9 Tips to Survive Nyepi Day in Bali
How to Enjoy Bali’s Day of Silence
Should you still visit Bali on Nyepi Day, when the whole island literally shuts down for a day? This is a common conundrum for travelers who’ve heard about the single most unique day in Bali, which is celebrated like no other public holiday you’ll find anywhere.
Basically, the day of Nyepi can be one of the most unique experiences anyone can have in Bali. It’s one of the most enjoyable 24 hours, with clean air thanks to “zero emissions”, when nature takes a rest free from human activity. Nyepi occurs on a different day each year, as it’s based on the ancient Saka Calendar on the night of a new moon. It usually falls around March or April.
1. Plan your arrival
An international airport that pauses for a day
Good for: Unusual
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is probably the only international airport in the world that ceases to operate for a full 24 hours, every year. Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) are issued annually for Nyepi, going into effect from 6 am on the day of Nyepi to 6 am the following day.
Due to the closure of the airport, there will be no flights either arriving or departing from the airport. It’s therefore always a good idea to plan your flights to or from the island to avoid the actual Nyepi closures. In other words, arrive early, perhaps in time to watch the lively parades that take place on the eve of Nyepi. Read more
Location: Jl. Airport Ngurah Rai, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Phone: +62 (0)823 4918 1054
Plan your arrival
2. Enjoy your hotel stay as usual
Nyepi is only one day
Good for: Couples, Families
Hotels in Bali are well geared up to offer their guests the best experiences during Nyepi, which basically confines them to their resort grounds. Traveling is one of the 4 Nyepi restrictions (called “Catur Brata Penyepian”) of the Saka New Year celebration in Bali.
You can enjoy various guest activities within high-end resorts as usual, which range from swimming and kids’ club facilities for the little ones, to tailored in-house activities such as resort garden fun and games that are all designed especially to keep you entertained on a single day.
3. Watch the Melasti processions
An ancient purification ritual to behold
Good for: Photo, Budget
On several (usually 3 to 4) days leading up to the turn of the Saka New Year and the Nyepi Day of Silence, Balinese Hindus get into lively-procession mode. Pilgrims from various village temples all over Bali bring their heirlooms on a long parade towards the coastlines, where elaborate purification ceremonies take place (known as Melasti).
Melasti is one of the best times to capture on camera as it’s one of the most iconic Balinese traditions. Brightly-clad devotees carrying elaborate parasols, banners, and small effigies against the blue sky and rolling surf is a sight to behold. It’s certainly a rare and culturally vibrant spectacle.
4. See the parade of giants
Colorful torch-lit demons take over the streets
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
During the weeks leading up to Nyepi, giant paper-mache effigies called “ogoh-ogoh” are built to depict demons (“bhutakala”). These can measure up to 6 meters in height, and are often created by different youth groups in a competitive spirit. The best creations are paraded throughout village streets on Nyepi Eve. Loud gamelan music accompanies the spectacle and often bamboo torches are lit to add to the dramatic effect.
Traffic in the main resort areas is usually rerouted, so it’s best to also plan ahead on where you want to watch the parades. Central Denpasar, Kuta, and Ubud are among the most popular hotspots for watching the festive parades.
5. Stock up on snacks and movies
Relaxing in your hotel or villa
Good for: Food
Visitors are often exempt from the Nyepi restrictions on lighting fire (for cooking), as long as it’s not visible from outside your room or villa), so it’s okay to stock up on snacks or food for your kitchenette.
The same goes for in-room entertainment such as movies (entertainment and other luxuries are also restricted among the Balinese themselves during Nyepi day). The local government has pushed for TV stations to cease broadcasting over Bali’s airwaves over Nyepi. Your hotel’s satellite channels will mostly remain available, along with the internet and Wi-Fi.
6. Book a full spa treatment
Using the silence to enrich body and soul
Good for: Couples, Luxury
Nyepi Day in Bali is a great opportunity to make good use of the silence and seclusion to enjoy some pampering, reflection, and relaxation. Therefore, why not treat yourself to some quality spa time by booking a full-day treatment package?
It’s an excellent time to pause the rushing around sightseeing, and instead take some time to enrich your mind, body, and soul. As with all activities, you will find spa services available only in your hotel or resort during Nyepi. Therefore, it’s worth considering what onsite facilities your accommodation will have when first planning your trip to Bali.
7. Enjoy stargazing
With zero light pollution
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families, Photo
Bali takes the concept of reconnecting with the earth and nature to the next level by going lights off for 24 hours straight. With practically zero light pollution, you’re in for the year’s most impressive night sky over Bali when the stars shine their brightest and the Milky Way reveals itself in all its glory.
At your hotel, you can simply pick a spot by the poolside or the resort’s beachfront to lay back and gaze at the wonders of the universe. You can even whip out your tripod and try to capture some stunning images.
8. Watch a unique festival in Sesetan
After Nyepi, enjoy one of the strangest sights
Good for: Couples, Unusual
Bali has its handful of unusual sights and this festivity is easily one of the strangest. “Omed-omedan” is celebrated the day after Nyepi. The festival takes place on one of the roads in the village of Banjar Kaja, Sesetan in southern Denpasar. The village community cheers on participating youths who get in line for the ritual, a sort of tug of war between a team of girls and one of boys.
Pre-arranged couples in their late teens, line up to be pushed towards their partner on the other side and to eventually kiss and embrace for a brief moment, before cheerfully being pulled apart again. The scene gets crazier as village elders enjoy spraying and dousing the crowd with water.
9. Escape Bali altogether
Island hopping to keep the fun going
Good for: Adventure, Families
If you don’t want to be confined to the limits of a villa compound or hotel grounds, then you can consider hopping to a nearby island where Nyepi isn’t observed. The Gili islands seem to be among the most popular choices for island-hopping retreats from Bali.
You can arrange for the last boat leaving from Sanur, Padangbai, or Benoa Harbor before Nyepi starts. Some say that the Nusa Islands are excellent alternatives, even though the cultural and social restrictions of Nyepi may still largely apply.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.