Enjoy the silence!

Wishing all my loved ones in Bali a blissful Day of Silence or Nyepi, The Balinese Hindu New Year! 

I am looking back to the many years when I experienced on this day Bali to be completely still, no traffic, no planes go in and out of the island and I could not hear anything but the concert of crickets, frogs and birds. One can literally feel the silence as everything calms down after the colourful and loud Ogoh-Ogoh parade on Nyepi eve. The silence period starts at 6am in the morning and lasts for 24 hours. There are usually no clouds during the day and there are amazing star gazing opportunities throughout the dark night during "Bali shut down".
 It's a very special atmosphere not to be missed in a life time.

No money could bypass the spiritual law of silence and  inactivity in order to keep away the evil spirits that are supposed to fly over the island on that day and should not be attracted. The Pecalang, the village chiefs, take care that the law is followed and all village members including all foreign visitors stay in their homes.

What a magical and beautiful day, an example of meditation and focus on family and oneself without distraction. Wouldn't it be great if the whole world would celebrate such a day?

The traditions and rituals of this Hindu island, a little jewel in the world's largest Muslim nation are getting more and more attention from the outside world.

BBC Radio 4 created a very worthwhile 30 min audio documentation on this special Nyepi day "The Quietest Near Year on Earth".

Information for travellers:
If you like to experience this special day including the very entertaining days before and after Nyepi (lots of colourful ceremonies on the beach and in the villages, e.g. the loud and cheerful "Ogoh Ogoh Parade") you can take advantage of the Nyepi packages many hotels offer around the day of silence, e.g.  reduced room prices in 5 Star hotels due to the limited level of activity and service on the day of silence. Actually this time is highly recommended to relax and to enjoy top rated facilities at reduced price including the street parades and ceremonies for an amazing cultural experience.  


When to go?
March and April, dates vary each year. 

Contact us for more information or how to best plan a vacation around the ceremonies, their locations and schedule.  This is a time best enjoyed by visitors who are interested in Bali's unique culture and who are looking for world class photography opportunities. 

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Melasti Ritual, a few days prior to Nyepi

Ogoh-Ogoh Monster ready for the parade on Nyepi Eve.