The world seems to be more at a more frantic pace than ever. For those seeking an escape from all the noise, Bali invites visitors to experience Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence.
Taking place from March 28–29, the island comes to a standstill, allowing visitors to reflect in an atmosphere of tranquillity. This unique holiday is best experienced at the world’s first museum dedicated to the cultural phenomenon—SAKA Museum.
Nyepi is a day of deep reflection, and in Bali, it’s observed with absolute sincerity—the island’s airport even shuts down. The silence is more striking as it follows Pengrupukan Day, the loudest, most raucous celebration of the year. On this night, Balinese communities flood the streets, hoisting massive ogoh-ogoh effigies of demons and spirits, creating an electrifying spectacle of noise, fire, and ritual before slipping into complete stillness at dawn.
Last year, Bali welcomed the world’s first museum dedicated to the holiday: SAKA Museum, named after the ancient Hindu solar calendar. Inside this architectural marvel located at AYANA Bali, visitors can explore Nyepi’s legacy through evocative Indonesian poetry, immersive documentaries, and rare palm-leaf manuscripts (lontar) containing sacred wisdom. The collection includes a traditional gamelan ensemble, a 19th-century star calendar used to predict destinies, and a pair of 17th-century celestial maidens intricately carved from pink volcanic tuff stone.
This year, AYANA invites guests to honour Nyepi with an on-property procession, guided meditations, and stargazing. SAKA Museum will host expert-led lectures, while a Lamak wish ceremony offers a meaningful way to set intentions for the year ahead.