Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve invites guests to celebrate the observance of Nyepi, the Balinese New Year and annual “Silent Day,” on March 29, 2025 with a variety of traditional experiences in Bali’s spiritual heart of Ubud.
The entire island comes to a halt each year on Nyepi, as all activities – work, travel, and entertainment – pause for 24 hours. The usual vibrant energy gives way to profound stillness, with the focus shifting inward to renew the soul and begin the New Year with clarity. From sunrise to sunrise, Bali remains in complete silence with no flights, vehicles, or noise.
"Nyepi is one of the most sacred and significant days in Bali, and we are honored to offer our guests the chance to experience the tranquility and spirituality of this unique cultural event," said Ariek Mahardika, Director of Sales and Marketing at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
To celebrate Nyepi this year, the team at the property recommends the curated activities below, beginning on March 28:
- Visit the Sacred Temples of Ubud: The day before Nyepi, guests can take a private tour of nearby temples, including the revered Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi, to experience Bali’s spiritual heritage and traditional purification rituals.
- See the Ogoh-Ogoh Festival: Travelers can then join in the local Ogoh-Ogoh Festival, where enormous, colorful effigies are paraded through the streets and ceremonially burned. The festival symbolizes the casting away of evil spirits and is a feast for the eyes.
- Enjoy a Wellness Retreat for Inner Peace: Back on property, guests can experience the “Disconnect to Reconnect” wellness journey along with a “Water Purification” practice. A cornerstone of Balinese culture, this ritual is believed to restore harmony, dispel negative energy, and enhance overall spiritual well-being.
On Nyepi, March 29, guests at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve are invited to partake in the following experiences of self-reflection and peace:
- Participate in Silent Day Meditation & Yoga: The morning begins with a meditation and yoga session amidst the serene surroundings of the property for all guests to enjoy.
- Explore the Surrounding Nature: Throughout the day, travelers can reconnect with nature by strolling through the resort’s lush gardens or relaxing by the Ayung River, allowing the natural beauty of Bali to guide them through the peaceful day.
- Savor Local Balinese Dishes: Guests can enjoy locally sourced dishes and traditional flavors in the privacy of their villas, savoring Bali’s culinary delights while maintaining the tranquility of the day.
As the island slowly reawakens on March 30, travelers can look forward to dynamic and enriching activities, such as:
- Go on a Rice Terrace Walk: Guests can start the day by going on a walk with a knowledgeable guide to discover Ubud’s verdant rice terraces, which bloom even more vibrantly after the spiritual cleansing of Nyepi.
- Learn Traditional Subak Farming: For a deeper understanding of the island, travelers can explore the traditional Balinese system of rice farming, which integrates spiritual, cultural, and environmental practices.
- Stroll Through the Cultural Heart of Bali: Finally, guests can deepen their appreciation of Ubud by exploring its rich history and traditions. On a city stroll, travelers can witness daily rituals, local craftsmanship, and vibrant Balinese performances. From witnessing traditional Balinese compound life to local art and more, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of the community.
To learn more about the resort, please see here.
