Tips to enjoy Nyepi Day in Bali
Nyepi or Silence Day is a very unique holiday that you will only find on Bali and its neighboring islands Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Its purpose is to celebrate the Balinese New Year. Since Balinese people follow a different calendar system, and this year Nyepi (Silence Day) takes place on March 7, 2019.
Despite of all the rules to be followed, such as wandering restriction around outside of your house, and not to be seen or heard, The Silence Day is a unique experience you could try and enjoy during your stay in Bali. With some useful tips below, your Nyepi experience will be fun and memorable.
1. Plan your arrival; Ngurah Rai International Airport is perhaps the only international airport in the world that totally ceases its operations for a full 24 hours every year. Due to the closure, all flights both arriving and departing from the airport will be inoperable. It’s always a good idea to plan your flights in or out to avoid the actual Nyepi date. In other words, arrive early – perhaps in time to watch the lively parades of Nyepi Eve!
2. Find yourself a nice accommodation, with a swimming pool, to enjoy the tropical climate even on Silent Day. Hotels in Bali are well geared up to offer their guests the best experiences during Nyepi, which basically confines them to their resort grounds, as traveling is one of the restricted rules during Nyepi Day.
3. Ogoh-ogoh Parade, a cultural highlight you don’t want to miss. The evening before Nyepi each village will have a huge parade presenting large artfully crafted monsters, made from bamboo and recycled paper, called Ogoh-Ogoh. They will be carried through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and mostly even a performance act. It is really impressive watching this cultural Highlight.
4. Stock up snacks & DVD. Visitors are exempt from the Nyepi restriction of lighting fire (for cooking – as long as the light and fire is not visible from outside your room or villa), so it’s okay to stock up on snacks or food for your kitchenette. The same goes for in-room entertainment such as DVDs (entertainment and other luxuries are also restricted among the Balinese during Nyepi). The local government has pushed for TV stations to cease broadcasting over Bali’s airwaves over Nyepi. Your hotel’s satellite channels will mostly remain available, including internet and Wi-Fi.
5. Book a full spa treatment. Nyepi is a great opportunity to make good use of its silence and seclusion, so why not spend some quality spa time with a full-day treatment? It’s a perfect time to reflect, reconnect and truly unwind.
6. Stargazing. Despite, having a relaxed day and just enjoying doing nothing, you will see the most amazing night sky during Nyepi Day. Since every place is supposed to shut down the lights, you will be able to see a million stars!
