Bali prepares to celebrate Hari Suci Nyepi Tahun Baru Caka 1947 – the official day of absolute silence that commences at 5:59 am on Saturday, 29 March 2025, and ends on Sunday morning, 30 March 2025, at 6:00 am.
Occurring on the Balinese calendar once every 210 days, Nyepi is a day of absolute silence in which seaports and the airport are closed for 24 hours. All Island residents are expected for the entire period – from sunrise on 29 March until dawn the following day – to remain in shuttered houses with the lights off.
The Bali-Hindu tenet of “Catur Brata” stipulates that devout Balinese during Nyepi must obey the four chief prohibitions of “Amati geni” (not igniting any fire or lighting), “Amati Karya” (to refrain from work), “Amati lelungan” (to not venture outside the home), and “Amati lelanguan” (to not partake in pleasurable activities and entertainment).
During the Nyepi period, all businesses will be closed, ports and the Ngurah Rai Airport will cease operations, and streets across the island will become eerily quiet – not unlike a ghost town.
“Feel free to sell and offer overnight packages, but do not present these offers as having a connection with ‘Nyepi.’ It is better to package these offers as part of a long weekend package.”
Tjok Pemayun – Head of Bali Tourism
Please, No ‘Nyepi’ Packets
As the “Day of Silence” approaches, the Bali Tourism Authority (DISPAR) reminds all accommodation providers on the Island to NOT promote “Nyepi Packets” – offering special rates and services at hotels and villas for those seeking to escape the strict rules on the quietude that will prevail.
As reported by NusaBali.com, the DISPAR Chief, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, is firmly reminding Bali’s accommodation sector not to use the term “Nyepi” as part of any promotional program attempting to “sell” a “Hari Raya Nyepi Experience.” Pemayun said that the sacred nature of the Bali Hindu New Year must be preserved at all costs.
Pemayun said on Monday, 24 March 2025: “Feel free to sell and offer overnight packages, but do not present these offers as having a connection with ‘Nyepi.’ It is better to package these offers as part of a long weekend package.”
In conclusion, Pemayun warned: “Tourism accommodation providers must honor the religious principles underlining Nyepi practice to ensure the day can be honored with full respect and reverence.”
Despite the official warning from Tjok Pemayun, the commercial packaging of Nyepi Packages appears to be a ship that has already sailed. A quick Internet check suggests almost all Bali hotels are aggressively promoting “Nyepi Accommodation Packages.”
Related Links
The Do’s and Don’ts of Nyepi Day in Bali
Nyepi: A Millennium & More of Bali Silence
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