Travelling to Bali during Nyepi, also known as Balinese New Year, comes with a lot of questions around what tourists can and can’t do. The “Day of Silence” means you can’t go outside, activities are stopped and there are no lights or sounds.
The significance of this Hindu celebration is quite meaningful. Balinese people will use the day to meditate and reflect; intentionally avoiding “worldly” activities. They will fast, turn off all electricity and stay indoors with their family.
Ahead of my trip to Bali, I was inundated with videos on my TikTok FYP of people asking “what to do on Nyepi day”, with advice on ordering food the day before, loading up your Netflix and having a forced chilled day. I also saw many people speak about how it’s the most magical day in Bali and not one to miss. Naturally, I was curious to experience this for myself through the lens of a luxury resort.
My experience at the Four Seasons Resort in Jimbaran Bay was the perfect introduction to this holiday. Despite not being able to go outside or turn on any lights, resort guests can often still experience a variety of mindful events where they can embrace the true meaning of Nyepi. Here’s what we had the honour of doing:
A Unique Cultural Journey: The Ogoh Ogoh Parade
The night before Nyepi, the streets of Bali light up to celebrate with the Ogoh Ogoh parade. The Ogoh Ogoh is a giant, slightly terrifying mythical creature that is meant to absorb the bad energy around us. These are sculpted out of paper mache — often months in advance — and burned after the parade to represent the riddance of negative energies. At the Four Seasons, we were treated to a cultural performance by the staff that showcased the story behind the Ogoh Ogoh, before participating in a short parade that honours the spirit of Nyepi. It took us down to beachfront restaurant Sundara for sunset.
Connect With Bali’s Soul: Making Offerings
On Nyepi morning, we were lucky enough to make our own offerings, also known as “canang sari”. If you’ve been to Bali before, you’ve likely seen these placed at the front of homes, temples and other businesses. These offerings are made daily and made up of things like flowers, rice, incense, sweets, fruits, spices and sometimes even a cigarette. We wove our own baskets with coconut leaves — using bamboo needles — and placed these offerings at the temple in our individual villas. Making these myself gave me insight into the meaning behind each flower and each grain, and I was able to stop and appreciate the sentiment every time.
Your Day Of Stillness, Elevated: Spa
What better way to embrace a day of “silence” than with a spa treatment? The spa offering at Four Seasons Resort goes above and beyond, with many options including facial treatments, light therapy, crystal cleansing and of course – massages. The most memorable one for me was the celestial light ritual at Jimbaran Bay. I started off this treatment with a warm bath and body scrub before laying on a massage bed of crushed quartz crystals. What followed was a bespoke flow of therapies that incorporated light therapy, sound healing and of course, a massage using crystal tools. By the end of the two hours I could physically feel how the crystal energy had charged my body to a state that felt like a blissful daze. It was a truly luxe and effective way to embrace the meditative and reflective themes of Nyepi.
Find Your Serenity: Stargazing
Picture this: You’ve just had an early dinner at the resort’s restaurant buffet. You head back to your villa for a dip in your private pool that has an expansive view of the ocean and nearby coastal town. But, it’s Nyepi, and there’s no light pollution – meaning the sky lights up with the sparkles of the milky way. There’s nothing more humbling than feeling like a tiny speck in the colossal view of our galaxy.
A Sanctuary Of Stillness: Nyepi
While a captivating experience for all, Nyepi in Bali provides a particularly special window for visiting families to connect without distraction and truly immerse themselves in the rich local culture. When planning your next trip, consider Four Seasons Resort Bali for a truly special experience.
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