Bali Nyepi Ceremony 2026
Bali Nyepi Ceremony, or the Balinese Holy Day of Silence, will be observed on the 19th March. It is the most spiritually significant day of the year for Balinese Hindus, and it is truly an honour to be on the island during this auspicious time.
On Nyepi Day, the whole island falls silent, the use of electricity is prohibited, and everyone, including tourists, must stay indoors.
If you’re going to be in Bali on 19th March, here at The Bali Sun, we have everything you need to know about the big day.
One of the first questions tourists always ask about Nyepi is, ” Will the internet be cut too? Speaking to reporters this week, Gede Pramana, Head of the Bali Provincial Communications, Informatics, and Statistics Agency, has confirmed that, unlike in previous years, only the mobile signal will be cut this year; at home, Wi-Fi will remain up and running.
However, if properties or villages turn the power off at the mains, then of course the Wi-Fi will not work. While the use of lights and electricity is technically prohibited over Nyepi Day and night, most hotels, resorts, and accommodation providers do still keep the electricity on.
Guests will be politely requested to keep the use of electricity, specifically lights, to a minimum.
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Pramana clarified, “It’s not the signal that’s turned off, but the data packages. Phone calls and SMS are still available.” Adding “WiFi and internet at home remain normal, there’s no decrease in speed. It’s just the data plan on the phone that’s been turned off.”
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He confirmed, “Television broadcasts in Bali, in particular, will be off. That’s our request.” The limiting cellular data packages are expected to be in place from 6 am on 19th March to 6 am the following morning. Typically, everyone in Bali goes to their homes or accommodation after the Pengerupukan Ceremonies, also known as the Ogoh-Ogoh Parades.
The Ogoh-Ogoh Parades are one of the most exciting ceremonies in Balinese culture. Everyone in Bali right now will have seen the huge, monstrous creatures that are being built in every village across the island.
In every Banjar, teams of young men are working around the clock to design fearsome-looking statues that on the evening of 18th March will be paraded through their village’s streets. The intention is to ward off evil spirits ahead of the holy day of silence.
Tourists in Bali on the 18th March should check in with their accommodation hosts to find out about the Ogoh Ogoh Parade happening in their neighbourhood, and make sure to go out and join the community in lining the streets to watch the parade. It’s truly omissible.
Nyepi Day will this year fall just days before Eid al-Fitr. With both religious festivals happening so close to one another and the moment of hundreds of thousands of people nationwide that week, tourists will notice a heightened security presence across the island.
Badung Police, who oversee destinations like Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and more, have confirmed that they will be conducting increased patrols ahead of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr.
The patrols are all part of Operation Cipkon Agung 2026, and Head of Operations, Police Commissioner I Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana, stated that all officers have now been deployed according to the operational plan.
“The Regional Operation, codenamed Operation Cipkon Agung-2026, will last for eight days, from 1st March to 8th March, 2026, involving 55 personnel. The Badung Police and all personnel from the Regional Police Sector (Polsek) will be involved.” Another phase of the operation will come into effect after 8th March.
Police Commissioner Sudarsana explained, “We urge the public to play an active role in maintaining environmental security, increase vigilance, and immediately report any potential disturbances to public order and security to the police.”
He concluded, “With synergy between the National Police and the community, it is hoped that Operation Cipkon Agung 2026 will run effectively and create a safe, orderly, and conducive situation in Badung Regency.”
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“The Regional Operation, codenamed Operation Cipkon Agung-2026, will last for eight days, from 1st March to 8th March, 2026, involving 55 personnel. The Badung Police and all personnel from the Regional Police Sector (Polsek) will be involved.” Another phase of the operation will come into effect after 8th March.
Police Commissioner Sudarsana explained, “We urge the public to play an active role in maintaining environmental security, increase vigilance, and immediately report any potential disturbances to public order and security to the police.”
He concluded, “With synergy between the National Police and the community, it is hoped that Operation Cipkon Agung 2026 will run effectively and create a safe, orderly, and conducive situation in Badung Regency.”
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Bali Emergency Stay Permits
Emergency Stay Permits Are Being Issued To Stranded Bali Tourists For Free
The airspace closure across the Middle East has triggered travel chaos worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are stranded and awaiting further instruction, as many countries are issuing evacuation orders for citizens currently in the Middle East.
Bali is no exception. With tourists stranded due to flight cancellations, Indonesian immigration is stepping in to make it easier for them to obtain emergency stay permits.
Ngurah Rai Immigration has issued important updates for foreigners stuck in Bali due to flight cancellations linked to the conflicts unfolding in the Middle East.
The joint statement from Ngurah Rai Immigration and Bali Airport explains, “In light of the recent security dynamics in the Middle East, which have resulted in disruptions and cancellations of several international flight schedules, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office is providing information regarding emergency immigration services for affected Foreign Nationals.”
The statement continues “Based on Circular Letter Number IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025 by the Directorate General of Immigration, it is conveyed that foreign nationals who have cleared exit immigration but must re-enter Indonesian territory due to force majeure events-such as natural or non-natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, disease outbreaks/epidemics/ pandemics, war, or threats of terrorism) which result in the aircraft returning to an airport in Indonesia —will receive immigration handling in accordance with the prevailing regulations.”
A series of solutions has been put in place to support travelers, and more immigration staff have been made available during each shift. Ngurah Rai Immigration has shared, “In response to the situation, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has established the following technical measures:
Immigration Officers at Ngurah Rai Airport will manually and systematically cancel departure stamps for foreigners required to re-enter Indonesia. Affected passengers are entitled to an Emergency Stay Permit (ITKT) with a maximum validity of 30 days, and may be extended in accordance with applicable provisions. It may be issued at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.”
