As the Balinese New Year approaches, a unique blend of festivities and quiet introspection takes over the enchanting island of Bali. Known as Nyepi, this day marks a significant event in the Balinese calendar, a tradition that encapsulates the vibrant culture and spiritual depth of this Indonesian paradise. Unlike any other celebration on the island, Nyepi offers both locals and visitors an opportunity to witness the rich ceremonial heritage of Bali, followed by a day of unprecedented quiet and stillness that blankets the entire island.
The Prelude to Silence: A Time for Purification and Preparation
Nyepi isn’t just about the silent day itself; it’s a culmination of events that lead to the ultimate moment of stillness. The preparation for Nyepi is as ritualistic as the day is serene. It begins with a thorough cleansing of the house, symbolic of clearing away the old to welcome the new. This physical act of cleaning is mirrored by the spiritual purification that takes place during the Melasti Ritual.
Held three days before Nyepi, on March 7th, the Melasti Ritual is a sight to behold. Participants dressed in pristine white gather at the water’s edge near their Pura, a Hindu temple, to purify sacred objects. The ceremony at Petitengett, one of Bali’s largest temples, draws crowds who carry their village temples to the beach for a blessing. This beautiful and solemn procession is a prelude to the introspection that Nyepi encourages and is highly recommended for those wishing to experience the depth of Balinese culture.
Day 1 - The Eve of Nyepi: A Celebration of Community and Creativity
Before the island embraces silence, there is a night of communal joy and celebration. The Ogoh Ogoh parade, held on the eve of Nyepi, showcases the artistic talent and community spirit of the Balinese people. Villages compete to create the most elaborate paper-mâché monsters, symbolizing the purging of negative elements. Children and adults alike parade these giants through the streets, accompanied by music and fanfare. This event, starting with a temple ceremony that includes a ceremonial sacrifice, offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Balinese tradition and the communal bonds that it strengthens.
Day 2 - Embracing the Silence: The Day of Nyepi
Nyepi is a day like no other. From sunrise on March 11th to sunrise the following day, the island transforms into a haven of peace and reflection. The Balinese observe this day by staying indoors, refraining from work, cooking, and even turning on lights. The silence and darkness that envelop Bali are a stark contrast to the festive energy of the preceding days, offering a moment for self-reflection and spiritual renewal.
For visitors, many Bali hotels offer special Nyepi packages, allowing guests to experience the day with minimal light and sound. The streets are deserted, the airport is closed, and in some areas, the internet is paused, creating a unique opportunity to disconnect from the external world and reconnect with oneself.
Day 3 - A Unique Blend of Tradition and Tranquility
Nyepi is more than a day of silence; it’s a symbol of the Balinese way of life, where community, spirituality, and respect for nature play central roles. Whether participating in the Melasti Ritual, witnessing the Ogoh Ogoh parade, or observing the day of silence, Nyepi offers a rare glimpse into the soul of Bali. It’s a time for purification, self-reflection, and, ultimately, renewal. As we stock up on binge-worthy TV shows and prepare for a day indoors, let’s not forget the true essence of Nyepi: a moment to pause, look inward, and embrace the quiet beauty of stillness.
Here are 10 of our recommendations for Stay packages during Nyepi 2024:
1. Mamaka - Ovolo
Escape to Kuta’s golden coastline this Nyepi in Bali, where the stylish Mamaka by Ovolo invites you to recharge and disconnect from the world with a special Peaceful Retreat Package. The 3 Days, 2 Nights package encourages you to take the time to relax, recharge and reflect in the vibrant hotel. Overlooking Kuta Beach, Mamaka puts you front and centre of the action with great facilities for families.
Room Inclusions
- Daily Breakfast at Street 32 Restaurant
- Seafood & Carvery Buffet Dinner on Nyepi Night
- Silent Disco & Silent Movie Night
- First Drink on us!
- Loot Bag on Arrival
- Self Service Laundry
- 24-hour access to the Wellness Zone
- 24-hour room service
Pets are welcome!*
Activities
- Barista Beginner Class
- Shake Up The Unusual Mixology Class
- Silent Disco & Silent Movie Night
- Pool & Grass Games
- Afternoon Tea
- Cooking Class for the Family
- Yoga Class – Sunrise and Sunset
- Little Rock Stars Kids Club (lots of activities)
Location: Mamaka by Ovolo
Prices: From IDR 1,670,000+ per night
Booking: +62 361 8496 500 | reservations.bali@ovolohotels.com
2. Padma Resort Legian
This Nyepi in Bali, retreat to the charm of Legian where the sprawling Padma Resort Legian welcomes you to experience the Day of Silence in quiet comfort and luxury. The resort has prepared a wonderful Tranquil Getaway package from the 10th – 12th of March 2024 with various in-house activities for the entire family. With the Ogoh Ogoh parading the streets nearby, you’re in a perfect position to join the festivities before the silence.
Room Inclusions
- Daily buffet breakfast for two (2) persons
- One (1) time lunch and One (1) time dinner for two (2) persons
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the resort
Tax and service charge
Location: Padma Resort Legian
Prices: Starting from IDR 4,599,000nett per room for a 2-night stay
Booking: reservation.legian@padmahotels.com
3. The Apurva Kempinski Bali
When the island falls silent during this upcoming Nyepi, it is the perfect time to hit pause and embrace the sacred day with self-discovery, reflection and meditation. To cater to this, The Apurva Kempinski Bali invites you to embrace diversity in pursuit of serenity with their special Nyepi package celebrating Nyepi with style.
