Are you visiting Bali during Nyepi Day? Or are you still confused about whether you should stay or avoid this day? Then this article is for you.
I live in Bali and have been spending Nyepi there for the last several years. In this article, I’ve gathered all the information about Nyepi Day so you have some ideas on what you should or shouldn’t do.
If you’ve never been to Bali in March, chances are you’ve never heard about Nyepi or the Day of Silence. Many people avoid this day, but others adore it.
So, what is so special about Nyepi? On this day, the whole island of Bali is in complete silence. No light, no sound, no electricity, and no internet. Nobody is allowed to go outside. Even the airport is closed.
Yes, you read that right.
Here’s what you’ll find in this article.
Keep reading to understand what Nyepi Day is all about.
What is Nyepi?
Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu celebration that falls on the first day of the Saka New Year (the Balinese calendar), usually in March. For the Balinese, Nyepi is a day of self-reflection, fasting, and meditation. The Balinese are not allowed to work, talk, or turn on the light. Just meditating for 24 hours.
Everyone visiting the island during Nyepi should respect this day because it’s a very important day for the Balinese.
Dates of Nyepi for upcoming years
The exact date of Nyepi is not the same every year because the Saka calendar is based on the phases of the moon. So here are the dates of Nyepi for upcoming years to help you adjust your plan to visit Bali:
- 2023: Wednesday, March 22
- 2024: Monday, March 11
- 2025: Saturday, March 29
Rules and rituals: what to expect as tourists
Amati Geni – No fire or light
Basically, this means you are not allowed to turn on the light. But don’t worry, there will be electricity. In the evening, you should put the curtains down, cover all the windows, and avoid any lights getting outside your room. You’re lucky if you can see the sky on this night without light pollution.
Amati Karya – No work or physical activities
The Balinese don’t do anything other than meditate. It means, all the shops, offices and restaurants are closed. The street is empty, with no cars or bikes allowed. If you’re staying in a hotel or resort area, you can still go to the pool or hit the gym, as long as you keep quiet.
Amati Lelungaan – No traveling or leaving the house is allowed
Yes, this includes foreigners and tourists. You will not be allowed to leave your hotel and there will be no transportation, including planes. The airport will be closed for 24 hours.
The streets will be empty, except for Pecalang, the Balinese who will be monitoring the roads and making sure that nobody is outside.
Pecalang will arrest anyone who is outside or on the streets during Nyepi.
So, unless there is an emergency situation, nobody is allowed to be outside their homes.
Amati Lelanguan – Fasting and no entertainment
If you’re staying in a hotel or resort, you can still go lounging in the pool or gym, as long as you keep quiet. The internet will be down on this day, but WiFi should work just fine. You can browse the internet, watch Netflix, do your work, or just take the time to reflect on yourself and think about your life decisions.
How Nyepi is celebrated
On Nyepi Day, the streets and beaches of Bali are empty, and all businesses, including the airport, are closed. No lights or sounds are allowed, and tourists and locals alike are expected to follow the customs and traditions of the day. The only exception is for emergency services and medical facilities.
Before Nyepi Day, Balinese Hindus perform the Ngrupuk parade, where they create and display Ogoh-ogoh, demonic statues made of bamboo and paper-mâché, symbolizing evil spirits.
After the parade, Nyepi Day begins at 6 a.m., and everything comes to a halt. For 24 hours, Bali becomes a peaceful and serene place, allowing the locals to reflect, meditate, and pray in complete silence.
Tips for tourists visiting Bali during Nyepi
- Plan your stay accordingly. No check-in or check-out a day before Nyepi until the day after because you will not get any taxi or transportation.
- Buy enough water bottles.
- Arrange your food. No restaurants or warung will be open. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask if they will provide food during Nyepi. If not, just buy some fruits, bread, or some food that you don’t have to cook.
- If you need to take out some cash from ATMs, do it the day before Nyepi because the ATMs will also be shut down.
- Avoid the streets on the night before Nyepi (except if you want to watch Ogoh-ogoh), since there would be a lot of traffic and some roads would be closed.
- Stay indoors. Some people thought they could sneak out to the streets and take some selfies. Please don’t do this. It’s disrespectful, and you don’t want Pecalang to arrest you.
- Turn off lights and electronics. Take care of your phone and laptop’s screen. Make sure you close all the curtains in your room and use only minimum light.
- Be mindful of your noise level. While it may be tempting to talk or make noise during Nyepi Day, it’s important to remain quiet and respectful. No playing music or making loud noises, please.
- You can participate in cultural activities like watching the Ogoh-ogoh parade. Remember to respect the local culture and dress appropriately.
- Respect the day after Nyepi Day which is called Ngembak Geni. For the Balinese, this is a day for forgiveness and new beginnings. Be mindful of your actions and interactions with locals, and respect this tradition.
FAQs
What should I wear on Nyepi Day in Bali?
You should dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and legs. Avoid wearing revealing clothes.
Can I leave my hotel room on Nyepi Day?
No, you can’t leave your hotel room or home during Nyepi Day. However, if you’re staying in a hotel or resort with facilities, you can use them as long as you follow the restrictions.
Are there any exceptions to the customs of Nyepi Day?
Only emergency services and medical facilities are allowed to operate on Nyepi Day.
Can I still enjoy the views on Nyepi Day?
Yes, most hotels provide special packages for Nyepi Day, and you can still enjoy the views without leaving your room or designated areas.
What’s Next?
If you want to know more about Bali culture – and what you should do or avoid as a tourist -, check out my article A Guide to Bali Culture and What is Illegal!
