Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence - What to Expect.
Nyepi, Balinese New Year, is one of the most unique cultural experiences you can witness in Bali. Unlike celebrations elsewhere, Bali's new year is marked by complete silence. The entire island shuts down for 24 hours—no flights, no traffic, no lights, no noise.
In short, Balinese New Year consists of two parts: a very noisy one—Nyepi Eve—and a very quiet one—Nyepi Day.
When is Nyepi 2026?
Nyepi Eve (Ogoh-Ogoh Parade): Wednesday, March 19, 2026
Nyepi Day (Day of Silence): Thursday, March 20, 2026, 6:00 AM – Friday, March 21, 2026, 6:00 AM
Nyepi Eve: The Ogoh-Ogoh Parade
Nyepi Eve is about creating a spectacle to attract the evil spirits to Bali. When the spirits arrive at around sunrise the next morning, everybody is hiding and being quiet (Nyepi Day) so the spirits find nothing of interest and leave until next year.
Nyepi Eve starts around sunset with Ngrupuk parades. The main attractions are the Ogoh-Ogoh—huge colorful figures of demons—that will be carried or driven around every town and village in Bali. The center of the parade is the village's main crossroad, and the parade is usually accompanied by gamelan music, fireworks, and bamboo bombs.
The parade ends before midnight with the burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh as a symbol of getting rid of the evil spirits.
Pecatu is the closest village to see it, and we warmly recommend going! It's about a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk from Bingin. If you'd like to join us, we'll be gathering at the lobby at 6:00 PM on March 19 to head there together. Otherwise, ask our staff for directions—it's easy to find.
Nyepi Day: The Day of Silence
After Nyepi Eve comes Nyepi Day—the day of silence—and the Balinese take that very seriously.
On Nyepi Day, complete calm enshrouds the island. The Balinese Hindus follow a ritual called Catur Brata Penyepian—roughly the "Four Nyepi Prohibitions":
Amati Geni (No fire/light)
Amati Lelungan (No travel)
Amati Karya (No work/activity)
Amati Lelanguan (No entertainment)
Pecalangs—traditional security men—will be on the streets, making sure the streets are empty as no traffic is allowed, not even pedestrian. Even Denpasar Airport will be closed down for the entire day!
Some consider it a time for total relaxation and contemplation; for others, a chance for Mother Nature to "reboot" herself after 364 days of human pestering.
Nyepi at Mule Malu
Nyepi Day starts at 6:00 AM on Thursday, March 20 and runs until 6:00 AM on Friday, March 21.
What this means for you:
During these 24 hours, you are confined to our premises, but free to continue enjoying our facilities as usual—even if we recommend considering it a time for total relaxation.
You can enjoy:
The pool - Use it as normal
Your room - AC and lights inside are fine (just keep curtains closed at night)
Café Mule Malu - Open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner until 6:00 PM (lights are not allowed at night)
Massage - Available by appointment
Common areas - Garden, lounge, everything accessible
What you CAN'T do:
Leave the property (gates closed, streets empty)
Make loud noise
Use bright outdoor lights at night
In the houses, where everybody is supposed to stay, activities and lights should be kept to a minimum, and TV broadcasting is usually shut down for the day. So far, the internet has been working on Nyepi Day, but many speculate it might be shut off this year. Don't count on it.
Check-in & Check-out During Nyepi
No check-ins or check-outs during Nyepi Day.
If you're arriving:
Latest check-in: 11:00 PM, March 19 (before midnight)
If you're departing:
Earliest check-out: 11:00 AM, March 21 (after 6:00 AM when Nyepi ends)
Nyepi Dinner at Mule Malu:
We'll be serving a special Balinese dinner on Nyepi evening (March 20). Details and pricing will be announced closer to the date. Reservations required.
Planning Around Nyepi
If you're flying:
Ngurah Rai Airport closes completely on March 20. No arrivals, no departures.
Plan flights for March 19 (before midnight) or March 21 (after 6:00 AM)
If you're exploring Bali:
Finish your travels by March 19 evening
No transportation, tours, or activities on March 20
If you're staying with us:
Book at least 2 nights (March 19-21) to experience both Nyepi Eve and Nyepi Day
Consider staying longer—Nyepi is rare, and this forced pause is something special
Why Experience Nyepi at Mule Malu
Nyepi is one of Bali's most meaningful traditions. The forced pause, the complete silence, the digital detox—it's something you can't experience anywhere else in the world. Most guests find it surprisingly peaceful and restorative.
Book your Nyepi stay at Mule Malu and experience Bali's most peaceful day.
Questions? Email us at reservation@mulemalu.com or WhatsApp +62 0821 4420 7937.