If you’re planning to travel in Indonesia this June, there’s one important date you should circle on your calendar: Friday, June 6, 2025. That’s when Idul Adha, also known as Eid al Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, will be celebrated across the country. This major Islamic holiday is one of the most significant events in the Indonesian calendar, and while it’s a deeply spiritual time for many, it can also impact travelers.
What Is Idul Adha?
Idul Adha commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Indonesia, it is marked by a special morning prayer and the ritual qurban, where animals such as goats, sheep, and cows are sacrificed. The meat is then distributed to the poor, symbolizing charity and community.
How Eid al Adha Celebrations Unfold
On the early morning of Idul Adha, cities and villages alike become quiet as people gather at mosques or open fields for communal prayers. Afterward, the qurban takes place—usually in mosque courtyards or nearby public spaces.
If you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply sensitive to the sight of animal sacrifice, you might wonder what this means for your travel experience. While the qurban is a public ritual, it’s typically limited to mosque areas and does not dominate the streets—unless you’re in a very small village. It’s unlikely that animal remains will be visible in tourist zones or main city centers. Most of the sacrifices are completed by midday, and clean-up efforts begin shortly after.
Most Indonesians spend this holiday at home with family. Unlike Idul Fitri (Lebaran), there’s no widespread mudik (mass exodus to hometowns), so transportation hubs like airports, bus stations, and highways usually remain calm—at least at first.
The Travel Catch: A Long Weekend Surge
This year, Idul Adha falls on a Friday, creating a long weekend. While the actual day of the holiday is quiet, the following Saturday and Sunday can be a different story. Expect a sharp rise in domestic tourism as families take advantage of the extended break. Popular tourist destinations like Bogor, Yogyakarta, Dieng, Bromo, or Ijen may experience crowd surges starting Friday evening.
Accommodations can fill up quickly, traffic can become heavy in key areas, and attractions may be busier than usual. But don’t expect anything extreme. If you’re planning to travel during this time, it’s wise to book ahead and plan your itinerary carefully.
Backindo Tip: Traveling by train is always a safe bet during long weekends in Java.
Should You Travel to Indonesia during Idul Adha?
Yes, absolutely—there’s very little reason not to. Unlike the busy end of Lebaran when everyone is on the move, Idul Adha is more localized. Most people stay home, and there’s no major travel rush or city shutdown. If anything, it will feel like a slightly quieter day, especially in the morning.
Tourist attractions such as museums or city tours might close or operate on reduced hours, but nature spots—mountains, beaches, or countryside—remain a great option. In fact, spending the day outdoors is probably your best bet.
So don’t worry—Idul Adha is unlikely to disrupt your travel plans. With a bit of awareness and flexibility, it can be just another beautiful day to explore Indonesia.
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