Nyepi Day

This is one of the world’s most unique and exciting spiritual celebrations, and it takes place only on the island of Bali. Nyepi - also known as the Balinese Day of Silence - marks the start of the Balinese New Year, and will begin at 6am on the 3^rd of March and ends at 6am on the 4^th of March this year.

For 24 hours, the entire island will be shrouded in silence. All activities will cease, and except for the Pecalang - traditional Balinese security men - there won’t be a soul on the streets, no traffic anywhere and lights and noise are kept to a minimum.

Businesses, restaurants, and offices will be closed. Harbours and the airport will be closed and no planes are allowed to fly over Bali on Nyepi Day.

At night, windows and glass doors are covered with black cloth so not even a crack of light can be seen. Do take the opportunity to stargaze - without light pollution, you’ll be able to witness the most brilliant night sky!

Nyepi is a spiritual holiday that can be traced back to 78 A.D. The philosophy behind it is to trick evil spirits into thinking that there is nothing and no one on the island. They will then bypass Bali and choose instead to wreak havoc elsewhere.

Although Nyepi is observed for only 1 day, preparations begin days in advance with a multitude of ceremonies, prayers and cleansing rituals taking place in every village throughout the island culminating the night before Nyepi with a fantastical Ogoh-Ogoh Parade.

A must for everyone, the Ogoh-Ogoh parade is a fun and thrilling event. Gigantic papier-mâché sculptures depicting demonic spiritual entities from Hindu mythology are carried throughout the streets with much fanfare, and later, burned to ashes.

Watch the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade from right outside Prime Plaza Suites Sanur when you stay with us during Nyepi!