Imagine a day when the whole city goes silent. No cars, no TVs, no going out. Just you and your family at home. Quite peaceful, right? If this sounds like something for you, Nyepi might be your new favourite day of the year. On the 22nd of March 2023, the Balinese celebrate Nyepi this year. Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu holiday, that is also known as the ‘’Day Of Silence’’. But where does it come from? And how do locals celebrate it?
Nyepi is observed on the New Year’s Day of the Balinese Saka calendar, which usually falls in March or April. During Nyepi, the Balinese people observe a day of complete silence, fasting, and meditation. The celebration of Nyepi in Bali is one of the most unique and fascinating cultural events in the world. The island of Bali comes to a complete standstill on this day, with no one allowed to leave their homes or hotels. The streets are empty, and even the airport is closed. The silence is so profound that you can hear the sound of a pin drop.
The Balinese people prepare for Nyepi with the Melasti ceremony, which is held a few days before the New Year. During Melasti, the Balinese Hindus go to the beach or the holy springs to purify themselves and their offerings for the upcoming New Year. The ceremony involves the cleansing of statues and other sacred objects, as well as offerings to the gods.
On the night before Nyepi, Balinese people participate in an Ogoh-Ogoh parade. Ogoh-ogoh are giant paper-mache monsters that symbolize evil spirits. The parade is a lively event, with people dressed in colourful costumes and playing traditional Balinese music. The monsters are carried through the streets, accompanied by dancing and singing, before being burned at the end of the night.
The day of Nyepi itself is a time for introspection and self-reflection. The Balinese perform various rituals such as offering prayers and making offerings to the gods. The aim is to purify the soul and attain a higher level of spirituality. The fasting and meditation that takes place during Nyepi help to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity on the island.
The silence that is observed during Nyepi is not just physical but also spiritual. The Balinese believe that on this day, evil spirits roam the earth, looking for people to harm. By remaining silent, the people of Bali can avoid attracting the attention of these spirits and keep themselves safe. The Balinese also believe that by staying silent, they can listen to their inner voice and connect with their spiritual selves.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Nyepi is the fact that it is observed by everyone in Bali, regardless of their religion or beliefs. It is a time for unity and solidarity, as the entire island comes together to celebrate the New Year. The sense of community and togetherness that is felt on Nyepi is truly remarkable and is a testament to the unique and inclusive nature of Balinese culture.
Nyepi is also a time for environmental awareness and conservation. During the day of silence, the island is free from noise pollution, and the air quality improves significantly. The Balinese also use this day to reflect on their impact on the environment and make a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint.
Where to Stay During Nyepi?
Hotel Tugu Bali
Hotel Tugu Bali sheds light on the romantic past and rich culture of the island of the gods, which is frequently overshadowed by urban development. Spend the day exploring the hotel like a time traveller and take in the priceless artworks that adorn its walls. Walking through the tropical lotus pond that floats out of the Puri Le Mayeur Villa, dedicated to the passionate love story between a Belgian painter, Le Mayeur, and his muse, a beautiful and famous Legong dancer, Ni Polok; admiring arts and antiques from the nineteenth century as well as some antiques related to the local historical war-Bale Puputan room, and visiting a 300-year-old authentic Kang Xi period temple at Ji Bale Sutra; these are just a few of the highlights on how you can take a break from your routine and be culturally inspired.
Discover the delicious array of Balinese, Javanese, and Peranakan cuisine at IWA Restaurant, located beneath the lofty and spectacular dome of a 15-meter-tall majestic Balinese hall decorated with mythological Balinese statues that are guardians of the Balinese gods and guard against the evil spirits.
Starting from IDR 6,530,000++ for 2 nights stay, the stay package includes: Daily lavish breakfast, 30% off at Waroeng Djamoe Spa, one-time dinner for two, signature afternoon tea, free kids’ activity on Nyepi Day, free extra bed & breakfast for one child under 10 years old.
InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort
This resort offers a luxury oasis of calm, for the ultimate beachfront escape. Spend this Silent Day in a luxury beachfront oasis and reconnect with your friends and family in a place where your days are full of memories. Enjoy an escape that includes a daily buffet breakfast and a special buffet dinner on March 22, 2023.
To complement this special Day of Silence, the resort’s recreation team will prepare additional activities for adults and children, such as Tote Bag Acrylic Painting, Morning Yoga Flow, Wayang Puppet Coloring, Balinese Craft and Movie Night. Journey of Serenity package is starting from IDR 2,905,000 net per night at the newly refreshed Junior Suite, includes daily buffet breakfast and one-time buffet dinner for two persons, 24-hour in-house Movie Channel, Complimentary Mini Bar, Resort Activities and access to Kids Club and Fitness Centre.
balisanur.intercontinental.com
Karma Kandara
The Balinese Saka year (lunar new year) will be celebrated on March 22nd. Known as Nyepi, this is the traditional day of silence and a time for Balinese Hindu celebrants to fast, reflect on the year past, and meditate to achieve balance and harmony for the coming year. It is the most mystical time on the island and one of the most unique experiences in the world. A perfect excuse to spend quality time with your loved ones in proper Karma Kandara comfort.