Room Inclusions
- Rate includes:
- One-time lunch at Pala Restaurant on 11 March
- One-time dinner at Candi Ballroom on 11 March
- Access to the gym
Location: The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Prices: From IDR 3,705,000 per room per night
Booking: +62 361 209 2288 | info.bali@kempinski.com
4. Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua
Take a relaxing break during Nyepi at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. From March 10th to March 12th, 2024, immerse yourself in the Nyepi Package, starting from IDR 3,600,000 nett per night with a minimum two-night stay at IDR 6,200,000 nett.
Room Inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- One-time lunch
- One-time dinner
Location: Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua
Prices: Starts from IDR 3,600,000 net per night in a Luxury Room
Booking: H9078@sofitel.com | +62 (361) 849 2888
5. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
Spend the auspicious and holy Balinese Day of Silence at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, one of the most vibrant five-star boutique resorts in the neighbourhood. Sprawling across 4.7 hectares of land, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is perfectly situated on the southern stretch of Seminyak Beach, this design-focused resort boasts 270 spacious rooms and suites along with 19 villas with private pools.
Location: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
Prices: Starting from IDR 2,650,000 per room per night
Booking: hotelindigobali.reservations@ihg.com | +62-361-2099999
6. W Bali - Seminyak
Spend the sacred Balinese Day of Silence, or Nyepi, in the luxurious and vibrant W Bali – Seminyak, where the popular resort has curated a special Soundless Stay Nyepi Package for the ultimate silent day experience.
Location: W Bali Seminyak
Prices: Start from IDR 5,600,000++ per room per night
Booking: reservations.wbali@whotels.com | +62 361 3000 106
7. Cyrus Villa - Seminyak
Ini Vie Hospitality presents its special promotions this year, featuring a 3-Day, 2-Night package.
Room Inclusions
- Romantic 2 Nights Stay
- Serve Daily Ala Carte Breakfast for 2 persons
- 1x Romantic flower décor wording “WELCOME HOME” on the bed upon arrival
- 1x Lunch on Nyepi Day for 2 persons
- 1x Dinner on Nyepi Day for 2 persons
Location: Cyrus Villa
Prices: From IDR 7,610,000 for 2-night stay
Booking: +62 851-0052-2558 I cyrusvilla.com
8. Hotel Tugu Bali - Canggu
Immersing their guests in a world of Indonesian heritage and hospitality, the boutique Hotel Tugu Bali presents a truly one-of-a-kind destination. Within its private oasis beside Batu Bolong Beach, Canggu, Hotel Tugu Bali’s villas, suites and bungalows sprawl spaciously throughout their tropical gardens, linked by stone paths and wooden walkways, creating a historical and whimsical wonderland within their walls.
Room Inclusions
- Daily lavish breakfast for two
- Signature afternoon tea for two
- Kids cookies making activity on Silence Day 11 March
- Free Extra bed for 1 children below 11 YO including breakfast
- 30% off massage at WaroengDjamu Spa
Location: Hotel Tugu Bali
Prices: Starting from IDR 2,900,000+ per night
Booking: +62 813 3702 0904 | bali@tuguhotels.com
9. Astera Villa - Canggu
Ini Vie Hospitality presents its special promotions this year, featuring a 3-Day, 2-Night package.
Room Inclusions
- Romantic 2 Nights Stay at Suite Room
- Serve Daily Ala Carte Breakfast for 2 persons
- 1x Romantic flower décor wording “WELCOME HOME” on the bed upon arrival
- 1x Lunch on Nyepi Day for 2 persons
- 1x Dinner on Nyepi Day for 2 persons
Location: Astera Villa – Canggu
Prices: Start From IDR 3,370,000
Booking: info@asteracanggu.com | +62 8135 3681 046 | asteracanggu.com
10. InterContinental - Sanur
Embark on relaxing experiences to the tranquil coastline of Sanur this Nyepi as InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort has prepared a wonderful Journey of Serenity package at its luxury beachfront oasis.
Room Inclusions
- Daily buffet breakfast
- One-time buffet dinner for two persons
Location: InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort
Prices: Starts From 2,905,000+ per night
Booking: reservation.icbalisanur@ihg.com | +6281138006092
As the Balinese New Year of 2024 draws to a close with Nyepi, we’re reminded of the profound tranquillity and reflective pause it brings to the bustling life of Bali. This day of silence is a unique tradition that deeply resonates with the spiritual ethos of the island, offering both locals and visitors alike a chance to experience a moment of complete peace and introspection.
The vibrant parades, the solemn rituals, and the silent day itself weaves together a tapestry of cultural richness that defines Bali’s unique character. Amidst this time of celebration and silence, we find a beautiful balance between communal joy and individual reflection, a balance that teaches us the importance of harmony with the self, with others, and with nature. As we step forward from Nyepi, carrying with us the serenity and lessons it imparts, let us embrace the new beginnings it symbolizes, enriched by the tranquillity and renewed spirit that Nyepi so gracefully offers.
Happy Saka New Year.
