Five Things to Know If You’re in Bali for Nyepi - Balinese “Silent Day”

While Bali’s dry season - April to October - is often considered the best time to visit, many cultural enthusiasts believe March is the island’s most captivating month. One of the many reasons for this is the truly unique experience of Balinese-Hindu New Year, known as Nyepi or “Silent Day.”

This magical island-wide event changes annually based on the lunar-based Saka calendar; in 2025 it falls on March 29. No rowdy parties or fireworks break Bali’s tranquillity at new year: Nyepi is a day for introspection, meditation, and giving Mother Nature a well-deserved break.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan reveal how to make the most of this meaning-rich occasion:

1. Embrace spiritual reflection

In a noisy, fast-paced world, Bali's annual Silent Day offers a transformative, one-of-a-kind chance to rest. Balinese Hindus are guided by the Catur Brata Penyepian or the “Four Nyepi Prohibitions”: no fire, no travel, no activity, and no entertainment. Instead, the islanders undergo a welcome digital detox and recharge with introspection, prayer and meditation. It’s a time to stay at home with loved ones in restorative stillness to celebrate the values of love, connection and kindness.  

2. Marvel at Ogoh-Ogoh parades

On Nyepi Eve (March 28), Bali’s streets are full of vibrant life: colourful parades accompanied by loud noises, firecrackers and Balinese gamelan music. At the centre of the festivities are giant, hand-painted Ogoh-Ogoh puppets, said to represent evil spirits. The puppets are ritualistically burned at the end of the parade to make room for peace and happiness in the coming year. Guests at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay can enjoy the spectacle of Ogoh-Ogoh from the Resort Temple.

3. Immerse in meaningful cultural connections

Four Seasons Resorts Bali mark the Nyepi celebrations with complimentary serenity-focused experiences. Learn the art of klangsah (coconut leaf mat-weaving) and gebogan (fruit towers) at Sayan, then drop into deep peace with soothing Yin Yoga or make the most of the light-free night sky with a stargazing meditation at The Sacred River Spa. At Jimbaran Bay, a Nyepi Gratitude Experience at the Resort Temple sets the reverent tone while Nyepi storytelling and classes in Balinese calligraphy and canang-making (daily offerings) further connect guests to local traditions.

4. Enjoy complimentary dining

As part of the beyond-the-ordinary celebrations, both Resorts offer complimentary evening dining to all in-house guests on Nyepi evening, March 29. From 5:00 to 10:00 pm, Taman Wantilan at Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran Bay serves made-to-order Asian and Western dishes direct to the table, while the elevated riverside Ayung Terrace at Four Seasons Resort Sayan offers an Indonesian buffet dinner from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.

5. Start the year auspiciously

The cultural experiences at Four Seasons gently unfurl into the new year on March 30. An uplifting Ogoh-Ogoh parade and fire ritual at Jimbaran Bay is followed by a Balinese New Year Ocean Blessing. This ancient tradition - performed by Resort Priest Ajik Ngurah - bestows prosperity and happiness for the year to come by offering prayers to the gods of sea and sun.

Stay Longer, Experience More

A special Stay Longer offer at both Resorts enables a fuller immersion into every mindful Nyepi moment with a complimentary fourth night for every three consecutive paid nights.

Find out more about the Nyepi celebrations at Four Seasons Resorts Bali here.

For Nyepi and Stay Longer offer information and bookings, click here, contact the Reservations team at Four Seasons Resorts Bali via email at reservations.bali@fourseasons.com or get in touch with the Resorts via FS Chat.