Bali is a magical island offering an incredible experience for beach-goers, surfers, spiritual journeyers and relaxers.
What if I were to tell you a part of that ‘magic’ is all thanks to a special ceremony that takes place once a year to keep the demons away?
Determined by the Balinese calendar, the Balinese New Year takes place with a week’s worth of ceremonies, rituals and parades. The most famous and captivating of these days is Nyepi or ‘the day of silence’. Unlike anything in the Western world, the whole island shuts down with the airport closing, people being banned from the streets and the use of electricity or flames highly discouraged.
The island falls into 24 hours of meditation, reflection and silence.
Navigating what to do during this sacred week can be confusing. Here are all our best TIPS AND TRICKS for celebrating Nyepi in Bali. Check them out!
Firstly, what is Nyepi!?
Nyepi Day is the third ceremony in a week of events leading up to the Balinese Hindu New Year. It is a time for self-reflection, and is one of the oldest rituals in history.
After 2 days of purification and balancing religious rituals, the Nyepi day celebrations begin with an Ogoh Ogoh parade.
Ogoh Ogoh are towering statues made of bamboo and paper-mache created by each separate banjar – or village – representing different evil figures with gruesome bulging bodies, terrifying faces, scary lighting and wide grotesque eyes.
These monsters are twirled around the streets by groups of local men in grand parades, with rhythmic music creating an air of tension and anticipation. Lunging into the crowds and dancing in circles, the Balinese men leading the statues make a show of terrifying the onlookers and running around in a careless manner – leading the evil spirits away from the towns to nearby cemeteries.
In a dramatic ending, the detailed and unique statues are burned as a symbol of self-purification.
When the clock strikes midnight, Nyepi in Bali starts but the mandatory silence doesn’t begin until 6am. For a full 24 hours everyone must stay off the streets, electricity is prohibited and any loud noise will be reported to the local pecalang – or village security – with the chance of punishment.
Balinese Hindu legends suggest that the island-wide blackout leads the demons to pass overhead believing that everyone has abandoned the island. This secures another year of contentment and safety for Bali.
As a foreigner, it is an unbelievable experience.
What are the Rules for Nyepi?
- Everyone on the island – including Hindus, Muslims, Christians and tourists – are expected to respect the rules of the ceremony.
If you are travelling to Bali over Nyepi, make sure not to plan any hotel changes, trips or excursions. Any activity outside of your accommodation will be restricted. - You must stay inside your accommodation.
If you are caught on the streets without special allowance or an emergency, you will be punished by the local pecalang. - Avoid using electricity, lights or open flames.
If you are staying in a private villa, it is your responsibility to ensure you do not use any electricity, light or flame throughout the full 24 hours of Nyepi. Hotels will have provisions and rules in place for guests to follow. - The Internet will be shut off across the island.
This includes Wi-Fi and data roaming. Don’t arrange any meetings, nomads! - The airport will be closed.
You will not find any flights available on the day of Nyepi. Early morning flights the following day should be avoided as travelling to the airport can be difficult with road closures. - Pre-prepare!
Restaurants, cafes, stores and supermarkets will be shut. Make sure you stock up on snacks and meals – that don’t require cooking – before Nyepi Day.
How to Prepare for Nyepi
Know the date!
As the date changes each year, the first important thing to do is know when Nyepi is! In 2025, Nyepi will fall on the 29th March. Mark it in your diary!
Find the perfect accommodation
Spending Nyepi alone can be lonely. Gathering with some friends in a luxurious Bali villa, or shacking up in a resort for 2 nights can make the day of silence your own personal staycation. Check out some of the best spots to stay below!
Stock up on groceries
Speaking from personal experience, you don’t want to leave getting Nyepi groceries to the last minute.. You will be stuck with random flavoured chips and lesser known mies. You never know how many snacks you may want in 24 hours, be over prepared rather than under-stocked! Remember to make sure nothing will need cooking.
What to do During Nyepi
Read that book!
We all have a book that has been sitting on our dresser for way too long without even reading the first line – Nyepi Day is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and read. Although no-one will be coming by to check if you are watching Netflix, it’s nice to honor the ritual and stay away from using electricity. Disconnect and get stuck into a new novel.
Sign off
If you are a digital nomad who is hoping to work, think again. It’s more than likely you won’t have a reliable internet connection. Be sure to sign off from any jobs you are supposed to be doing, and let them know you won’t be contactable – a great excuse for a day off!
Relax around the pool in the sun
One of the benefits of this religious ritual happening on a tropical island is being able to enjoy the heat during the lock-in. Unwind in the sun with no guilt.
