Nyepi in Bali

by **WillinBoulder** » March 24th, 2009

I've been to Bali a number of times but never for Nyepi which is March 26th this year. We're getting a lot of mixed messages about what will and will not be permitted. It sounds like there is a strong prohibition for going outside your hotel that day. We love this culture and enjoy experiencing its many dimensions. People are telling us that Nyepi is a great way to experience yet another aspect of Balinese culture, but it sounds more like we're being held hostage than anything else. Sitting in our hotel room for a precious day of vacation isn't exactly the experience we came for. Does anyone know what, if anything, is okay to do on Nyepi that would be a more meaningful experience and/or info on what the restrictions and allowances really are. We're in the Ubud area.

Thanks!

by **Hydro** » April 14th, 2009

There are several articles on the WhyGo Bali travel guide about Nyepi.

Nick's article is pretty comprehensive.

by **frankie75** » April 15th, 2009

I can understand why you feel this way .

it sounds more like we're being held hostage

But is spending a day relaxing by a pool and having a massage really that bad.

I Recommend you go out the night before watch any ceremonies that are being held in the area. have a great night and relax the next day. This is after all, most likely why you are going on holidays anyway.

Why dont you look at it this way

On Nyepi Day this year my husband and I decided to forgo the noisy television and instead spent the day floating in the pool and speaking softly to each other. The day seemed languid with no outside distractions and as the sun set we agreed it had disappeared all to soon.

That night we walked to dinner bathed in the flickering glow of candles illuminating the pathways of our resort. Even the lobby was completely blacked out with huge curtains obscuring the main entrance and larger candles in delicate paper shrouds arranged throughout reception. Every light was turned off and there was no traffic either outside or overhead.

After enjoying a candlelit meal we strolled slowly through the resort wrapped in the warm embrace of a tropical night heady with the scent of frangipani. Here in the silence under a sky scattered with stars I felt completely at peace for the first time in many months.

Nyepi Day is a time for quiet