March 26, 2025, 6:46 a.m. | Reading time: 4 minutes
On Bali, which is also called the “Island of the Gods”, a special form of Hinduism is an important part of the life of the population. This is also the reason why once a year - usually in March - it becomes completely quiet on the island. You can find out what tourists need to keep in mind here.
Soon it will be that time again and, like every year, the Indonesian island of Bali will once again remain silent. On Saturday March 29th, the islanders celebrate the important Hindu holiday “Nyepi”, which is also called the Day of Silence. This brings with it some rules for tourists in Bali, which the authorities communicate in advance.
What travelers need to know about the Day of Silence in Bali
For a total of 24 hours on the Day of Silence, no one is allowed on the streets, and the entire island then appears deserted. Even Ngurah Rai Airport is closed on that day every year - there are no flights to or from Bali.
Soon Bali will be in silence again: On Saturday (March 29th) the islanders will celebrate the important holiday “Nyepi”, also known as the Day of Silence. The islanders welcome the New Year with this Hindu holiday. The date is based on the lunar calendar and usually falls in March. Bali is the only predominantly Hindu island in Indonesia, which is otherwise predominantly Muslim. Faith is also omnipresent in daily life there.
Ogoh Ogoh: On the eve of “Nyepi” the evil spirits are driven away
On the eve of the Day of Silence, things are still pretty loud in Bali. Large parades with fearsome figures called “Ogoh Ogoh” take place all over the island. These are carefully built in advance in huge halls. They are said to symbolize evil spirits and are then burned in a kind of exorcism ceremony with great noise - an impressive spectacle that tourists can also witness.
Beaches remain empty
From 6:00 a.m. the Nyepi day in Bali begins with absolute silence - and this lasts for a full 24 hours. Nobody is allowed to leave houses or hotels, cars are left standing (except emergency vehicles), and even the beaches are deserted. In the evening the lights are dimmed and even radio and TV channels are paused. Many Balinese people fast during this time.
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What does this mean for tourists?
“Our guests are allowed to leave their rooms and spend time at the pool, for example. But they are not allowed to leave the hotel grounds,” says Laksmi, receptionist at the Hotel Ubud Aura. “We also stock them up the evening before with food for the entire period.” Other hotels offer buffets, but there is no sign of service staff or other employees. Because work is also strictly forbidden on the Day of Silence.
The police check that all rules are adhered to. Tourists are expected to remain quiet in their rooms, resorts or private villas, local media reported. Many shops and restaurants will remain closed all weekend.
At Nyepi the stars shine brighter
For many who have never experienced Nyepi, the Day of Silence in Bali can seem a bit intimidating, but in reality it is an extremely calming and relaxing day, the newspaper “Bali Sun” wrote in advance. "It is an excellent day to read, meditate or journal while enjoying the sacredness of this day; it is palpable."
Tourists are also advised to look towards the sky at night: the stars over Bali never shine brighter than on Nyepi, when all light pollution on the island is eliminated.
With material from dpa
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