The statement explains further Overstay resulting from such circumstances shall be subject to a tariff of Rp0,00 (zero rupiah), provided that an official statement letter from the airline or airport authority is submitted.” Concluding “This policy aims to provide legal certainty and lawful immigration services for Foreign Nationals in emergency situations.”
By 3rd March, more than 4,500 passengers had been stranded at Bali Airport due to flight cancellations to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Only 54 people had had to apply for the ITKT by that point, though far more applications are anticipated.
It is important to note that this policy applies only to those who have been stamped out of Indonesia and had their flight canceled at the last minute.
Tourists who suspect that they will encounter flight cancellations or delays are highly advised to submit a visa extension application as soon as possible.
An emergency stay permit can be applied for in other circumstances, but if a tourist visa is nearing its expiration, it is highly recommended to submit an extension application as soon as possible.
Ultimately, responsibility lies with each individual traveler. It is essential to contact Indonesian Immigration directly to understand the steps required in your specific situation.
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Similarly, consultancies and embassies are issuing advice around the clock as the situation continues to unfold. It is important to regularly check updates directly from Indonesia Immigration, Bali Airport, airlines, embassies, and foreign offices, as well as with insurance providers.
Airspace closures and the conflict in the Middle East are impacting many Balinese families who are trying to contact and support the evacuation of their loved ones who had emigrated to the region for work.
An update from officials in Tabanan Regency confirmed they are supporting the families of 14 people seeking assistance to return to Bali from Jordan and the UAE. Officials in Gianyar Regency have confirmed that they are working to support families who have loved ones working in Kuwait.
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Bali Illegal Money Changers
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has announced that he is pushing for a new regulation that will crack down on illegal money changers in Bali’s most popular tourist resorts.
Bali is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world, but scams are reportedly the biggest cause of concern for travelers.
The issue with fraudulent and scam money changers in Bali has been known to the government, local leaders, and returning tourists for decades. Over the years, various approaches have been taken to crack down on scams, though, as is often the case, scammers adapt and find new ways to operate, taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists.
This week, Bali Governor Wayan Koster held a meeting with Bank Indonesia and the Bali Foreign Exchange Affiliation (APVA) in Denpasar. The focus of the meeting was to discuss ways to strengthen cross-institutional collaboration to curb illegal money changers, who remain alarmingly prevalent in several tourist areas in Bali.
Speaking to reporters, Erwin Soeriadimadja, Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for Bali Province, shared, “Bank Indonesia continues to strengthen its oversight to ensure the smooth operation of the licensed non-bank money changer industry. We are also promoting various measures to curb illegal money changers, which require cross-agency synergy.”
He confirmed that to help tackle the issue, Bank Indonesia Bali has launched an information portal, moneychangerbali.com, integrated with the Bali Provincial Government’s lovebali.baliprov.go.id portal. This site serves as an information and educational resource for tourists and the public regarding officially licensed money changers.
Soeriadimadia noted that Bank Indonesia Bali now also provides a complaint channel through the BI-PATROL system, which allows the public to report illegal money changer activity and enables officials to follow up on reports of scams.
He emphasized that enforcement cannot be carried out by a single institution alone. Not in “This effort requires collaboration between Bank Indonesia, local governments, the Indonesian National Acquisition Agency (APVA), law enforcement officials, and traditional institutions.”
Bank Indonesia data indicate that by 2025, there were 601 licensed non-bank money changer (KUPVA) offices in Bali, making the province the second-largest in Indonesia in terms of its official money changer network. Most of these money exchange outlets are concentrated in key tourist destinations, namely Badung Regency, Gianyar Regency, and Denpasar City.
It is believed that using licensed outlets is a sufficient safeguard for tourists. While scams could still take place at licensed venues, it is unlicensed venues that are repeatedly reported as scamming tourists, in addition to operating illegally by not being licensed.
Governor Koster told reporters, “Regulating illegal money changers is a strategic step towards realizing quality tourism in Bali that is globally competitive.”
These measures, committed to by the provincial government and the authorities, are expected to minimize the risk of fraud or cheating that often occurs at illegal money changers, while also maintaining Bali’s reputation as a safe and trusted tourist destination for international travelers.
The most common money exchange scam in Bali is easy to spot. In fact, it’s a scam that is used by money exchange tellers all around the world.
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Most tourists are concerned about haggling for a fair rate, many are so focused on getting a good deal that they miss the bigger scam that’s taking place right in front of their eyes.
It’s incredibly simple, which is why it happens so frequently. The teller counts out the cash exchange in front of the customer, and as they swipe the notes into a bundle, they swipe as many notes as possible off the counter onto the desk below.
They then hand the bundle of cash over to the customer, who assumes the amount is correct as they just saw the full exchange amount counted out in front of them.
This is why tourists should always use a licensed money exchange outlet and count the cash once or even twice before leaving the counter.
A legitimate teller will not be offended by this, and it is essential to ensure that the exchange is fair. Tourists who have been victims of this kind of scam in Bali are urged to make a report to the local police.
Here at The Bali Sun, we keep a track of traveler experience in real time through the Bali Travel Safety Index. In recent days, the safety rating has increased, though it has always been in the stable green zone. The most common reports of concern are scams, such as the money exchange scam.
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All above articles are provided by “The Bali Sun“
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