Nyepi in Bali: What To Expect During Balinese Day Of Silence

Aside from vibrant towns and stunning beaches, Bali is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including the unique Day of Silence. A day dedicated to the Balinese Hindu tradition of cleansing the island from evil spirits. For 24 hours, the island will go into “silent mode”, a stark contrast to its usually exciting charm, as a serene calmness falls over the island.

Check out this article to know what to expect for Nyepi next year!

What is Nyepi?

Nyepi is a key event in the Balinese Hindu calendar celebrating the new Saka Year. It’s a day in a year where the island comes to a standstill for a moment of reflection and meditation. All activities in the island will close during Nyepi, including the airport and other transportation going in and out of the island will cease. Everyone is expected to stay at home in lockdown mode.

Before Nyepi: Melasti

Their preparation for Nyepi begins with a cleansing ritual a few days prior to Nyepi. A majority of the Balinese will gather at the beach wearing white as a symbol of purification. Usually sacred objects are paraded around the “village” before being purified.

During Nyepi

The actual day of Nyepi starts from 6 AM to 6 AM the next day. During this day, you can expect absolute silence all over the island. The local guards, or pecalang, will patrol the area to ensure that everyone stays indoors and respect the Day of Silence.

After Nyepi: Ogoh-Ogoh Parade

Mostly known as Pengerupukan, this portion of the celebration is the widely anticipated Ogoh-Ogoh parade, a stunning display of papier-mache depicting monsters and other ghoulish things by local regions or ‘banjars’.

The streets will be closed as people flock the streets with the giant figures, making vibrant noises, from loud music to traditional instruments as they parade the streets. Then, at the end of the parade, the ogoh-ogoh will be burned in an open area. 

This is done in the hopes that the evil spirits in the island will be attracted by the lights and the noise, and by the time they arrive, the island will already be in lockdown mode, seemingly deserted and losing interest. Thus, the island will be free of evil spirits for another year.

When is Nyepi in Bali?

Nyepi usually falls around March, following the new lunar sequence. In 2025, Nyepi Day will be observed on Saturday, March 29th, 6:00 AM until Sunday, March 30th.  

Should everyone celebrate Nyepi, even tourists?

You don’t have to join in the rituals and ceremonies, but everyone in the island is expected to adhere to the four rules of Nyepi:

  1. Amati Geni: No fire and light
  2. Amati Karya: No work or physical activities
  3. Amati Lelunganan: No movement or traveling outside the home
  4. Amati Lelanguan: No revelry/self-entertainment

Basically, foreigners and non-Balinese Hindu are expected to stay indoors, refraining from outdoor activities outside of your home, hotel, or villa.

What can I do during Nyepi?

If you’re staying in the hotel, you can still enjoy the facilities and amenities they offer. Some may even offer fun activities or promos for guests, from spa packages, movie nights, and more to enjoy the most of your time during your stay. 

If you’re staying in a villa or an Airbnb, you can bask in the complete serenity of the island. You might want to stock up on some food and drinks as there will be no delivery services and shops open during the day. Most shops may even close the day before Nyepi.

Things to avoid during Nyepi:

  • Loud noises: Refrain from making loud noises even when you’re in your own private stay. 
  • Bright lights: When it starts to get dark during Nyepi day, ensure that your windows are covered and curtains closed to avoid any light from leaking. You might receive warning from proper authorities if lights come through from your stay.
  • Going outside: While you might be curious about the absolute silence, going out to the street is strictly prohibited.

With the basics down, you’ll be ready for Nyepi 2025! And after the day of serenity ends, you can stop by Café del Mar Bali to resume your island holiday!

