How to Spend the Day in Bali During Nyepi or Day of Silence

If you are in Bali around March 17th, 2018, here are some guides to help you experience the Nyepi Holiday or Day of Silence. This sacred day for Hindus, especially in Bali, is observed by everyone staying on the island as a token of respect. For 24 hours you will see a different side of Bali. This is a good time to meditate and find your inner peace as the vibrant island falls into a completely peaceful and quiet state.

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Facts :

1. It is performed to celebrate the Saka New Year.
2. The Day of Silence only lasted for 24 hours, this year it falls on March 17th – March 18th 2018.
3. No one except the Pecalang (local watchmen) are allowed out on the streets.
4. Only emergency vehicles are allowed to operate, others will stop their operation.
5. Ngurah Rai International Airport will cease its activity for 24 hours from 6 AM March 17th to 6 AM on March 18th 2018 during The Nyepi period.
6. On Nyepi, Balinese are immersed in Catur Brata Penyepian, or the 4 fundamental prohibitions of Amati Karya (no work), Amati Geni (no fire, no light, and no electricity), Amati Lelungan (no travelling), Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment). Those who don’t celebrate Nyepi, still observe and honor this sacred day by staying indoors and make minimum noise or lights from their premises.

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Do’s :

1. Check your hotel or travel advisors about this day and prepare for itinerary adjustments.
2. Observe the rituals prior to Nyepi, like the Melasti, where hundreds of devotees march to the beach, the lakes and the holy springs, to perform a cleansing ritual.
3. Check out how the locals perform the Ngerupuk ceremony on Nyepi eve. Prayers proceed with parading the Ogoh-ogoh effigy and set them on fire to symbolize the act of sending away evil spirits.
4. Stock up on food and beverages because you will have to stay indoors for 24 hours with minimum light, sound, and staffs to service you.
5. Check your hotel for inhouse dining prior to Nyepi.
6. Enjoy the clear starry night, listen to the sound of nature, and enjoy meditating for a day.
7. You can go to neighboring islands such as Lombok or Banyuwangi on March 16th 2018, if you would like to skip being in Bali during the time of Nyepi
8. The day after Nyepi is a ceremony named Ngembak Geni, or putting the first light on. People will visit friends and relatives on this day. If you head to Sesetan Village in Denpasar, you can experience the Omed-omedan, a smooching tradition celebrated each year. Be sure to bring a waterproof camera, because there will be water splashing everywhere.
9. Or head to Kedonganan village in Badung for Mabuug–buugan, a mud bath festival that symbolize the act of self purification

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Don’ts :

1. Don’t wander out on the streets during Nyepi, do not start any engine or use motorcycle. Please stay indoors and enjoy Bali’s quiet time.
2. Try to make as little noise as possible and please don’t play your music out loud, prepare headsets or earphones to enjoy in private.
3. Don’t light any fire and please keep the lights down to a minimum, especially if you are staying nearby those who are performing the Nyepi rituals.
4. Don’t be demanding of your hotel’s service, because staffs on duty are on minimum numbers on this day.
5. It is a religious tradition and cultural heritage of the charming Balinese Hindu people, please support and respect the prohibitions and don’t try anything outside what is clearly prohibited. Consult your travel advisors if you need more detailed information regarding the rules on Bali’s Day of Silence.

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