March 29, 2025, is the highly anticipated Nyepi, or Day of Silence, in Bali. This religious tradition involves the entire island coming to a standstill. The airport will be closed, all businesses will cease operations, and travel will be nonexistent for 24 hours, from 6 a.m. on March 29 to 6 a.m. on March 30.
Although Nyepi is practiced for only one day, rituals and festivities occur a few days before the Day of Silence.
Here is everything you need to know about the Nyepi weekend:
I Gusti Ngurah Rai airport will be closed all day (starting midday on the 28th). Therefore, it is advisable for all locals and tourists arriving and leaving Bali to plan their travels before the 28th or after the 29th.
Related article: When is the Best Time to Travel to Bali
Although Nyepi is the Bali Day of Silence, certain rituals are held days prior. These include the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, where papier mache monsters are sculpted in huge sizes and paraded down the streets. At the end of the parade, these monsters are burned to symbolize purification from evil spirits.
Another ritual is the Melasti, where Balinese locals dress in white and carry sacred objects from the temples to the sea, where they are cleansed and purified.
Balinese authorities expect tourists to comply with Nyepi’s terms and guidelines during their stay. There are four major Nyepi rules, which are called Catur Brata Penyepian, and these are:
Amati Geni means the use of fire and lights is prohibited on Nyepi. In other words, cooking is prohibited, and lights are kept to a minimum.
Amati Karya means no physical activity or work. This means all businesses and offices cease operations, beaches are closed, and outdoor activities are prohibited.
Amati Lelunganan means no travel or leaving the house. Locals and tourists must stay indoors. Guests can step outside in certain resorts but remain within the property’s premises.
Amati Lelanguan means not participating in pleasurable activities or entertainment. Radio, TV, and sometimes the internet are turned off in specific places on the island.
Nyepi is a day of fasting, reflection, and meditation. People are expected to remain in their homes and accommodations, refrain from recreational activities, keep lights at a minimum, close their curtains, and refrain from making loud sounds.
Streets will be empty since no taxis or vehicles are allowed, except for emergency services.
Though cooking and recreational activities are not allowed during the 24 hours, resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton Bali offer spa treatments and in-villa room service dining.
This year’s Nyepi will coincide with Eid’l Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The peak homecoming days for Eid are expected to begin on March 31. Airport authorities assure the public they are handling the anticipated influx of homecomings during these days. Still, they advise travelers to book their flights to and from Bali before the 28th and after the 29th to avoid unforeseen circumstances when traveling ahead of and after the Nyepi weekend.
Related article: Bali’s Nyepi: Ushering the New Year with a Day of Silence
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Featured Image by Bali Tour