Nyepi is Bali's most unique holiday – a full 24 hours of silence, no lights, no travel, no activity. For dog owners, it means keeping your pet quiet and indoors while the entire island shuts down. With some prep, it's totally manageable. Here's how to get through it stress-free.
Overview
Nyepi falls on the Balinese New Year, usually in March. From 6am to 6am the next day, everyone stays home. No driving, no lights visible from outside, no noise. The pecalang (village security) patrol the streets and take it seriously. For dogs, this means no walks, no beach runs.
The biggest challenge is energy. Most dogs are used to daily exercise, and skipping a full day throws them off. A hyper dog stuck indoors gets restless, anxious, and noisy – exactly what you want to avoid. The solution is tiring them out beforehand. The day before Nyepi, go hard on exercise. Long walks, beach time, play sessions, whatever gets your dog properly exhausted. A tired dog sleeps through most of the quiet day.
Mental stimulation helps too. Stock up on puzzle toys, frozen kongs, long-lasting chews, and anything that keeps your dog busy without making noise. Spread these throughout the day so there's always something to do. Training sessions work well for food-motivated dogs – short bursts of focus tire them out mentally.
Anxiety is common, especially for dogs sensitive to changes in routine. The island feels different on Nyepi – no traffic noise, no motorbikes, unusually quiet streets. Some dogs find this calming, others get spooked. If your dog is anxious, create a comfortable den space where they feel secure. Close curtains, play soft background noise if your villa allows it, and stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up on your energy.
Blackout rules mean no visible lights after dark. This isn't a huge issue for dogs, but it changes the evening routine. Feed dinner before sunset so you're not fumbling around in the dark. Set up everything your dog needs – water, bed, potty area – while you can still see properly.
If your dog absolutely needs to go outside for bathroom breaks, keep it quick and quiet. Some villas have enclosed yards where this is fine. Apartments are trickier – you may need to set up indoor pee pads or a grass patch for the day. Not ideal, but better than breaking the silence rules.
Key Points to Remember
Exercise Hard the Day Before. A tired dog is a quiet dog. Max out physical activity on Nyepi Eve so your pup spends most of the silent day sleeping it off.
Stock Up on Quiet Entertainment. Puzzle toys, stuffed kongs, and chews keep dogs occupied without noise. Prepare several options to rotate throughout the day.
Keep Your Routine as Normal as Possible. Dogs thrive on consistency. Feed meals at the usual times, stick to regular nap schedules, and keep your own energy calm. The more normal it feels, the easier they'll settle.
Helpful Tips
Practice Indoor Days Beforehand. If your dog isn't used to staying inside all day, do a few trial runs before Nyepi. This reduces the shock of sudden confinement.
Set Up a Bathroom Spot Inside. For apartment dwellers or dogs who can't access a yard, pee pads or a grass patch inside saves you from risky outdoor trips.
Prepare Food and Supplies Early. Shops close the evening before Nyepi and stay closed until the next morning. Make sure you have enough dog food, treats, and supplies for at least two days.
Important Warnings
Don't Underestimate Barking Issues. Even well-behaved dogs bark sometimes. On Nyepi, one barking session can upset neighbors and attract pecalang attention. Have a plan to calm your dog quickly.
No Emergency Vet Access. Vets are closed on Nyepi. If your dog has ongoing health issues, check with your vet beforehand about what to do in an emergency.
Skipping Exercise Isn't an Option. Dogs who miss their pre-Nyepi workout become restless and vocal. Don't assume your dog will just chill – actively tire them out first.
Conclusion
Nyepi with a dog takes planning, but it's far from impossible. Tire them out beforehand, keep them entertained with quiet activities, and set up your space for a calm 24 hours. Most dogs adapt fine once they realize it's just a lazy day at home. Respect the tradition, prepare properly, and you'll both get through it without any drama.