The original article was published by TheHoneyCombers.com. Read HERE.
Writer: Louise
We’re quickly flying into the Year of the Dragon, so we’ve got your CNY 2024 celebrations covered – think things to do and the best places to eat over Chinese New Year in Bali!
Chinese New Year, AKA the Lunar New Year, is fast approaching, and with it comes indulgent reunion dinners, weird and wonderful superstitions, and for 2024 in particular, a time when we can channel our obsession for all things magical for the Year of the Dragon. But whether you’re keeping things traditional or not, get into the festive spirit this CNY with a get-together in Bali with family and friends. Here are some of the very best auspicious and delicious celebrations on the island to help you on your way. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Chinese New Year 2024 in Bali: The Year of the Dragon
This year, we’re flying into the Year of the Dragon. The fifth animal (out of 12) in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is not just a mythical fiery beast, it’s also a symbol of elegance, honour, luck and success – all the things we hope for in the new year. You’ll want to put on your best qipao for the Chinese New Year celebrations, as true to the animal, this year is predicted to be the year of “exciting changes”!
How to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bali
1. Feast with the family at a Chinese New Year reunion dinner in Bali
Chinese New Year is all about celebrating with family, and taking centre stage is the feast! A reunion dinner on the night before the new year is often generously served in the company of loved ones. This year, Bali has some great options for those Chinese comfort food must-haves – from abundant reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve to festive brunches on New Year’s Day. And psst… Some even offer a Yu Sheng prosperity toss (the higher you toss, the more prosperous you’ll be!), so be sure to look out for special menus…
Reunion dinners in Bali for Chinese New Year 2024:
Iwa Restaurant at Hotel Tugu Bali – Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with an exquisite Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner with a lion dance performance, and a family-style Chinese New Year Day brunch. Psst… each bite promises to tell a tale of prosperity!
2. Post-feast quality time with the family
Keep the spirit of CNY going and spend some time with the family in Bali. Traditionally, the itinerary for the days following Chinese New Year are filled with visiting relatives, and exchanging red envelopes and Mandarin oranges.
For island vacationers, a family day trip is always fun – strawberry picking in Bedugul, water sports at Nusa Dua Beach, or a whole day at Bali Zoo whilst spotting the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Or, take the whole family to Waterbom for a fun day of splish splashing. And psst… keep your eyes peeled for a pop-up food stall serving up a special CNY menu from 8th to 14th February (hellooo steamed fish and Peking duck!), as well as a lively Barongsai performance on CNY Day.
There’s always something to do to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bali!
3. Watch a lion dance performance
You’ll hear it before you see it! Listen out for the festive traditional music playing as a majestic colourful lion makes an entrance. Oh yes, a lion dance performance offers all the lively vibes we need to celebrate Chinese New Year. Not only that, it’s also an important tradition that brings fortune for the year. Children can have fun feeding the lion some red envelopes, and you may be able to find lion dance performances in shopping malls (like Beachwalk in Kuta and Level 21 in Denpasar), the island’s top resorts (like The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali) or at the more spacious Chinese restaurants.
4. Treat the kids to fun CNY activities!
Aside from feeding red envelopes to hungry dragons, there’ll be plenty on offer for the little ones this Chinese New Year. We’ll be heading straight to RIMBA by AYANA Bali, AKA Asia’s Best Family Resort of the 2023 World Travel Awards, where there’ll be a spectacular countdown and fireworks, as well as colourful activities for the kiddos at RIMBA Kids Club. If you’re travelling with the kids this CNY, we suggest checking out local event calendars to help you decide on where to spend Chinese New Year with the family.
5. Dress the part for your Chinese New Year celebrations
Get ready to see splashes of red and gold this Chinese New Year. Perhaps one of the most well-known Chinese New Year traditions, dressing in a lucky red outfit is a must for the festivities, as the colour red symbolises strength and prosperity for the coming year. While gold is not a must, it’s great to have on as it’s the colour of wealth. And here’s a good excuse to spend that wealth: a new outfit marks a fresh new beginning, so shopping is always encouraged! Here’s where to shop for the best outfits in Canggu and Seminyak to help you dress your best for CNY.
6. Spring clean… for good reason!
New year, new luck! While only some of us look forward to cleaning the house, it’s believed that by doing so before New Year’s Day, you’ll get rid of all the bad luck from last year and welcome the best of luck for the coming year. Plus, it’s always good to have a clean house to host your friends and family. Deck it out with festive red and gold decorations to keep with the CNY theme. And whatever you do, don’t forget to stock up on lots of Mandarin oranges at home, for extra prosperity in the new year.
7. Prep those lucky red envelopes!
This iconic Chinese New Year tradition is one that’s well known all over the world. Gifting money in red envelopes (ang pao) is not only fun, but also a way to wish the best of luck, health and happiness. Generally, red envelopes on Chinese New Year are gifted amongst relatives, from adults to children and the elderly. Or, you can hang them on potted trees in the house for extra festive decor! Fun fact: Chinese red envelopes are also gifted on other special days, like birthdays and weddings too.