Balinese traditions and culture are very unique and interesting. This is what invites and attracts tourists to come to Bali, both domestic tourists from various regions in Indonesia and foreign tourists who come from various countries. Balinese culture is closely related to Hinduism, the religion followed by most Balinese people.

One tradition that only exists in Bali is Nyepi. Nyepi means silence, which this year is celebrated on March 22, 2023. On Nyepi Day, all activities in Bali stop for 24 hours or a day from 06:00 am to 06:00 am the next morning. Denpasar Airport, seaport, cruise, watersport, rafting, government offices, and business offices will be closed. There are no business activities including car rental businesses that will close, not serving self-drive car rentals, rent car with driver, tours, and others. Only hospitals and police are open to maintain security. Hospital employees, police, and soldiers on duty will stay at his office including hotel employees who will come the day before to the hotel and stay at the hotel to serve tourists staying overnight.

For foreigners who happen to be in Bali or who want to enjoy the atmosphere of Nyepi, it will be a special experience and cannot be found anywhere else in this world. The atmosphere is very quiet, there is no sound of engines, cars, motorbikes, quiet roads, no people passing by, and at night it is dark and you are not allowed to turn on the lights. People will be at home, resting, contemplating, and reviewing what has been done, making plans and what to do in the next future. There will be village security officers called Pecalang who will control, supervise and maintain environmental security. If you find someone leaving the house, they will be notified to enter the house immediately and not make a fuss so that the quiet atmosphere is maintained.

Nyepi is a Hindu religious holiday as a celebration of the new Saka year, which is celebrated every 9th lunar month. One day before Nyepi, the 9th lunar month to be exact, a ceremony for cleaning the environment is held with the Mecaru ceremony, a sacrifice ceremony for the environment which is held in the afternoon and followed by an Ogoh-ogoh parade. Ogoh-ogoh is a large and spooky statue made by youths who will be paraded around the village to welcome Nyepi day. The core meaning of Ogoh-ogoh is to drive away negative things from the environment so that we can welcome the Saka New Year, namely Nyepi, peacefully. Ogoh-ogoh is made of woven bamboo, paper, foam, and others, shaped spooky and frightening. Painted with the color according to the figure made. Generally, the theme is giants and other forms of spooky. Ogoh-ogoh is one of the media for young people's artistic creativity which is prepared a few months before Nyepi. Don't be surprised, its spooky and unique shape attracts the public and foreign tourists to watch the Ogoh-ogoh parade.

Of course, some roads will be closed and experience traffic jams. If you happen to be in Bali and rent a car, it is highly recommended to be at the hotel before 2 pm, the car has to be parked in the hotel area or a safe place not to disturb traffic. Tourists can enjoy the ogoh-ogoh parade near the hotel.

Here are some things that should not be done during Nyepi day which is called Catur Brata Nyepi including:

During Nyepi, Hindus stay at home, contemplate, meditate, and introspect. It is the best time to relax and enjoy the serenity.

Interesting right? Let's visit Bali and explore our culture and traditions along with the natural beauty that Bali belongs to, we are ready to serve car rental, both self drive car rental and car rental with a driver at attractive prices during your visit to Bali.