When you go abroad, it is good to look up the relevant culture and public holidays in advance. Nyepi is an important holiday in Bali. It’s new year’s day of the Balinese Saka Calender. When you read new year’s day, you probably think of partying all night long, but then you are wrong! This day will be celebrated in silence in Bali.
Because this calendar consists of 420 days, this day falls on a different date each year. This year, it falls on March 3. On this day, all the shops are closed and it is forbidden to go out on the street, to have the lights on or to play sounds or music. This Hindu celebration is meant for meditation, fasting, and prayer. For people visiting Bali, it is good to gain some information about this day and know to prepare in advance.
Ogoh Ogoh
In the weeks before Nyepi day, locals of all ages are building statues from papier-mache. On the day before Nyepi day, celebrations are held with statues that are symbols of mythological beings or demons. Men will carry the ogoh ogoh creatures on their shoulders through the village accompanied by loud traditional music. During this celebration, it is believed that evil spirits become disorientated and abandoned by this process, so they cannot harm people with disease and misery anymore. After the ogoh ogoh creatures have made their way through the village, they will be burned on the beach for purification.
What to do on ogoh ogoh?
This is the day when there is a lot to do all over Bali! At noon, it is possible to participate in a sacrificial ceremony to the spirits of the underworld. As soon as it is dark, the ogoh ogoh parades will take place. Go outside and visit these spectacular parades with beautiful handmade creatures, they are fascinating to see! Since every village organises its own ogoh ogoh parade, there is not one main place to go for this festival. Most parades will go through the main street of their village. The major parades will be held are around Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Denpasar. But for the most impressive ogoh ogoh creatures you must visit Puputan Square in Denpasar.
What to do on Nyepi?
During Nyepi, it is important that you do not go out on the street all day. Not only out of respect for Balinese culture because if you go out you will probably get a warning to go home straight away, and if you are unlucky you could be arrested for being on the streets during this day. It’s therefore important to stay in your hotel room. In hotels, staff will purchase and prepare food a day in advance for their guests. When you are chilling in your hotel room you can turn on the light, but close the curtains properly to not attract the attention of evil spirits, as they say.
This day is a very special experience not only for the locals but also for many tourists. You will wake up in silence and experience calmness and tranquillity all day long. To experience Nyepi, it is important not to work during this day. Try to completely relax and take time for yourself. Download some movies and series in advance or stock up some books if you are afraid that you will get bored. The internet won’t be available or very slow during this day.
Where to Stay During Nyepi?
HOSHINOYA Bali
To celebrate Nyepi, the Balinese New Year and the annual “day of silence” that falls on March 3, 2022, HOSHINOYA Bali will be hosting a special two-night program. Guests can delve into the spirit of reflection and be relieved from the busyness of daily life. Experience this unique occasion with inspiring activities immersed with traditions of the Island of the Gods and embrace total renewal.
More info about the package, CLICK HERE!
Karma Kandara
The multi-award-winning Karma Kandara seeks to celebrate the occasion of March 3 with a special trio of Nyepi packages for guests this year, alongside a special feast. The latter will take place on Nyepi Day and will be prepared by the Executive Chef of resident di Mare Restaurant.
The special Nyepi Nasi Tumpeng which will be served between 12.00pm and 7.00pm for groups of up to four people that will be available for 395,000++ per person. Expect your plates to overflow with delicious treats courtesy of a Babi Guling carving station accompanied by mixed krupuk with Archipelago sambals, satay litet ayam and ikan, pepes barramundi, urab, ayam betutu, and lawar kambing. Followed by an equally delicious dessert offering, consisting of bubur injin, pisang goreng, dadar gulung, and klepon.
As for the Nyepi Getaway Packages there are three to choose from. The Nyepi Getaway option one includes a stay in the luxury 1 Bedroom Pool Villa, at IDR 4,475,000 per night. Guests will be treated to complimentary breakfast, and Nasi Tumpeng feast on the day of Nyepi, as well as a 30 minute Balinese Massage for two. Option two involves the 2 Bedroom Pool Villa, at IDR 8,600,000 net per night. Breakfast, a Nasi Tumpeng feast, a two-course dinner, and a 45 minute Balinese massage for four is also included. As for the third and final option, it involves a 2 Bedroom Pool Villa for IDR 8,800,000 net per night, with breakfast and a complimentary upgrade to the Ocean View Villa (with its 3 Bedroom) for four.
Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu
Indulge in the Serenity of Uluwatu Clifftop Resort. The resort reinterprets Balinese style for the cutting edge voyagers, offering travellers all-encompassing perspectives on the Indian Ocean. Each of the contemporary rooms embraces Balinese style, designed with locally inspired artwork and architecture. Rate Start from IDR 1,300,000 ++ in Deluxe Room Inclusive daily breakfast for 2. This offer is valid for Minimum 2 Nights Stay. While staying, guest can take the spa treatment packages. Find the peace within in a 90 minutes package of body massage and scrub for IDR 799,000++ or take the 2-hour day ritual of body massage and hair cream bath for IDR 850,000++. More info, radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-bali-uluwatu
The Samaya Seminyak
The Samaya Seminyak’s Nyepi Day package are presently taking bookings for the exclusive one-bedroom Royal Courtyard Villa for stays from Wednesday, 2nd March to Friday, 4th March 2022 (3 days 2 nights). Each villas perfectly designed for couples, honeymooners, families and groups, also comes with its private pool, a relaxing lounging gazebo, spacious outdoor living area and lavish en-suite bathroom. Their Nyepi package offers many benefits, including guarantee upgrade villa to one-bedroom Pool Villa (beach side complex-main building), daily breakfast for 2 persons, daily one time set menu for lunch or dinner for 2 persons, 20% off food and beverages, 24-hours butler service, and many more. With only IDR 3.515.050 net per night, you will get a comparative normalcy, electricity and a full room-service menu.
The Trans Resort Bali
While it is restricted to go outside of the resort during The Silent Day, take the journey of relaxation by relaxing at the endless blue water main pool connected to the signature white sandy beach pool. As children explore the sandy pool, you may bask under the soft lounger and unwind. Take another advantage of another top of the class facilities such as Kids Club which is equipped with Arts & Crafts area, Lego Station, Library, Multimedia area with Wii, Xbox, Kinetic and PS4 consoles, Air Hockey and the delicious Baskin and Robbins ice cream counter. During 3 days 2 night at The Trans Resort Bali, take part in the Fun Fair activities including Karaoke, Movie Time, Dart Game, Ping-pong, and other exciting activities for adults and kids. The Day Day of Silence Escape package at The Trans Resort Bali starting from IDR 4,500,000nett for 3 days 2 nights at its luxurious Premier Room, including daily celebration buffet breakfast, one-time lunch and one-time dinner for 2 adults and 2 children under 6 years. For more information, visit transresortbali.com
