Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers an immersive experience into the observance of Nyepi

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites guests to experience the unique and tranquil observance of Nyepi, Bali’s annual Day of Silence in the heart of Ubud’s natural beauty. 

Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is a sacred day of silence, meditation, and self-reflection for the island’s Hindu community. 

This year, Mandapa offers an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness and partake in the island’s most revered tradition, immersing oneself in the culture of Bali while embracing a moment of peace and stillness.

According to Mandapa director of sales and marketing Ariek Mahardika: “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 at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. This is a special time for reflection, connection, and renewal. Our curated experiences before, during, and after Nyepi ensure that guests will not only witness the island’s rich traditions but also embark on a transformative journey that connects them with Bali’s timeless beauty and serenity.”

Meaningful observance

Nyepi marks the beginning of the year in the Hindu calendar. 

It is a day of self-reflection, meditation, and purification, designed to cleanse the soul and start the New Year with a clear mind and renewed spirit. 

On this day, the entire island of Bali comes to a halt, and all activities cease for 24 hours. 

The island’s usual vibrant energy is replaced by deep silence, and the focus shifts inward.

The ritual of silence is symbolic of spiritual renewal, as it gives the people of Bali the opportunity to reflect on their actions and behavior, and to rid themselves of negative influences. 

The day is also believed to purify the environment, ensuring peace and harmony in the coming year. 

From sunrise to sunrise the following day, the island is in a state of stillness, with no flights, no vehicles, and no noise.

Preparing for Nyepi on 28th March 2025

Before Nyepi, immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and preparations for this sacred day. 

The days leading up to Nyepi are filled with cultural and ceremonial events, and Mandapa offers curated experiences to make the most of your time in Bali.

• Explore the Sacred Temples of Ubud: Take a private guided tour of the nearby temples, including the revered Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi, to experience Bali’s spiritual heritage and witness traditional purification rituals.
• Participate in the Ogoh-Ogoh Festival: Before Nyepi, 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.
• Wellness Retreat for Inner Peace: Prepare for the silence of Nyepi with a rejuvenating ‘Disconnect to Reconnect” wellness experience. The “Water Purification”, conducted in our Mandapa Village sacred spaces, this practice is a cornerstone of Balinese culture, believed to restore harmony, dispel negative energy, and enhance overall spiritual well-being.

Nyepi: a day of stillness on 29th March

Nyepi itself is a day of stillness and quiet, where all activities on the island come to a halt. 

At Mandapa, guests are invited to join in the day’s reflections and moments of peace.

• Silent Day Meditation & Yoga: Begin the day with a guided meditation session amidst the serene surroundings of the property. A morning yoga class will help center the body and mind before embracing the sacred silence.
• Private Dining Experience: Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal in your private villa, with locally sourced ingredients and flavors, allowing you to savor Bali’s culinary delights without disturbing the tranquility of the day.
• Relax and Reflect: Spend the day reflecting and reconnecting with nature. Enjoy the lush landscapes, walk through the resort’s verdant gardens, or simply relax by the Ayung River, allowing the natural beauty of Bali to guide you through the peaceful day.

From stillness to dynamism on 30th March

Following the silence of Nyepi, guests can look forward to more dynamic and enriching activities.

• Post-Nyepi Nature Walk: Embark on a nature walk with a knowledgeable guide, discovering the hidden gems of Ubud’s verdant forests and rice terraces, which bloom even more vibrantly after the spiritual cleansing of Nyepi.
• Subak Farming: After the quiet of the day, experience the traditional Balinese system of rice farming that integrates spiritual, cultural, and environmental practices. At Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, guests can explore this agricultural heritage through scenic views of the resort’s surrounding rice terraces, where the Subak method is still actively practiced, promoting sustainable farming and harmony with nature.
• Echo From The Past, An Ubud Historical Walk: This tour is perfect for those who want to have deeper knowledge and experience about the Ubud center area. You will grow your appreciation of the town of Ubud that is not just a tourist hot spot but also rich with history, culture, and tradition echoing through the modern days of Ubud. Starting from witnessing the Balinese compound life to the artistic side of Ubud, your guided tour will give you a deeper insight about Ubud and its surroundings, their rich art and culture, with amazing traditions.