Step aside Tiger, we're hopping into the Year of the Rabbit! And we’ve got your CNY celebrations covered - think things to do and the best places to eat on 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 2023 in particular, a time when we can channel our obsession for all things fluffy for the Year of the Rabbit. But whether you’re keeping things traditional or not, get into the festive spirit this CNY with a get-together in Bali for 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 2023 in Bali: The Year of the Rabbit
This year, we’re hopping into the Year of the Rabbit. The fourth animal (out of 12) in the Chinese zodiac, the rabbit is not just a cute furry friend, it’s also a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity – 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 hope!
How to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bali
1. Shop and 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.
2. Spring cleaning… 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.
3. Feast with the whole family on Chinese New Year’s Eve and Day
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 your loved ones. Lucky for you, Bali has some great options for Chinese restaurants, offering all of those comfort food must-haves – from abundant reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve to festive brunches on New Year’s Day. And psst… Some of them might 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.
To give you some ideas, Table8 is welcoming the new year with a Lunar Banquet, while Bai Yun at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, AKA our go-to for Chinese hot pots, is treating you to premium ingredients and a complimentary Yu Sheng platter. Meanwhile, Lion X at Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort will be dishing up The Lucky Rabbit eight-course menu, packed with the chef’s contemporary specialties. Want to keep eating on New Year’s Day? Try the Abundance Edition at Daily Social’s Sunday brunch and the eight-course Lunar New Year Dinner – The Red Temple 1706 at Hotel Tugu Bali.
4. It’s money honey… All wrapped up in 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.
5. Watch a lion dance performance and keep an eye out for kids activities
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), or at the more spacious Chinese restaurants. We suggest checking out local event calendars to help you decide on where to spend Chinese New Year.
6. Post-feast quality time with the family
Keep the spirits of CNY going and spend some time with the family. 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, a whole day at Bali Zoo whilst making friends with all the lucky rabbits… There’s always something to do to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bali!
Looking for more special days to celebrate in Bali? Check out all the public holidays in 2023!
