New Year’s Day, particularly in the West, is associated with raucous fire displays, packed get-togethers, and the endless binge drinking session.
In the Hindu-majority island of Bali, however, it is the time to shut down and reflect on oneself. The New Year is welcomed with a day of silence known as Nyepi.
The celebrations come before the New Year’s Day, which usually take place for days. Then on the day of the New Year, the whole island goes quiet for a full 24 hours.
ATMs are disabled, the streets are empty and pitch-dark resembling a ghost town and essentially no sign of life is expected. The airport, too, will be closed.
The pecalang police patrol the streets to ensure no activities are taking place and won’t hesitate to catch tourists who are unaware or pretend to be oblivious to the rules.
Pic credit: baliandbeyond
What can you do then?
It is suggested to stay in and respect the Balinese traditions during Nyepi. Places, even in the tourist hubs, are prohibited to operate, so no need to risk getting caught looking around for an open bar.
The Colony Boutique Hotel Seminyak will be available, to serve a more basic menu for food and beverage, to ensure our guests are not alone and blind to this experience.
Watch the sky illuminate as the whole island sleeps. No fire means the moon and stars are the only source of light there is. Embrace the opportunity to admire the beauty while you can. You will still be able to keep your lights on here at The Colony Hotel, but why not immerse in the full experience of the holy day by participating? The sky is believed to be the most breathtaking during this time of year.
Give digital detox a shot. Use the time to give yourself a break from the Internet while the rest of the island switches off with you. Ditch surfing the channels on TV to perhaps be present and enjoy the silence, or each other’s company.
Meditate under the moonlight. Reflect and de-stress during your holiday in paradise by practicing meditation under nature’s bright stars and cool sky. It’s free and easy to do especially on Nyepi. Most quiet yoga spaces may require hiking to, or undergoing hours of driving into a remote village, but you can finally do it in the comfort of the hotel.
The Colony Hotel, Bali, Seminyak is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the chic and sophisticated district of Bali, Seminyak. To learn more about our accommodation and hotel facilities or inquire about the holy holiday of Nyepi, visit our website through this link.