Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, is one of the most unique cultural celebrations in the world. In 2026, Nyepi will fall on Thursday, March 19, 2026. For 24 hours—from 6:00 AM on March 19 to 6:00 AM on March 20—the entire island of Bali shuts down. The airport closes, roads are empty, businesses pause, and even tourists must remain inside their accommodation.
Planning a trip around Nyepi offers an extraordinary blend of cultural immersion, vibrant ceremonies, and profound silence. Below is a 6-day itinerary (March 18–23, 2026) including estimated prices to help you budget realistically.
Overview of Important Dates
- March 17–18, 2026 (Melasti ceremonies) – Purification rituals at beaches.
- March 18, 2026 (Ogoh-Ogoh Parade) – Eve of Nyepi.
- March 19, 2026 (Nyepi Day) – Complete island-wide silence.
- March 20, 2026 (Ngembak Geni) – Day of forgiveness and reconnection.
Day 1 — Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Arrival in Bali & Melasti Ceremony
Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) at least one day before Nyepi. From the airport, head to Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart.
Estimated Transportation Costs:
- Airport to Ubud (private car): IDR 350,000–450,000 (~USD 22–28)
- Ride-hailing apps may be slightly cheaper (~IDR 300,000)
Accommodation (per night):
- Budget guesthouse: IDR 350,000–600,000 (~USD 22–38)
- Mid-range hotel: IDR 800,000–1,500,000 (~USD 50–95)
- Luxury resort: IDR 2,500,000+ (~USD 160+)
After checking in, travel to coastal areas such as Tanah Lot to witness the Melasti purification ceremony, where Balinese Hindus carry sacred temple objects to the sea for cleansing rituals.
Ceremony-related costs:
- Temple entrance: IDR 20,000–60,000 (~USD 1–4)
- Sarong rental (if needed): IDR 50,000 (~USD 3)
Return to Ubud in the evening and rest.
Day 2 — Wednesday Evening, March 18, 2026
Ogoh-Ogoh Parade (Eve of Nyepi)
On the evening before Nyepi, villages across Bali hold the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. Giant demon statues are paraded through streets to symbolize the removal of evil spirits before entering the New Year.
The best places to watch:
- Denpasar
- Ubud town center
- Seminyak village areas
Estimated Costs:
- Local transport: IDR 50,000–150,000 (~USD 3–10)
- Street food/snacks: IDR 40,000–100,000 (~USD 2.50–6)
The atmosphere is festive and loud—this is the last night of activity before total silence begins at 6:00 AM the next morning.
Day 3 — Thursday, March 19, 2026
Nyepi Day (Day of Silence)
From 6:00 AM on March 19 to 6:00 AM March 20, Bali enters complete silence.
What Closes:
- Airport (no flights in or out)
- All shops and restaurants outside hotels
- Beaches and public spaces
- Street traffic
Even tourists must remain inside their hotel grounds.
Estimated Meal Costs in Hotel:
- Breakfast (often included)
- Lunch/Dinner: IDR 100,000–300,000 per meal (~USD 6–20)
Many hotels prepare special Nyepi meal packages. It’s smart to confirm this in advance.
What to Do During Nyepi:
- Meditation and reflection
- Yoga indoors
- Reading or journaling
- Stargazing at night (minimal light pollution)
Nyepi is not restrictive—it’s reflective. The entire island participates in stillness together.
Day 4 — Friday, March 20, 2026
Ngembak Geni (Day of Reconnection)
At 6:00 AM, Bali slowly comes back to life. This day is dedicated to forgiveness and restoring relationships. Families visit each other, and temples reopen.
Visit temples such as Pura Taman Saraswati in Ubud to observe local ceremonies.
Estimated Costs:
- Local transport: IDR 50,000–100,000 (~USD 3–6)
- Temple donation: IDR 20,000–50,000 (~USD 1–3)
- Lunch: IDR 80,000–200,000 (~USD 5–13)
The atmosphere is peaceful and joyful.
Day 5 — Saturday, March 21, 2026
Explore Ubud & Rice Terraces
Now that normal activities resume, explore Ubud more deeply:
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace (Entrance: IDR 25,000–50,000)
- Sacred Monkey Forest (IDR 80,000)
- Traditional Balinese massage (IDR 150,000–300,000)
Daily Food Budget:
- Budget meals: IDR 100,000–200,000 total (~USD 6–13)
- Mid-range dining: IDR 250,000–400,000 (~USD 16–25)
Day 6 — Sunday, March 22, 2026
Beach Relaxation in Seminyak or Nusa Dua
Travel south for beach relaxation.
Transport Ubud → Seminyak:
IDR 400,000–600,000 (~USD 25–38)
Beach Club or Café Budget:
- Lunch: IDR 150,000–300,000 (~USD 10–20)
- Drinks: IDR 80,000–200,000 (~USD 5–13)
Alternatively, Nusa Dua offers quieter beaches and resorts.
Return to your hotel or airport area for departure on March 23.
Estimated Total Budget (5 Nights, Mid-Range Traveler)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (5 nights mid-range) | IDR 4,000,000–7,500,000 |
| Food | IDR 1,000,000–2,000,000 |
| Transport | IDR 1,500,000–2,500,000 |
| Entrance & Activities | IDR 500,000–1,000,000 |
| Total | IDR 7,000,000–13,000,000 (~USD 450–830) |
Flights are not included.
Important Travel Reminders for Nyepi 2026
- Arrive by March 18, 2026 at the latest.
- Do not schedule flights on March 19, 2026.
- Stock snacks and essentials before Nyepi.
- Respect local customs—this is a sacred religious observance.
- Confirm Nyepi policies with your hotel in advance.
Why Visit Bali During Nyepi 2026?
Visiting Bali during Nyepi is not about parties or nightlife—it is about transformation. You witness an entire island practicing discipline, unity, and spiritual renewal. The contrast between the explosive Ogoh-Ogoh parade on March 18 and the absolute silence on March 19 creates an emotional and cultural experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
For travelers seeking meaning, cultural depth, and a reset from modern chaos, Nyepi 2026 (March 19) offers a rare opportunity to experience Bali beyond tourism—into the heart of its tradition.
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