FIND YOURSELF AMID THE SERENITY AND SILENCE OF NYEPI DAY AT ALILA UBUD
It’s time for a total switch-off and relaxation on the quietest day of the year in Bali. Nyepi Day, aka Day of silence, celebrates the start of the new year in the Çaka calendar, which this year falls on 22 March and is observed by all Balinese Hindus across the island. As we usher in the new Çaka year, Alila Ubud invites you to relax and recharge with a 3D/2N retreat from 21 – 23 March 2023 amid the peacefulness of nature. At the heart of this retreat is a unique journey to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, guided by Dr. I Gusti Ngurah Putra Eka Santosa (Dr. Ngurah) – medical practitioner, Balinese Topeng dancer, author of “The Secret Message of Dalem Sidhakarya, Niti Shastra 5.0”, and founder of Sidhakarya Wellness Journey, a Balinese culture-based wellness centre.
Dr. Ngurah was born and raised in Tabanan, a fertile region known as the “rice bowl” of Bali. He later moved to East Java where he spent more than eight years at medical school. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science in Bali in 2022 while travelling all over the island to share his insights on wellness in a new way through the sacred and ancient Balinese dance of Topeng Sidhakarya. Topeng Sidhakarya is not just a dance. It is more a reflection of life, a journey to the deepest part of yourself to find the “real you”, your life’s purpose, and control the energies that exist within you. Throughout this retreat, you will have the unique opportunity to delve deep into yourself to release negative energy and allow nature to recharge you with positive energy alongside meditation and insights from Dr. Ngurah.
On arrival on the eve of Nyepi, you will be welcomed with Alila Ubud’s signature refreshments freshly made from local herbs such as turmeric, ginger, galangal, lime, honey and lemongrass. This will be followed by a very special performance of the Topeng Sidhakarya dance by Dr. Ngurah, who will introduce its philosophy and meaning. Next, visit the neighbouring village to watch the Ogoh Ogoh parade and learn about the significance of this Nyepi tradition.
On the morning of Nyepi Day itself, join in a silent dance class, where you will guided deep within to meet and communicate with your soul, an unforgettable experience. After an authentic Balinese breakfast at Alila Ubud’s Plantation Restaurant, the journey continues with a session to unveil the two sides of yourself – the strong and powerful, and the gentle, wise and kind. Dr. Ngurah will assist you on how to balance and release these two energies that naturally co-exist within us, and guide you to find your biggest desire and the answers to “Who am I?” and “Why I am here?”.