Where to go for a day of silence in Bali?

Bali is an incredible island where the New Year is celebrated at least four times: on January 1st, Chinese New Year, Muslim New Year, and, of course, Balinese New Year. 

Balinese New Year, or Nyepi, is the most significant Hindu holiday on the island, always observed in March, the day after the first spring new moon. In 2024, Nyepi falls on March 11th.

Nyepi is known for not being celebrated; on the contrary, it is associated with strict prohibitions, earning it the nickname "Day of Silence." On this day, from 6 AM to 6 AM the next day, it is forbidden to engage in festivities, work, turn on lights, kindle fires, and even go outside. This rule applies not only to local residents but also to tourists. Even the airport is closed on this day.

What to do on this day if your vacation is limited, and you don't want to spend the whole day within the hotel walls? We will tell you more about it in the article.

Firstly, it's important to note that there is no need to fear Nyepi and change your plans. On the contrary, arriving on the island during the celebration of the Balinese New Year will provide you with a unique and interesting experience. You won't see anything like it anywhere else on the planet.

You can find more details about the celebration in this article.

And we won't stop now at the description; instead, we'll share where you can go on this day to avoid staying at home.

The Gili Islands

The three small islands of Gili - Trawangan, Air, and Meno, located east of Bali, are the most popular destination for tourists and expatriates during Nyepi. There is always a hustle and bustle during this period. We recommend purchasing boat tickets in advance and preferably traveling there a couple of days before the Day of Silence, rather than waiting until the last moment.

We also recommend to book hotels in advance.

Gili is often referred to as the "Bali Maldives." Here, you'll find a very relaxed atmosphere, white sandy beaches, and a turquoise ocean. People come here for snorkeling, diving, as well as simply to unwind and gain new experiences. While we cannot guarantee complete silence during Nyepi on Gili, the islands certainly have their unique vibe.

We also have ready-made programs for Gili Trawangan and Gili Air.

The Lombok Island

Another eastern neighbor of Bali is the large island of Lombok, not yet as popular among tourists. The number of attractions is scarcely comparable to Bali, but they are unique. Lombok offers a different culture and climate, with untouched nature at your disposal, and empty lineups for surfers.

A journey through Lombok will appeal to those who love to explore the undiscovered and are willing to create their own routes. If that describes you, our guide to the most interesting places on the island will help you plan your trip.

You can reach Lombok by a high-speed boat from Padang Bay. We also recommend departing in advance, a couple of days before Nyepi. Tickets can be purchased here.

Upon arrival, you can rent a car for your convenience.

The Island of Sumbawa

The next significant island to the east of Lombok is Sumbawa, still relatively untouched by tourists. Experienced surfers and enthusiasts of unique experiences have taken a liking to it. One distinctive feature is that in Sumbawa, you can swim with whale sharks!

These "gentle giants," ranging from 7 to 20 meters in length, are entirely harmless to humans. Closer to whales than sharks, they feed on plankton and move very slowly. Snorkeling alongside them is sure to become one of your most memorable experiences.

Diving enthusiasts will appreciate exploring the waters around the small island of Moyo.

If you're looking to try something new and unusual during Nyepi, we suggest considering our three-day tour to Sumbawa.

The Komodo Archipelago

Moving further east, we arrive at one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia - the Komodo Islands. This is a national park protected by UNESCO, representing a completely different Indonesia - primitive and untouched. Here, infrastructure is undeveloped, and there are no hotels or restaurants. Tourists live and travel on large comfortable wooden boats.

Komodo is, of course, renowned for its enormous Komodo dragons inhabiting the area, as well as its surreal landscapes, beaches with pink sand, and stunning underwater world.

For more details on what to see in the Komodo Islands, we have provided information in this article.

Additionally, on our website, you can choose a boat that will become your home during the journey. During Nyepi, group tours are not available, but we can organize an individual tour for you.

The Island of Sumba

Sumba, an island to the south of Komodo, is worth your attention. Do not confuse it with Sumbawa! People come here for its exotic appeal: to visit traditional villages, witness houses with whimsical roofs, acquaint themselves with the unique culture of the locals, see trees frozen in dance, and visit beautiful beaches.

Sumba is yet another authentic part of Indonesia, untouched by mass tourism. We have detailed information on what to see on the island and activities you can engage in, provided in this article.

The Island of Java

Let's move westward from Bali to the most populous island in Indonesia - Java. Java offers numerous ideas for exciting journeys. The island is home to 120 volcanoes, 30 of which are active, making it famous worldwide for its volcanic activity. Here, you'll find the well-known Ijen volcano, boasting the world's largest acidic lake in its crater. The relentless work of sulfur mining takes place on its shores around the clock. People come here for the epic views of the ever-smoking Bromo volcano and the most beautiful waterfall in all of Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu.

Enthusiasts of history will appreciate a tour to the ancient Buddhist temple literally risen from the ashes - Borobudur.

You can learn more about the main wonders of Java in this article.

During Nyepi, we suggest embarking on an exhilarating 4-day journey across Java, exploring volcanoes and waterfalls.

Alternatively, you can opt for a two-day tour, visiting the Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

IMPORTANT! It is not advisable to plan trips to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan during Nyepi, as these islands, predominantly inhabited by Hindus, also observe the restrictions of the Day of Silence.

Stay In Bali

For those who prefer to stay on Bali, this time will become a unique opportunity to enjoy the silence and tranquility on the usually bustling island. And it's also an interesting experience. If you're fortunate with the weather, you might see millions of stars in the night sky.