  • Turns out to be a really cool beach club, better than expected. Great vibe, good food, service does not disappoint. I think for me, probably best to arrive early and just spend a day there when it's not peak hour. I'm over the whole sunset experience and super crowded space anyway😆

    Lina Napitupulu Avatar Lina Napitupulu
    June 5, 2023
  • One of the best days I’ve had in a long time! Came with friends and booked a pool day bed which Is definitely worthy it. The cocktails were the best we had in Bali. The food was also incredible. I highly recommend the Philly cheesesteak. Chilled tunes playing all day and when the sun goes down the music kicks up a notch. Absolute perfection. Take me back.

    Tiffany Morris Avatar Tiffany Morris
    May 3, 2023
  • My recent visit to this place was an absolute delight, from the warm and inviting ambience to the genuinely friendly and welcoming staff who made me feel right at home. Even the security staff, Dika, went out of his way to offer his assistance and create a welcoming atmosphere. One of the highlights of my stay was my first experience joining the bachata class, which was expertly led and thoroughly enjoyable. And, to top it all off, the sirloin steak I ordered was nothing short of delicious. Needless to say, I will definitely be returning to this wonderful establishment in the future.

    Pamela Cardinale Avatar Pamela Cardinale
    May 3, 2023
  • Had an INCREDIBLE time at Cafe del Mar. The vibes were immaculate. We were there on a Thursday night and it wasn’t very crowded. I’d say you get way better views here than the major beach clubs, which pack tables & daybeds together like sardines. Also the service was just all-round TOP NOTCH. Ernanta was an absolute star, made us feel so welcome and at home. Highly recommended.

    Mabel H Avatar Mabel H
    June 3, 2023
  • I had an amazing experience at Cafe del Mar Bali! The location is stunning, with an incredible ocean view and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was top-notch. I particularly enjoyed the seafood options, which were fresh and flavorful. The music at Cafe del Mar Bali was also a highlight for me. The DJs played a great mix of chill-out tunes and upbeat tracks that kept the vibe lively without being too overwhelming. I loved the relaxed beach club atmosphere and the beautiful sunset views - it was the perfect place to spend an evening in Bali. Overall, I highly recommend Cafe del Mar Bali to anyone looking for a great dining and entertainment experience in a beautiful beachfront location. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

    Satria Putra Avatar Satria Putra
    May 3, 2023
  • Disini makanan dan tempatnya bagus, pelayan nya juga ramah Parking: Parkirnya banyak sekali dan spacenya gede

    Gavin Gemezzz Avatar Gavin Gemezzz
    June 28, 2023
  • Good Job Buat Caffe Del Mar.... Mulai Dari Pelayanan Asli Poll Ramah Ramah Kita Butuh Apa Saja Pelayanan slalu sigap Dan Tempat nya bersih kita baru datang saja disambut ramah dan tidak membedakan orang kaya miskin atau apa pokoknya rekomendasi banget Caffe del Mar lain kali kalau ke Bali gk bakal lupa sama Caffe ini.... Harga makanan cukup terjangkau sekelas Caffe / beach club Untuk keamanan juga the best setiap mau masuk selalu di cek kendaraan tas dll Asli mbak mbak yang jaga mas mas Nya satpam/security nya ramah ramah Menunya juga banyak terdapat mushola juga bagi yang mau sholat tinggal tanya aja jangan kan dijawab bahkan sampai di antar Udah pokok nya rekomendasi banget.... Untuk menu nanti saya spil foto nya beberapa aja

    adibaffan alfian Avatar adibaffan alfian
    October 12, 2023
  • One of the best beach club in bali !

    Gerhard Barus Avatar Gerhard Barus
    October 12, 2023
  • I really had a great experience in Cafe del Mar. the food is worth the price, the ambience (especially during sunset) is great, and the service is 10/10! Also I would love to say thank you to Arsa, Wiwin & Ray for their services & hospitality, they are really friendly & helpful to us! Parking: n/a

    Tara Aziza A Avatar Tara Aziza A
    June 26, 2023
  • Sangat nyaman untuk bersantai dan meeting bareng rekan kerja

    ibnu santika Avatar ibnu santika
    October 15, 2023