AYANA Bali has invited guests to experience the Sacred Silence of Bali, a period of complete silence to honour Nyepi, the Balinese New Year according to the SAKA calendar.
On 29 March 2025, the entire island embraces silence and stillness – no fire, no travel, no work, and no entertainment – creating an unparalleled opportunity for introspection, spiritual reflection, and personal rejuvenation. This Day of Silence transforms Bali into a sanctuary of peace, allowing guests to experience a deeper connection to the island’s essence.
Taking place from 28 to 30 March, the Sacred Silence of Bali, a Nyepi Experience at AYANA Bali allows guests to embrace peace, reflection, and renewal in a serene and luxurious setting.
As the island prepares for Nyepi, on 28 March AYANA Bali celebrates Pengerupukan Day with an exciting Ogoh-Ogoh Parade, where guests can watch the procession of large effigies representing the battle between good and evil. This year’s Ogoh-Ogoh includes two larger-than-life Ogoh-Ogoh: Angkeran Durmata, symbolising greed and arrogance, and Basuki Amogasidi, representing wisdom and balance.
On the sacred day of Nyepi on 29 March, guests at AYANA Bali experience a day of complete silence, broken only by activities that help centre the mind and spirit. Guests can experience profound stillness through various activities designed to help them connect with their inner selves. The Healing Meditation session offers a serene space for reflection, while stargazing provides an opportunity to embrace the beauty of the night sky, undisturbed by light pollution.
Guests can also enjoy a screening of the short, animated film “Tirta”, which highlights Bali’s environmental awareness and the spiritual importance of water. During the day, guided walks through AYANA Farm gives guests the chance to connect with the natural surroundings, offering a peaceful way to appreciate Bali’s lush landscapes.
The final day of the Nyepi celebration, Ngembak Geni marks the end of the period of reflection and a time for reunion, renewal, and joyous celebration. AYANA guests can join in a Lamak Wish Ceremony, where they write down their hopes and wishes for the year on decorative Lamak mats, which will then be ceremoniously offered during a group ceremony. Families can also participate in the Balinese Dress-Up and Dance activity and have the chance to don traditional Balinese attire and join in a fun dance lesson, embracing the festive energy of Ngembak Geni.
Guests seeking a deeper understanding of Bali’s spiritual traditions can visit The SAKA Museum, AYANA Bali’s cultural gem and the centre of this year’s Nyepi celebration. The SAKA Museum hosts special events to enrich guests’ knowledge. A guided tour led by museum director Dr. Judith E. Bosnak offers visitors insight into the sacred Balinese concept of Akasa and its vital role in the island’s spiritual life. Akasa encompasses meanings such as ‘stillness’, ‘space,’ and ’emptiness,’ reflecting the contemplative and introspective essence of the Nyepi Day celebrations.
After the silent day, guests are also invited to engage in insightful conversations about Bali’s past and present with SAKA Museum advisor, Marlowe Bandem. This is followed by the ascension of hopes and aspirations on the specially designed decorative Lamak.
“Nyepi offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the noise of daily life and focus on inner peace and reflection,” SAKA Museum advisor, Marlowe Bandem, said. “At AYANA Bali, we invite guests from all over the world to experience this sacred day while also embracing the beauty of our culture and heritage. We are honoured to share Bali’s timeless rituals with visitors seeking to connect with both the island’s spirit and themselves.”
As part of this once-a-year cultural festivities, SAKA Museum is delighted to host and introduce a series of exciting and engaging new exhibitions in March 2025. These exhibitions further reinforce its commitment to enriching and showcasing Bali’s rich heritage, including Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition, Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali, Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements (Panca Maha Bhuta), and an immersive multimedia experience at the SAKA Dome.
“As one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places nominated by TIME Magazine 2024, SAKA Museum provides an authentic experience and a deep dive into Balinese arts and culture in a state-of-the-art building, bridging the communal spirit of the Balinese to the world,” SAKA Museum director, Judith Bosnak, said.
For those seeking further exploration, the journey continues with a breathtaking escape to Komodo National Park with AYANA Komodo. Located in one of the most pristine destinations of Indonesia, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers an iconic nature getaway during and after the Nyepi celebration. Through its Dine and Picnic Retreat, guests of AYANA Komodo can enjoy a complimentary picnic at the resort’s private island, lunch or dinner at RINCA Restaurant, in addition to daily breakfast. Guests can also enjoy 15 per cent off selected boat trips including the Full-day Island Hopping to the iconic Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island.
“We are delighted to offer a truly unique experience at AYANA Bali this year, with the celebration of Nyepi,” AYANA Bali general manager, Giordano Fagiolli, said. “This moment provides the perfect opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and bond with loved ones, all while enjoying the tranquility of Bali’s beautiful surroundings or the pristine nature of Komodo National Park. Whether you choose to stay at AYANA Bali or AYANA Komodo, or both, we are excited to share a transformative experience with all our guests during this special season.”
The Sacred Silence of Bali packages
Special room rates:
- RIMBA by AYANA, Resort View Room: $455+ per night
- AYANA Segara Bali, Resort View Room: $595+ per night
- AYANA, Resort View Room: $615+ per night
- AYANA Villas Bali, One-Bedroom Ocean View Villa: AUD 1,675+ per night
Inclusions:
- Daily breakfast for two persons
- One-time 3-course lunch for two people, at your choice of Damar Terrace, Karang, Sami Sami, To’Ge or UNIQUE Rooftop Bar
- One-time buffet dinner for two people, at your choice of Padi, Karang or To’Ge Restaurant
- Complimentary Nyepi activities: Ogoh-Ogoh parade, Guided Morning Walk at AYANA Farm, Healing Meditation, Group Sunset Yoga, Kids Activities, and Stargazing.
