Bali is one of the most culturally rich islands on earth. On Wednesday, 22nd March, the island will fall silent to honor Nyepi Day.
The celebration, known as the Silent Day, marks the Balinese new year. As a province, Bali is majority Balinese Hindu, and as such, all those in the province must adhere to the festival’s rules.
While it is customary for Balinese Hindus and those in Bali who wish to observe the day of noble silence to be quiet, stay in their homes, and not engage in entertainment, work, travel, and no lighting of fires.
From 6 am on Wednesday, 22nd March, until 6 am on Thursday, 23rd March, everyone (tourists included) must stay inside. The only exception is in the event of a medical emergency. The airport is closed for the 24-hour period, and anyone caught leaving their accommodation will be fined by the local community.
For the uninitiated, it may seem like a daunting day. In fact, Nyepi Day is a beautiful occasion, a chance to take a moment of stillness and really be a part of an auspicious cultural event.
While Balinese Hindus will not use electricity for the 24 hours of Nyepi, officials have confirmed that the power will remain on, on mainland Bali. Power will be switched off on Nusa Penida.
Speaking to reporters, I Made Arya, confirmed that the mains supplier PLN (Persero) Bali Distribution, will keep the power on in Bali. However, supply will decrease by 30-40%.
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Arya explained, “On this occasion, we would like to convey regarding the readiness for Nyepi. The PLN service, except in Nusa Penida, will not turn off the electricity. If there is a disturbance in the surrounding environment, please contact the pecalang (local security) because the PLN team also needs an escort.”
He added that on Nusa Penida, power will go off at 8 am on Wednesday, 22nd March, and will be reconnected at 4 am on Thursday, 23rd March.
Arya explained, “The estimated load on Nyepi is predicted to be around 615 megawatts, so it’s down around 30-40 percent from the normal peak load.”
Cellular services and mobile data providers have also been instructed to turn off from 6 am on Wednesday, 22nd March, until 6 am on Thursday, 23rd March.
Although most tourist accommodations will keep the power on, it cannot be guaranteed that WiFi will not be switched off too.
Arya confirmed that the WiFi connection would remain live in Bali, specifically for hospitals that depend on internet services. However, some accommodation providers turn off the in-house WiFi on Nyepi Day.
Tourists in Bali are advised to prepare to be offline for the 24 hours of the Nyepi holiday or ask their hosts what will and won’t be available on the day.
Arya explained, “Cellular data is dead, WiFi is on like last year, but vital places are alive, like in hospitals. The shutdown of the IPTV network is in accordance with the joint call starting from Nyepi day, 22nd March, starting at 06.00 in the morning until 06.00 the next day.”
What else do you need to know about the practicalities of being in Bali on Nyepi Day?
Food! Since no one is allowed to leave their accommodation and all shops, cafes, restaurants, and take-out joints are closed, it’s advisable to stock up on snacks for the day. The majority of big hotels will cater to their guests, and if in doubt, check with your hosts before the big day.
For a truly memorable experience, head out onto the streets of Bali around 5 pm on Tuesday, 21st March. You can see the spectacular Ogoh-Ogoh parade happening close to your accommodation.
The Ogoh-Ogoh parade features a giant, villainous-looking figure created by each community. The mythological giants are paraded through the streets of every village as a representation of the evil spirits of the earth. During the parade, the evil spirits are chased away ahead of the Silent Day, Nyepi.
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konstantinos
Friday 24th of March 2023
First time i expirienced nyepi 1998 in the 25 years after.i make sure to leave the island before.as beeing atheist is demeaning to obey other peoples religious protocol.You pay and buy your freedomm.they will do anything to make it unberable from cutting off your internet to seling 2 nights in an expensive resort.dont critisize just leave. problem solved. next time you know.
Firechef
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
How generous! At least the foods in the refrigerator and freezer won't spoil.
Ben
Wednesday 22nd of March 2023
Leaving the power on seems like a good idea, otherwise you'd have to throw out anything that requires refrigeration or freezing...
Shutting off cellular services doesn't seem that wise either, in case of emergency.
Wayan Bo
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
@Ben, in 1980’s no cellular service, instead of electric refrigerators there was ice boxes. The only possibility to produce electricity was more or less loud fuel generator.
Firechef
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
@Ben, Well Ben, in case of emergency you can always run outside and holler for help. Oops, that isn't allowed either, guess you'll just have to die. So much for superstition.
Wayan Bo
Wednesday 22nd of March 2023
We should all pry for freedom and allow unlimited stay too all citizens of countries that are in war. Just remember fate of Walter Spiess who was having Russian origin too. We should save lives by supporting pacifists. All Russians and Ukrainians who are in Bali are more or less pacifist’s, therefore they deserve unlimited stay permit and not exemption of VOA. Indonesia have to show humanity instead of hardness.
Firechef
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
@Wayan Bo, A leopard doesn't change it's spots no matter in what country he lives. All it takes is 1 Russian Mafia Member to establish a foothold and the rest will follow. How do you know they're not there already? Chances are that they are there already by the looks of things. I for one thinks it's a good idea to keep the Russians and Ukrainians out of Bali.
Exp
Tuesday 21st of March 2023
Quote "Cellular services and mobile data providers have also been instructed to turn off from 6 am on Wednesday, 22nd March, until 6 am on Thursday, 23rd March."
So how to contact emergency services and transport in the event of unforeseen health incident (burst appendix anyone)?
The people in charge need to communicate essential information well ahead of the event, so people can do their own contingency plans!