Nyepi Package for 3 days and 2 nights starting from IDR 13,000,000 including a 2-night stay in our well-appointed 1-bedroom pool villa, daily breakfast, one lunch at di Mare Restaurant, one early dinner during the day of silence at di Mare Restaurant, free entrance to Karma Beach Bali and free non – motorized activities at Karma Beach Bali.
karmagroup.com/exclusive_offers/silence-getaway-at-karma-kandara
Mamaka by Ovolo
Mamaka’s Peaceful Retreat package includes a First Drink on Us at Kuta Social Club, where you can enjoy a welcome drink with the iconic Kuta Beach view from the rooftop. Not to mention an amazing breakfast with IDR 400,000 credit for lunch and dinner. Realign your mind, soul and spirit with sunrise and sunset yoga classes with a serene view, prepared for an in-house wellness activity. And if that is not enough, there is also 24-hours access to Wellness Zone. Room service will be available for 24 hours for those who need supper or midnight snacks. 20% OFF treatments to pamper yourself from the newly launched Kupu Blow & Spa — Mamaka’s very own beauty salon.
As the activities are curated for the family as well, kids under 12 years old will be free of charge for food and drinks. A line-up of movies will be prepared for Cinema Under the Stars to watch comfortably with our bean bags and homemade popcorn. Pizza making class will be added for the fun, alongside poolside activities and kids’ games. Enrich your experience with mixology and barista classes.
Not to mention, bring your dogs and we have a tailored V.I.Pooch for the man’s best friend. Dog bowls, snacks and sleeping mats are prepared for those as Mamaka is pet friendly. Spot the hidden gem with Mamaka’s iconic Vespa rides around the Kuta neighbourhood the day before or after Silence Day.
The early bird package starts from IDR 3,289,000. Gather your friends and family, and spend this year’s Silence Day with Good Vibrations!
Six Senses Uluwatu
Experience your “Nyepi Escape, The Day of Silence” at Six Senses Uluwatu. This is one of the most sacred days of the Balinese calendar, indicating the beginning of a new year. The Resort welcomes travellers to step into the mystical beauty of the Day of Silence in Bali. During Nyepi, activities are very limited on the island. No traffic on the roads, no TV and/or radio, all shopping centres are closed, no tours or excursions, and there are no flights in or out of Bali on this day.
Six Senses Uluwatu offers an enticing Nyepi Escape package starting from IDR 11,700,000 net per night stay at Sky Suite, valid for a stay from March 21 – 23, 2023 for a minimum of 2 (two) nights’ stay. Available rates for other villa categories. This package includes extensive complimentary benefits such as daily buffet breakfast, one-time set menu lunch with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean at Rocka Restaurant, one-time International buffet dinner on the day of Nyepi, access to kid’s club, access to the Fitness Centre and Spa facilities, other in-house activities and pets also welcome with conditions. Indoor activities within the hotel building remain unaffected.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Join them at The Apurva Kempinski Bali as we embrace diversity in our pursuit of serenity. Renew your mind and spirit, through a two-night experience that is designed to realign your body, mind and soul. Grand Deluxe starts from IDR 4,100,000++ per room per night.
Iconic Suite at IDR 6,000,000++ per room per night, with inclusions: minimum two-night stay, complimentary Nyepi Wellness Programmes, daily breakfast for two persons, 1x Lunch at Pala Restaurant on 22 March 2023 for two persons, and 1x Dinner at Candi Ballroom on 22 March 2023 for two persons.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
To join in the celebration, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali has launched uplifting activities for its guests who are staying at the resort during the Nyepi period. Throughout their stay, guests will be replenished with the Resort’s ‘eat-well’ breakfast, the young explorer will also be welcomed by the Westin Family Kids Club’s team with a special gift to paint a smile on their faces, the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio will also remain open for the active guests, and the Resort has also designed other cultural programs for the guests to take part in. This is the perfect moment for those who wish to be immersed in the tradition and experience total renewal by the end of their stay.
One of the most magnificent highlights from the cultural programs that the Resort has activated is its collaboration with Apel Hendrawan, an inspiring artist and painter hailing from the beautiful coastal area of Sanur village, Bali, a place rich in artistic and cultural history. Having faced turbulent times in life, Apel Hendrawan has turned his melancholic experiences into his muse and now he has been able to dedicate his life to inspiring others through his painting and sculptures. His expertise in arts has also brought him to Hamburg, Germany where he joined the exhibition at Pasar Hamburg, Messehale, with his masterpiece, Resurrection III, Sabda Pertiwi.
During the Nyepi celebrations, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali and Apel Hendrawan are collaborating to bring together an exclusive painting exhibition entitled “From Mythology to Sacred Script, From Ashes to Jatayu”. This soul-stirring exhibition will then be followed by “Celebrate Bali” a unique cultural event on the 17th of March 2023.
Wyndham Garden Kuta Beach Bali
Boasting a beachfront location on the popular Kuta Beach, Wyndham Garden Kuta Beach Bali is in the perfect position to enjoy the charm and joy of Bali. Facilities include a ground-level pool, an upper-floor pool with a sunset view, and an all-day dining restaurant and bar to try the evening before Nyepi.
Pricing at 1,700,000 net/Deluxe Room, the package will include two nights – three days, daily breakfast, one lunch, one dinner, use of the resort facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi
Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali
Boasting a prime position on the black sands of Lepang Beach and surrounded by lush landscapes, Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali is the picture of tranquillity and a perfect escape for a commemoration like Nyepi Day. Guests can access a beautiful outdoor pool, beach club, restaurant, day spa and fitness centre before and after the special Day of Silence.
Pricing at IDR 1,600,000 net/superior room, the package will include two nights – three days, daily breakfast, one dinner, use of the resort facilities and bicycles, complimentary Wi-Fi