Every heard of Nyepi in Bali? Here's everything you need to know about this Hindu celebration, and why "Silent Day" is our favourite day on the Balinese calendar.
Unless you’re a Bali regular or local resident, chances are, you’ve never heard about Nyepi, AKA Bali’s “Day of Silence“. It’s when, for a full 24 hours, all of the island’s lights must be switched off, transport comes to a halt and everyone must stay at home. Sounds a bit much? In our opinion, Nyepi is the most magical and unique date on the Balinese calendar, found nowhere else in the world other than on this enchanting little island.
Sure, it can interrupt some of your holiday plans, and you won’t be able to hit the beach, the boutiques or spas for 24 hours. But before you start looking at ways to escape the island, let us tell you why you’ve hit the holiday jackpot if you happen to be in Bali during this spiritual celebration. We’ve also got some useful tips on what to prepare, where to stay on Nyepi, and even how to spend the day – every answer to your nagging Nyepi FAQs.
NYEPI IN BALI 2025: All You Need To Know
When is Nyepi?
This year, Nyepi falls on Saturday March 29th 2025, beginning at 6am and finishing 24 hours later at 6am on March 30th. The date of Nyepi changes each year according to the Balinese calendar, so you’ll want to check ahead if you’re already planning next year’s Bali escape.
What is Nyepi?
For the Balinese, Nyepi is a Hindu celebration that marks the start of a New Year – a day to cleanse the island from the previous year’s misdoings and bad omens, establishing a pure and positive year ahead. The whole island shuts down for a full 24 hours, and the streets are off limits to everyone. Even the airport closes for a full day, with planes being rerouted above so not to disturb the silence below. Everyone must remain inside their homes, villas or hotels without any disturbances – this means no travelling, transport, work, sound, or even light. In short, it’s pure bliss.
What happens during Nyepi?
On Nyepi Day, the Balinese will be meditating, praying and spending silent time at home with their families. For everyone else (non-Hindus), the answer is quite simply: nothing (other than plenty of relaxation at home).
However, prior to Bali’s Day of Silence, the preparations and celebrations start many days (even weeks!) before Nyepi Day. You’ll notice the streets coming alive with the sounds of traditional gamelan instruments and reams of colourful offerings. All of this is in preparation for Melasti.
But wait, what is Melasti?
Melasti is a purification ritual that takes place three or four days before Nyepi. It’s the largest purification ritual on the island, where thousands of Balinese people – all dressed in white – form a spectacular procession towards the ocean, carrying sacred objects from the temples to the sea to be cleansed and purified.
Many days before Nyepi, you’ll also spot villagers excitedly preparing and sculpting enormous papier-mâché monsters (called Ogoh-Ogoh) which, on the night before Nyepi, are paraded through the streets with loud music, bursts of fire and people lining the streets to add to the community spirit. It’s a spectacular contrast to the silent day of serenity that follows.
What are the Ogoh-Ogoh for?
Want to know the reason behind the raucous Ogoh-Ogoh parades on the eve of Nyepi, followed by total silence? The Balinese believe that evil spirits scour the earth looking for colonies to torment. So, the Ogoh-Ogoh are designed to catch the attention of these evil spirits and draw them to the island. Then, by the time the evil spirits arrive, they find an island that’s seemingly deserted, with no sign of human life. Alas, these evil spirits depart, leaving the island cleansed and evil-free for another year ahead!
Must everyone celebrate Nyepi, even foreigners?
Yes, everyone must abide by the rules of Nyepi, namely by remaining indoors without any noise or visible light. Don’t fret though, you’re permitted to move around your accommodation as normal, providing that sound and light are kept to an absolute minimum. If you’re staying in a hotel, there’ll often be plenty of activities on offer to keep you occupied. And you won’t be in total darkness either – lights will often be left on but dimmed at nighttime, and you’ll just need to keep your curtains closed.
What should I do on Nyepi Day?
With nothing else on the itinerary except kicking back and chilling out, there’s no better time to rest, relax and rejuvenate from the comforts of a luxury hotel, villa or resort. Find yourself a good book, meditate, dust off an old board game, treat yourself to an at-home face mask or simply bask in the sunshine with only the sounds of nature all around. And trust us when we say you’ll want to stargaze at night, because without any light pollution, the sky is a blanket of sparkles!
Can I use the internet or watch TV during Nyepi?
Internet and television services may be limited or unavailable during Nyepi – check with your accommodation is you’re unsure. It’s an opportunity to disconnect and engage in self-reflection or quiet activities. Top tip: a Nyepi stay package usually include special activities happening within the resort.
Is it safe to travel to Bali around Nyepi?
Travelling to Bali around Nyepi is safe, but be sure to plan accordingly. The airport and sea ports close for 24 hours, and all activities cease, so ensure your arrival or departure doesn’t coincide with Nyepi Day.
NYEPI STAY PACKAGES 2025
Since no one can leave their accommodation on Nyepi day, most hotels will offer special two-night Nyepi Stay Packages to keep everyone occupied on these mandatory days indoors. Most packages will offer discounted rates, complimentary meals, full access to the hotel’s facilities and sometimes vouchers for spa treatments – even the kiddos will be taken care of with games, activities and movie marathons. Check back here for special Nyepi 2025 Stay Packages – soon to be announced!
TOP NYEPI TIPS
1. Plan your food!
If you’re staying in a private villa rather than a hotel, check ahead to see whether food and meals are provided. If not, you’ll want to stock up on plenty of sustenance well ahead of Nyepi, as the supermarket shelves are often bare by the time Nyepi swings around. You’ll also want to pre-prepare and cook most of your meals on the day before Nyepi, as you won’t be able to use that noisy blender or light-generating oven.
2. Stay close to home
On the day before Nyepi, many roads will close at around 4pm to make way for the Ogoh-Ogoh parades that begin at 6pm, so you’ll want to avoid travelling long distances any time after lunch time. It’s the perfect excuse to head home early and begin winding down ahead of the silence.
3. Check closures and visa deadlines
Since Nyepi is the most important public holiday on the Balinese calendar, businesses will close over Nyepi so that families can reunite and celebrate in their villages. Though the holiday is technically only one day, many businesses will close for an entire week (or more!), so keep this in mind if you have any deadlines (e.g visa extensions), or have any special occasions planned.
4. Don’t miss the Ogoh-Ogoh parades!
One of the best things about Nyepi is the festivities that take place on the night before Silent Day, namely the Ogoh-Ogoh parades. Every village has their own parade, starting at around sunset time. Be sure to check out your local parade for a spellbinding show of colour, noise and good times. Otherwise, if you want to see the biggest and most staggering displays, then check out the Ogoh-Ogoh parades in Jimbaran (nearby the main McDonalds intersection), Seseh (at the intersection of Jl Raya Tanah Lot) or in Denpasar on Imam Bonjol. You’ll want to watch the closest parade to wherever you’re staying, ‘cause it’s likely you’ll need to walk home due to the road closures and out-of-office taxi drivers.
Selamat Hari Raya Nyepi, everyone!
