Bali is known to have some of the most unique cultures and traditions in the world. Visiting Bali means experiencing beautiful ceremonies that will make for a very memorable holiday. On the 19th of March 2026, Bali will celebrate Nyepi, a day of silence that is one of Bali’s most sacred holidays.
If you are lucky enough to be in Bali for Nyepi this year there are a few things you should know.
Nyepi, also known as “The Day of Silence”, is a Balinese holiday that marks the beginning of the Balinese New Year. Unlike most New Years, this day is devoted to silence and spiritual renewal. It is believed to be a day when the Balinese can reconnect with nature and spiritually cleanse the island of evil spirits.
On this day, the island comes to a standstill with no cars, lights, noise or entertainment. It’s a day of rest and reset where all people on the island embrace being mindful and slowing down.
The Balinese culture has the belief that the New Year can bring up negative energies and spirits that will destroy the balance on the island. The holiday Nyepi is the act of purifying the island and its people of these negative energies and spirits.
For twenty-four hours, Bali stands still. Everywhere is empty and everyone stays home, turns their lights off and sets all tasks aside. This silence is more than just discipline, it’s a spiritual vow that unites the whole island as they reflect and find balance in the New Year.
Nyepi is more than just a Day of Silence; it is a combination of meaningful rituals that prepare the island to spiritually cleanse.
A few days before Nyepi is the Melasti Ceremony, a purification ceremony. Locals walk down to the beach with holy temple objects and cleanse these objects and themselves from sin and bad karma. This is a ceremony to cleanse and bring together a sense of community.
On the night before Nyepi is the Ogoh Ogoh Parade. Large handmade bamboo and paper sculptures are carried through the streets for everyone to see. These are believed to catch evil spirits and negative energy that have built up throughout the year.
At 6 am on the 19th of March the whole island pauses. The streets will become empty, everyone will stay in their homes with their families and at nighttime with no lights, you will be able to enjoy the silence and see the beautiful night sky.
This day allows all people in Bali to be fully present with the people around them. Use the day to spend time with friends and family and reflect.
We respect the sacred day and so we pause all surfing, check-ins and check-outs for the day. However, for those already with us in camp, we will have a whole day of activities planned for you. It is the perfect day to recover from surfing and relax around camp.
On the evening before Nyepi we will go onto the streets to watch the amazing Ogoh Ogoh Parade. On the day of Nyepi take the morning slow, have your breakfast and spend the day lounging by the pool and embracing the stillness and silence.
Be a part of the Balinese sacred day and honour this day of silence by respecting the following rules of Nyepi:
Come join us at Kima Surf to experience a day of silence and tradition.