It’s Bali like you’ve never seen it — silent, still, and steeped in tradition. The Balinese New Year of Nyepi offers a rare moment of complete tranquility.
If you’ve ever wondered what Bali would be like in complete silence, Nyepi is your answer. This sacred Hindu celebration, whose name literally means ‘silence,’ marks the Balinese New Year just as its name suggests.
In 2025, Nyepi falls on March 29, where for 24 hours, the streets are blocked off, shops are closed, airports shut down, and Bali falls silent in an attempt to cleanse the environment of the previous year’s wrong doings, bad deeds and mischievous thoughts.
While Nyepi itself is silent, the days before are full of vibrant rituals. From March 26 to 28, the Melasti Ceremony sees sacred objects purified in the sea. One of the most exciting activities happen the night before wherein Ogoh Ogoh’s (papier-mâché demonic caricatures crafted from materials such as bamboo and tinsel) are paraded around town by men, women and children. These sculptures are set on flames thereafter to cast evil spirits away. Every village puts on a show and makes a ton of noise to make way for what’s coming.
Read Next: All Is Well: 5 Of The Best Wellness Villas In Bali
As 6:00 AM arrives on Nyepi Day itself, a calm serenity hovers over the Island of the Gods, which is contrary to how one would typically envision ringing in the new year.
The scenario: No leaving your villa, beaches are off limits, no moving from place to place, and for some, no eating at all. It is believed that through introspection without distractions, one can welcome the new year on a positive note.
What to expect: Some people strictly follow the sacred preachings and pray all throughout the day and night. While others, mostly tourists, would take time to read books, sunbathe, bring out good old board games and enjoy the night sky, free from any artificial light.
Read Next: The Best Yoga Spots in Bali for a Relaxing ‘NamaStay’
Worried about having nothing to do or nowhere to go during Nyepi? Embrace the stillness at The Luxe Nomad’s curated villas, and prepare by asking The Luxe Nomad concierge service for everything you need to relax within the confines of the villas. Be it in-villa wellness programs to private dining, you can choose activities designed to complement the peaceful energy of the day.
As 6:00 AM arrives on March 30, marking the end of Nyepi, families gather to celebrate new beginnings in what is called Ngembak Geni.
Experiencing Nyepi is a unique opportunity to witness Bali at its most peaceful. The atmosphere has been described so serene that it almost feels like the whole wide world is standing still. A big plus is that millions of stars visibly paint the nighttime sky as noise and light pollution are reduced.
If we’re being honest, without electricity and the Internet, this sounds like the perfect day to commence your annual digital detox and maybe it’s something we should be doing at least once a month.
Looking to experience Nyepi in Bali this year? Indonesian residents and expats enjoy an amazing offer here.
Read Next: An Insider’s Guide To Umalas Village, Bali’s Hot New Neighbourhood