Indonesia is one of the most culturally and spiritually diverse nations on earth. While a majority Muslim nation, Hinduism is widely observed across the country, including in Bali, where Balinese Hinduism is the predominant faith.
Over in Java, the month-long Prambanan Shiva Festival is underway, and for Bali tourists seeking a little extra cultural immersion, this is an unmissable add-on adventure.
Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals. The festival is a celebration of the marriage of deities Shiva and Parvati, and is observed during the month of Phalguna, which sits between February and March on the Gregorian calendar.
In Bali, specifically, Maha Shivaratri is observed as Siwa Ratri and is generally honoured earlier in the year, in alignment with the Balinese Saka calendar.
Bali’s neighbour, Java, is home to some of the most culturally and spiritually important landmarks in the world. Prambanan is a 9th-Century Hindu Temple Complex located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The temple is dedicated to the Trimūrti, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Prambanan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. The complex is home to 240 temples, which tourists can explore either as independent visitors or with the assistance of a local guide to really understand the deep nuance of this landscape.
Prambanan will be hosting the Prambanan Shiva Festival for the next month and tourists from Bali are encouraged to hop over to Java to be a part of the magic.
Speaking to reporters, Gistang Panutur, Commercial Director of InJourney Destination Management, explained, “The Shivaratri celebration, packaged as part of the Prambanan Shiva Festival, is a concrete manifestation of Prambanan Temple’s transformation into a spiritual center for Hinduism in the archipelago and around the world.”
“Through the collaboration of various parties, Prambanan Temple is now not only an archaeological monument but also a center of worship and a gateway to spiritual awakening for Hindus in the archipelago and around the world.”
The festival and temple ceremonies will be attended by worshippers from around Indonesia and around the world, and non-Hindu tourists are invited to participate in the festival as a part of cultural exchange and the promotion of collective goodwill.
The Director General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Republic of Indonesia, I Nengah Duija, told reporters that the festival will be hosted with a spirit of collaboration and collective awareness. He noted how the momentum established by Mahashivaratri 2026 must be harnessed as a turning point in positioning the Prambanan Temple as a center of worship for Hindus in the archipelago and the world.
Dujia noted, “It’s time for us to demonstrate that Hindus are ready to make Prambanan Temple not just a historical site, but also a gateway to the spiritual and economic awakening of the community.”
Java Cultural Add-On
A spiritual adventure just 90 minutes from Bali. Tap for the guide.
Shiva Festival
Prambanan Temple
Tap for Info ↻A Spiritual Center
What: A month-long celebration of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
Where: The 9th-Century Prambanan Temple (largest Hindu temple in Indonesia).
Bali ⮕ Java
How to get there
Tap for Travel ↻Quick Hop
Flight: 90 minutes from Denpasar to Yogyakarta.
Airlines: 6 daily flights (Lion Air, Garuda, Super Air Jet).
Tip: Plan a 3-night add-on trip.
Why Go?
Beyond the Beach
Tap for Vibe ↻Cultural Immersion
Open to All: Non-Hindu tourists are invited to join the cultural exchange.
Focus: “Spiritual awakening,” self-reflection, and inner balance.
The Complex
World Heritage
Tap for Stats ↻Ancient Wonder
Scale: Home to 240 individual temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Guide: Hire a local guide to understand the deep nuance of the landscape.
Bali-born Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Pupsa, told reporters “Spirituality-oriented tourism does not only focus on the physical exploration of a destination, but also includes self-reflection.”
“There is also talk of inner balance, and also a more harmonious relationship with the local environment and culture.”
Tourists can explore the full program of events at the Prambanan Shiva Festival at the Taman Wisata Candi Prambanan Instagram page and the official attraction website.
For tourists planning visits to Yogyakarta from Bali, the most affordable and convenient way to travel to Java is a short domestic flight from Denpasar to Yogyakarta.
Though for those who have more time, traveling overland through West Bali, to East Java and then onto Yogyakarta is a bucket list trip for sure.
The flight time is just 90-minutes and there are six services daily operated by Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia and Super Air Jet.
A 3-night add-on adventure to Yogyakarta ensures that Bali tourists don’t miss out on any of the wonders of the Islands of the Gods, while maximising on the time available to explore Java’s ancient cultural landmarks.
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