Have a DIY spa day
Time to put all those spa experiences to good use and have your own at-home pamper session with your loved ones. Try out face masks, manicures and massages using the skills you’ve picked up during your treatments.
Where to Stay During Nyepi
As a visitor, you aren’t expected to spend the whole day in meditation like the Balinese, but you will need to stay as quiet as possible. Spending a whole 24 hours alone sounds like a dream to me – introvert, here – however, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Grab some friends, and check out these Nyepi approved villas for a relaxing, calm and beautiful silent day.
Away from the Crowds in Ubud – Villa Madie
On the outskirts of Ubud, Villa Madie is a beautiful, modern getaway with a private swimming pool, stunning rice paddy views and comfortable living areas. Arrange for your favourite snacks and Indonesian dishes to be available upon arrival so you don’t need to worry about stocking up, or running out of food.
With friendly staff, this Ubud villa is a great place to spend your first silent day in Bali with friends.
If you want something a bit more catered, check out the hotels in Ubud with amazing Nyepi packages.
Just Steps from the Beach in Canggu – The Hidden Tree
You may not be able to visit the beach on Nyepi, but being just steps away to spend your first moments of freedom on the sand sounds great to me!
The Hidden Tree is a beautiful and quiet Canggu getaway filled with comfortable furnishings that make you quickly feel at home. With a private pool and luscious gardens, you can relax around the gardens and soak in the undisturbed peace.
Hotels & Resorts For Nyepi
If you want a more catered Nyepi experience, a hotel or resort will be a much better option for you. With specialised Nyepi packages available closer to the date, you can hide away from the demons in a cosy hotel room with room service and international TV channels.
Luxurious Jungle Resort – Ubud Valley Boutique Resort
Ubud Valley Boutique Resort
With a selection of villas overlooking expansive jungle views with private plunge pools, Ubud Valley Boutique Resort is a tropical paradise where you can escape the hectic crowds that surrounded Nyepi, and spend a relaxing time in nature.
With resort service you don’t need to worry about stocking up on groceries, the hotel will arrange everything you need and keep you in compliance with the ceremony rules – while soaking in luxury.
Overlooking the Beach – Anantara Resort Seminyak
Anantara Seminyak
From a simple room to a private pool suite, Anantara Resort has a Nyepi accommodation option to suit every budget. Providing meals, activities and in-keeping with the ceremony rules, you can spend your traditional silent day overlooking the ocean from a private balcony and enjoying restaurant catered food.
If you have to remain inside for 24 hours, why not do it in luxury!
In The Magical Hills – Viceroy Bali
Hidden away in Ubud, Viceory is a luxurious 5-star resort with the perfect blend of modern comforts and Balinese culture. Their Nyepi package includes a two-night stay in a villa, daily breakfast, a traditional Balinese lunch, and a three-course dinner.
To get deeper into the meaning of Nyepi day, you can also join in a guided meditation.
Witnessing the Milky Way – Kamandalu Resort
Nyepi is one of the only time’s you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye in Bali.
Kamandalu resort is a perfect place, with lavish accommodations and amazing amenities to make your day silent day a little more interesting. And as the night draws in, make sure you look up to witness the magic of the Milky Way.
One day before Nyepi, you can watch the traditional ogoh-ogoh at Nagi village, close to the resort.
Vibrant 5-star Boutique Resort – Hotel Indigo Seminyak
Located on the southern stretch of Seminyak Beach, Hotel Indigo has some great packages for Nyepi.
Featuring villas with private pools and artfully-designed interiors, you can escape from the usually bustling and crowded Seminyak for a while.
Get daily breakfast and a peaceful dinner, as well as take advantage of discounts at Sava Spa for a truly pampered and relaxing day.
Secluded Escape – Citadines Berawa Beach
Citadines Berawa Beach hotel is a beautiful spot for 24 hours of hiding away.
It’s comfortable and stylish, and comes with all the amenities you’ll need to keep busy, or have a day of relaxing – perhaps even working. Enjoy the wellness centre to add a little more purpose to your silent day.
Ultimate Luxury Escape – Villa Ahoy
If you want somewhere to hideaway for Nyepi with 19 of your best friends, Villa Ahoy can accommodate you all for a weekend of fun and games. It has 8 beautiful bedrooms, a HUGE swimming pool and garden for relaxing as the island stops, and lots of amenities to keep you busy.
End your Nyepi day with a beautiful sunset view and a BBQ around the pool.
Final Thoughts
After our COVID quarantines, 24 hours at home will be a breeze – with a mystical, magical edge.
Keep your lights off and let the evil spirits fly overhead.
– Selamat Hari Raya Nyepi!
Featured image: Nyepi in Bali
