“Burning the Barge Festival The Bakar Tongkang Festival is one of the most iconic Chinese cultural traditions in Indonesia which is held every year in Bagansiapiapi, Riau. This ritual is carried out by burning a replica of a barge as a symbol of respect for the ancestors as well as a form of gratitude for the journey and life of the Chinese people who first arrived on the land of Bagansiapiapi.”
Through the OTW KEN 2026 (Open Trip With Karisma Event Nusantara) program with Expediso, participants will be invited to immerse themselves in authentic cultural experiences—from observing local ritual preparations, witnessing the sacred Bakar Tongkang procession live, to enjoying the atmosphere of a small coastal town steeped in history and tradition. This trip is not just a tour, but a cultural immersion experience that brings participants closer to the spiritual values, history of migration, and cultural diversity of Indonesia. The Bakar Tongkang Festival will be held from June 30 to July 1, 2026. The trip runs from June 29 to July 2, 2026.
Tour Highlights
- Festival Dates | June 30– July 1, 2026
- Travel Dates | June 29 – July 2, 2026
- Minimum trip: 6 participants
- Maximum trip: 15 participants
Day by Day
Day 1Day 1 — Jakarta – Pekanbaru – Bagansiapiapi
Day 1 — Jakarta – Pekanbaru – Bagansiapiapi
Participants gathered at Pekanbaru Airport and met with the OTW KEN & Expediso team. After a brief briefing, the journey continued to Bagansiapiapi by land, with an estimated travel time of approximately four hours. Upon arrival in Bagansiapiapi, participants checked into their homestay and rested while enjoying the bustling city atmosphere ahead of the festival.
- Journey to the cultural city of Bagansiapiapi
- Travel briefing & introduction to the Bakar Tongkang tradition
- Enjoying the festival atmosphere that's starting to take hold
Day 2Day 2 — Bagansiapiapi Exploration & Ritual Preparations
Day 2 — Bagansiapiapi Exploration & Ritual Preparations
The second day will be spent exploring the town of Bagansiapiapi and observing the local community's preparations for the Bakar Tongkang ritual. Participants will witness the process of decorating the tongkang boats, temple activities, and the dynamics of local culture. In the evening, participants will enjoy the lively festival atmosphere, enhanced by local culinary delights and community activities.
- Cultural walking tour of Bagansiapiapi
- Watching the tongkang boat preparations
- Learning about the history and philosophy of the ritual
- Learning about the history and philosophy of the ritual
Day 3Day 3 — Bakar Tongkang Festival Ritual – Pekanbaru
Day 3 — Bakar Tongkang Festival Ritual – Pekanbaru
Participants will experience the main stages of the Bakar Tongkang Festival, from the procession to the burning of the tongkang replica, the culmination of the event. This tradition is believed to symbolize the direction of fortune and good fortune for the local community. After the procession, the journey continues back to Pekanbaru to rest at the hotel.
- Witnessing the sacred Bakar Tongkang procession
- Experience the unique spiritual culture of Bagansiapiapi
- Documentation of Riau's largest cultural festival
- Travel back to Pekanbaru
Day 4Day 4 — Pekanbaru – Jakarta
Day 4 — Pekanbaru – Jakarta
After breakfast and hotel check-out, participants will be transferred to Pekanbaru Airport for their return flight to Jakarta. The trip concludes with a unique and memorable cultural experience at one of Indonesia's most legendary cultural festivals.
- Airport Transfer
What's Included
- Homestay in Bagansiapiapi for 2 nights
- Hotel in Pekanbaru for 1 night
- Land transportation during the program
- Meals as per the program
- Tickets and destination fees
- Documentation & photo setup at selected locations
- Local guide
- Tour leader
- Travel insurance
Not Included
- Airfare to and from Pekanbaru
- Personal expenses
- Hotel laundry and minibar
- Meals outside the program
- Optional tours outside the itinerary
- Voluntary tips for guides and drivers
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