filled with fireworks, cultural festivities, and celebrations that stretch from coast to coast. For foreign tourists eager to embrace the Indonesian spirit, there are countless destinations across the archipelago that promise unforgettable New Year’s celebrations. Here are some of the best places to celebrate New Year in Indonesia, each with unique traditions, breathtaking fireworks displays, and local culinary delights.
Also read: New Year Celebration in Indonesia: Guide for Foreign Tourists
Bundaran HI, Jakarta
Located in the heart of Jakarta, Bundaran HI is Indonesia’s equivalent to New York’s Times Square. This lively roundabout hosts an electrifying fireworks display and a mesmerizing water fountain show, where the fountains “dance” to the rhythm of the night. It’s one of the most popular spots for both locals and tourists, creating a memorable urban New Year experience.
National Monument (Monas), Jakarta
Another iconic location in Jakarta, Monas is known for its grand fireworks, live performances by local celebrities, and the thrilling midnight countdown. Visitors here enjoy a combination of Indonesian cultural entertainment and modern festivities, making it a dynamic spot to welcome the New Year.
Alun-Alun Bandung
Moving to Bandung, the city’s Alun-Alun (Central Square) is a festive hub where you can celebrate the New Year with food, fireworks, and music. A standout feature here is the culinary festival, which offers a variety of Sundanese dishes, ideal for food enthusiasts eager to try local flavors.
Also read: Indonesia Travel Guide: Explore the Beautiful Archipelago
Dago Street, Bandung
Dago Street in Bandung is perfect for those who love shopping and food. On New Year’s Eve, the street is lined with stores offering discounts and a wide range of restaurants to dine with family and friends. With lively crowds and exciting New Year sales, it’s a favorite for tourists seeking a festive shopping experience.
Simpang Lima, Semarang
In Semarang, Simpang Lima transforms into a lively pedestrian area for the New Year celebration. The streets are closed off, allowing visitors to wander freely and sample famous local treats like Lumpia, Tahu Petis, and Nasi Goreng Babat. The warm Semarang hospitality and festive ambiance make it a unique spot to usher in the New Year.
Alun-Alun Utara, Yogyakarta
Known for its cultural richness, Yogyakarta’s North Square offers a New Year celebration filled with fireworks and traditional performances like gamelan music and Javanese dances. It’s a favorite among those seeking a more authentic and cultural New Year experience in Indonesia.
Tanjung Perak, Surabaya
Surabaya, one of Indonesia’s largest cities, celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks and a boat tour along Tanjung Perak. The boat offers live entertainment, allowing visitors to enjoy a scenic night on the water surrounded by New Year festivities—a perfect way to welcome 2024.
Also read: 9 Top Indonesia New Year Foods: Celebrate with Traditional Dishes and Local Delights
Kuta Beach, Bali
Bali is an internationally renowned New Year destination, and Kuta Beach remains one of the top places to celebrate. Known for its lively party atmosphere, the beach hosts live music, fireworks, and all-night celebrations, ending with a breathtaking sunrise over the ocean—a truly magical way to start the new year.
Gili Trawangan, Lombok
For those seeking a party island experience, Gili Trawangan in Lombok transforms into a vibrant venue for New Year’s celebrations. This small island hosts a mesmerizing fire dance, fireworks, and various beachside parties that last until dawn.
Losari Beach, Makassar
Makassar’s Losari Beach offers a New Year’s celebration by the sea, filled with local delicacies like Coto Makassar and Pisang Epe. Visitors can take photos with the beautifully decorated beach backdrop as they enjoy the festive atmosphere of Makassar’s New Year celebration.
Also read: 9 New Year Traditions in Indonesia: Celebrations to Remember
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jakarta
Ancol Dreamland in Jakarta offers a family-friendly atmosphere with live music performances and a stunning 15-minute fireworks display over three locations in the park: Beach Pool, Mermaid Resort, and Carnival Beach. It’s ideal for families who want to ring in the New Year with an exciting yet relaxed experience.
Sikunir Hill, Dieng
For those looking for a unique experience, head to Sikunir Hill in Dieng, where you’ll find a lantern festival illuminating the night sky. Here, visitors can enjoy a scenic climb to the peak to watch a spectacular sunrise on New Year’s Day, making it a beautiful option for nature lovers.
Borobudur Temple, Magelang
Near Yogyakarta, the ancient Borobudur Temple hosts a peaceful yet awe-inspiring lantern festival on New Year’s Eve. Thousands of lanterns are released, symbolizing hope and renewal. This serene celebration offers a spiritual start to the new year for those seeking a calm and reflective experience.
Denpasar Festival, Bali
For an early New Year celebration, Bali’s Denpasar Festival begins on December 28th, showcasing traditional Balinese art performances and a vibrant street parade. Located at Patung Catur on Gajah Mada Street, the festival reflects Balinese culture and sustainability, making it a memorable lead-up to the New Year.
Badendang Rotan, Central Maluku
For an authentic local experience, visit Central Maluku and witness the Badendang Rotan tradition, a unique rattan tug-of-war event celebrating solidarity. Held during the day on New Year’s Day, it offers a glimpse into Indonesian cultural heritage, perfect for visitors seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Gong Festival, Surakarta
In Surakarta, fireworks and firecrackers are replaced by a Gong Festival, where 75 gongs are played in a traditional gamelan orchestra. The event includes a countdown marked by gongs and sirens, creating a distinctive cultural celebration unlike any other New Year’s event in Indonesia.
As you plan to experience these incredible New Year’s celebrations in Indonesia, remember to comply with Indonesian entry regulations.
Check out the full details in our guide on Indonesia Travel and Entry Requirements 2024 and Indonesia Customs Declaration Guide.
For visa purposes, you can enter using the Indonesia visa on arrival which is valid for a 30-day stay. Meanwhile, if you want to stay longer, you can extend the Indonesian visa on arrival or apply for an Indonesia tourist visa.
For a simpler visa application, you can rely on InvestinAsia’s Indonesia Visa service. Our professional team is ready to help you through the process to the end.
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