Billy Bagus
May 20, 2025
As the golden sun rises over Sanur’s tranquil shoreline, Bali prepares for Nyepi—the island’s sacred Day of Silence. Far more than a typical getaway, it’s a time for stillness, reflection, and spiritual renewal. What’s New Bali had the chance to experience this profound moment at the iconic Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, through the indulgent and culturally rich Sekala & Niskala Escape. From vibrant rituals to serene wellness, it’s a journey that redefines luxury. Read on to discover how Nyepi can be your most meaningful escape yet.
What’s New Bali had the chance to experience this profound moment at the iconic Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, through the indulgent and culturally rich Sekala & Niskala Escape
Bali Beach Hotel, A Timeless Five-Stars Sanctuary
Steeped in legacy and located along the peaceful sunrise beach of Sanur, Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection is a sanctuary where timeless elegance meets soulful Balinese hospitality. Sharing upscale facilities with The Meru Sanur, including restaurants, spa, wellness center, and pools, the hotel offers guests the best of both worlds—heritage charm and modern luxury. From its iconic architectural design to its heartfelt service, every corner of the hotel tells a story.
Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Discovery
Our escape begins with a warm and swift check-in at Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, where we settle into the Executive Suite Ocean View Room. This stunning 90-square-meter haven offers a seamless blend of modern elegance and heritage design, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. It’s spacious, stylish, and rich in character—truly the perfect setting to unwind.
That evening, we head to Arunika Restaurant, located within the lush garden setting of The Meru Sanur. Surrounded by water features and a relaxed open-air ambiance, we enjoy live cooking stations that showcase bold Asian flavors alongside beloved Western classics. After dinner, the real show begins. We join the crowd on Jalan Danau Buyan to witness the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade, where towering demon puppets take to the streets in a riot of sound, light, and spiritual energy. It’s an unforgettable immersion into Balinese culture.
Day 2: A Day of Stillness and Reflection
As Nyepi dawns, the coastal village of Sanur (and the entire island of Bali) falls silent. No traffic, no noise, no lights—just peace. We begin the day with a soulful breakfast at Roso Restaurant, where we savor a buffet of rich Indonesian flavors presented with care and respect for tradition. With the world paused outside, we dive into the day’s curated Sekala & Niskala activities.
In the realm of Sekala, the physical and tangible, we join a hands-on coconut scrub workshop that introduces us to traditional Balinese body care using natural ingredients. Then, we move through the expressive motions of a Balinese dance lesson, learning the grace and symbolism behind each movement. We also get our hands messy and creative by sculpting effigies during an Ogoh-Ogoh making session, connecting directly with the art that brought last night’s parade to life. Meanwhile, children engage in a fascinating Balinese manuscript activity, playfully learning about ancient Balinese scripts in a fun and tactile way.
In the Niskala dimension, the focus shifts to the unseen and spiritual. We take part in a soul-cleansing sound healing session, where vibrations resonate through the body, releasing tension and inviting calm. For a deeper dive into cultural understanding, adults are invited to explore Balinese manuscript learning on a more philosophical level—delving into the meanings and values embedded in these ancient texts.
For lunch, we return to Arunika Restaurant, where the food feels as nourishing to the soul as it is to the palate. The calm ambiance and gentle buzz of conversation make it the perfect midday reset. In the afternoon, we indulge in pure bliss at Svasana Spa, where a 60-minute Balinese Apun Massage takes us on a sensory journey. Rooted in local wellness traditions, the treatment soothes every part of us—sound, sight, scent, taste, and touch—offering a true holistic recharge.
As night falls, we gather at the Grand Ballroom of Bali Beach Convention Center for a Nyepi Dinner unlike any other. From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, we enjoy an elegant buffet of over 50 curated dishes, from traditional Indonesian specialties to contemporary international delights. The ballroom’s grandeur adds a festive, yet reflective note to the end of Nyepi, perfectly balancing indulgence and reverence. It’s worth noting that during Silent Day, both Arunika and Roso Restaurants are only open from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, so planning meals early is key.
Day 3: A Farewell with Flavor
Our final morning begins with a comforting breakfast at Roso Restaurant, where we once again enjoy the diversity of Indonesian cuisine in a tranquil setting. As we linger over coffee, we reflect on the stillness, the warmth, and the wisdom of the past two days.
Before we check out, we get a taste of something new—Sunday Brunch at Arunika Restaurant. This indulgent experience blends the best of weekend leisure with exceptional culinary offerings. From sizzling hot dishes to refreshing tropical fruits and sweet treats, the brunch feels like a beautiful send-off and a perfect teaser for our upcoming Glimpse article, where we’ll dive into all the details of this must-try dining experience.
On this year's Nyepi, we didn’t just observe silence—we embraced transformation. Whether it was through spiritual rituals, meaningful workshops, or simply watching the ocean in quiet reflection, every moment brought us closer to balance, clarity, and connection.
Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227
Phone: +62 361 201 2000
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