Exploring the Serene Silence of Nyepi: A Day of Tranquility on a Popular Island

Bali, Indonesia is a top vacation spot loved by many. The streets are always bustling with motorbikes and the sound of music from local cafes. But once a year, the whole island goes quiet.

This is Nyepi, Balinese New Year.

Unlike many other cultures, Balinese Hindus don’t mark the new year with fireworks, parties or drinking.

Instead of celebrating with noise and festivities, the Balinese observe Nyepi, a day of silence. Starting at 6 a.m., Balinese Hindus fast, meditate, switch off the electricity, and spend time at home with their families. Local security officers known as pecalang monitor the streets to ensure nobody leaves their homes. The streets are empty except for the occasional ambulance, as the entire island comes to a standstill.

During Nyepi, everyone, regardless of their beliefs, will feel the impact of the holiday. The airport, tourist attractions, and hotels all shut down. Hotels do not accept new guests or allow anyone to check out during this time.

Amanda Syrowatka, the owner of Viceroy Bali, offers insights on managing expectations for hotel guests during Nyepi. She highlights that although Nyepi is a day of silence, the days leading up to Balinese New Year are bustling with visitors drawn to unique rituals exclusive to the island.

Balinese entrepreneur Niluh Djelantik

Balinese entrepreneur Niluh Djelantik

Courtesy Niluh Djelantik

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What is Nyepi and what does it represent?

The Balinese calendar is 210 days long, and Nyepi falls on the day following the new moon of the 10th lunar month – this year, March 11.

The day before Nyepi is Ngrupuk, a time when local children parade around giant monster effigies known as ogoh ogoh, which represent evil spirits. These effigies, made out of papier mache, are carefully crafted over months and then symbolically burned after the parade.

According to Professor Wayan Ari, who is the academic director of the School for International Training and a native of Bali, Nyepi is a day for self-introspection. It is a day to reflect on values such as humanity, love, patience, and kindness that should guide us throughout our lives.

Scenes from the ogoh-ogoh parade in Bali.

Scenes from the ogoh-ogoh parade in Bali.

Putu Sayoga/Getty Images

Ngrupuk, then, is a day to get all the noise-making out of one’s system before marking the new year with introspection.

Wayan explains that in Bali, it is a tradition to go from house to house with a torch, making noise, spitting local meswi spice in every corner of the house compound, and creating a 'cross' or tapakdara from white limestone at the feet of family shrines.

While the majority of Indonesians are Muslim, Bali stands out as primarily Hindu. Balinese Hinduism, with its unique customs and practices, differs from Hinduism in India. Unlike Hindu holidays such as Holi and Diwali, Nyepi is more widely celebrated on the island.

"Mesabatan Api" or "fire war" is another Ngrupuk tradition.

"Mesabatan Api" or "fire war" is another Ngrupuk tradition.

Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

What is it like for a visitor during Nyepi?

Jero Mangku Tindih, a native of Bali, is the resort manager at the Viceroy Bali. He enjoys sharing his culture's beliefs and practices with guests.

He collaborates with the Viceroy's Syrowatka to create an annual special Nyepi package. This package is designed to help guests learn about and participate in the traditional observances.

Tindih and his team will chat with guests before Nyepi and ask them to come to the nearby village to take part in the Ngrupuk festivities.

The Viceroy’s website marks off Nyepi on its booking calendar (guests already there can stay, but no new check-ins or bookings can start that day) and offers details for travelers before their visits.

On Nyepi, visitors are not allowed to leave their hotels or rental apartments. For those interested in experiencing the day like a local, they can choose to disconnect from electronic devices and modern technology. The Viceroy offers three meals and keeps amenities like the pool, spa, gym, and Wi-Fi accessible for guests even though restaurants are closed.

Tindih explains, "We honor our culture while also considering our guests. Despite our different religions, our hotel continues to operate as usual."

For Ngrupuk, our team will take guests to a nearby village in a golf cart. They can enjoy watching the ogoh ogoh parade and witness the fire war, a thrilling ritual where men light coconut husks on fire and throw them at each other.

While some travelers intentionally visit Bali during Nyepi to experience the festivities, others may find themselves on the island unexpectedly.

American freelance writer Margot Biggs found herself in a unique situation. When she booked her 2019 vacation to Ubud, she was unaware of the holiday called Nyepi and the rules that come with it. However, her hotel in Ubud sent her an email to explain Nyepi and what to expect during that day.

Biggs shared, "Although I didn't intentionally choose to visit Bali during Nyepi, I wouldn't mind experiencing it again. It's a beautiful tradition that could benefit everyone's spiritual and mental well-being."

Editor's P/S:

Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is a unique and profound holiday that offers a stark contrast to the typical Western New Year celebrations. Instead of fireworks and parties, the Balinese observe a day of silence and introspection, reflecting on the values that guide their lives. This practice serves as a reminder of the importance of inner peace, community, and respect for the environment.

As a visitor to Bali during Nyepi, it is essential to embrace the local customs and immerse oneself in the experience. While it may be challenging to disconnect from technology and modern conveniences, it is an opportunity to disconnect from the constant noise and distractions of everyday life. By participating in the Ngrupuk festivities and engaging with the local community, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Balinese culture and traditions. Ultimately, Nyepi offers a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the simple but profound values that make life meaningful. closure of the airport and tourist attractions during Nyepi, as well as the special packages offered by some hotels to help guests experience the holiday.