Planning a surf trip to Mentawai around March and April? Be aware that Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi (Silence Day in Bali) will cause major travel disruptions.
Eid al-Fitr is known as Hari Raya Idul Fitri in Indonesia and is a two-day national holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, followed by further celebrations, that lead to around a 1 week holiday period.
During this time, ferries will stop running, flights will be packed, and delays are highly likely. Here is what you need to know about this busy holiday period so you can avoid any disruptions to your trip.
Key Travel Disruptions
1. Mentawai Fast Ferry Suspension – No Service from March 29 to April 6 2025
If you’re planning to visit Mentawai, keep in mind that the Mentawai Fast Ferry will not operate between March 29 and April 6 2025 due to Idul Fitri. This means travelers must arrive before March 29 or wait until April 7 to travel to the islands.
UPDATE: The Mentawai Fast Ferry has confirmed they will run a special return service between Padang and Tuapajet on Monday the 7th April.
Check out our special Eid Al-Fitr Special at Villa Onu.
2. Silence Day in Bali – Airport Closed for 24 Hours
Nyepi, or Silence Day, will take place on March 29, 2025. During this sacred Balinese holiday:
- Bali’s airport (DPS) will be completely closed from 6 AM on March 29 until 6 AM on March 30.
- No flights will land or take off, and all transportation—including taxis and motorbikes—will stop.
- Travelers transiting through Bali should avoid booking flights on these dates.
3. High Demand for Flights & Limited Availability
With millions of Indonesians traveling home for Idul Fitri (March 30-31), expect:
- Overbooked flights to Jakarta, Padang, and other major hubs.
- Longer wait times at airports.
- Increased ticket prices for last-minute bookings.
To avoid delays and cancellations, book flights early and follow these travel tips:
- Choose flights with flexible change policies.
- Schedule at least 3+ hours of transit time in Jakarta if you have connecting flights.
- Get travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Idul Fitri?
Idul Fitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and is Indonesia’s most important holiday. It is a time of family reunions, feasts, and celebrations. Millions of Indonesians participate in mudik, the tradition of returning home to their villages, leading to a surge in travel.
When is Idul Fitri in 2025?
Idul Fitri will be celebrated in Mentawai on March 31, 2025, with an extended holiday period from April 1 to April 7. Travel disruptions due to increased travellers will begin several days before and continue for about a week.
Will ferries run from Padang to Mentawai during Idul Fitri?
No. The Mentawai Fast Ferry service will be suspended from March 29 to April 6, 2025. If you need to travel to Mentawai, you must arrive before March 29 or after April 6.
What is the best way to travel to Mentawai during Idul Fitri?
To avoid disruptions, plan your trip with Villa Onu Mentawai’s special 10-night package, ensuring you arrive before March 29 and depart after April 6.
Are businesses and surf resorts open in Mentawai during Idul Fitri?
While some local businesses may close, Villa Onu Mentawai will remain fully operational, providing accommodation, meals, and surf trips as usual.
Why is Idul Fitri such a big celebration in Indonesia?
Idul Fitri is Indonesia’s largest holiday, bringing families together for prayers, feasts, and celebrations. Employees receive a holiday bonus (Tunjangan Hari Raya), equal to at least one month’s salary, ensuring everyone can participate in the festivities.
What traditional foods are eaten during Idul Fitri?
During the celebrations, Indonesians enjoy:
- Ketupat – Rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves
- Opor Ayam – Chicken in coconut milk curry
- Rendang – Slow-cooked beef in rich spices
- Lapis Legit – Indonesian layered cake
When is Idul Fitri in 2026 and 2027?
- 2026: March 20 (Friday) with Lebaran continuing on March 21.
- 2027: March 10 (Wednesday) with an additional public holiday.
How does Idul Fitri affect travel in Indonesia?
During Idul Fitri, millions of Indonesians travel to visit their families in a tradition known as mudik. This leads to fully booked flights, busy airports, and limited ferry services, especially in remote areas like the Mentawai Islands. If you plan to travel around this time, it’s best to arrange transport well in advance or consider alternatives.
Final Travel Tips
To ensure a smooth trip, remember:
✅ Book flights early and choose flexible tickets.
✅ Allow at least 3+ hours for layovers in Jakarta.
✅ Avoid transiting through Bali on March 29 (Silence Day).
✅ Get travel insurance to cover cancellations or delays.
✅ Arrive in Mentawai before March 29 and depart after April 6.
Planning your trip accordingly will help you avoid travel headaches and maximize your time surfing in Mentawai. Secure your spot early and enjoy stress-free travel!
