Every religion has their own way to define and celebrate their new year. For example, the Moslem’s have their Muharram year and most of the people over the world using the Gregorian calendar, and celebrate the New Year on January 1st.

The Balinese use many different calendar systems. They use the common calendar for business and government purposes. But for the endless procession of holy days, temple anniversaries, celebrations, and other activities that define Balinese life, they have two calendar systems. The first is the Pawukon (from the word Wuku which means week) and Sasih (which is means month). Westerners open the New Year with party and celebrations, however, the Balinese open their New Year in silence. This is called Nyepi Day, the Balinese day of Silence, which falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox, and opens a new year of the Saka Hindu era which began in 78 A.D.

Nyepi is a day to make and keep the balance of nature. It is based on the story of when King Kaniska I of India was chosen in 78 A.D. The King was famous for his wisdom and tolerance for the Hinduism and Buddhism societies. In that age, Aji Saka did Dharma Yatra (the missionary tour to promote and spread Hinduism) to Indonesia and introduced the Saka year.

 Nyepi is meant to be a day of contemplation to decide on values, eg humanity, love, patience, kindness, etc., that should kept forever. Hotels are exempt from Nyepi's practices but streets outside will be closed to both pedestrians and vehicles. Pecalang’s  will be posted to keep people off the beach. Indeed Nyepi day has made Bali a unique island. The three main gateways to Bali will be closed when the island province marks Nyepi or the Day of Silence on Thursday to celebrate the Hindu Saka Lunar New Year of 1931. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Badung regency, the Gilimanuk ferry crossing in Jembrana regency and the Padang Bai ferry crossing in Karangasem regency will cease all activities during Nyepi.

To avoid Nyepi, it’s common for Bali residence to take a short “runaway” to Lombok for 2-3 days. Some tourists who don’t want to spend their holidays with indoor activities would go to the nearest islands like in the Gilis or Sumbawa - a day or two before Nyepi day. Hotel Packages are offered during this season. Hotel Villa Ombak provides accommodation getaway package with interesting holiday activities. Please contact reservation for more information on available packages.