In many luxury hotels around the world, a smile is part of the uniform. In Bali, it is part of the soul.

Guests often ask us: “How is your staff so consistently happy? Is it the training?”

While we pride ourselves on our professional standards at Merusaka Nusa Dua, the warmth you feel here cannot be taught in a manual. You cannot script genuine care.

The reason you feel at home the moment you step into our lobby is found in an ancient Balinese philosophy that every staff member grew up with: Menyama Braya.

“We Are All Brothers”

In the Balinese language, Menyama comes from the word Nyama (Brother/Sibling), and Braya means Community or Kin.  

Put together, Menyama Braya roughly translates to: “Treating others as brothers and sisters.”

This is the social glue of the island. It is the belief that we are not separate individuals fighting for survival, but a collective family. In a Balinese village (Banjar), if a neighbor builds a house, everyone helps. If there is a ceremony, everyone cooks.

From the Village to the Resort

When a Balinese person puts on their Merusaka uniform, they do not leave this philosophy at home. They bring it to work.

This is why the service here feels different. In a Western context, hospitality is often Transactional: You pay me, I serve you. In the Balinese context of Menyama Braya, hospitality is Relational: You are my guest, therefore you are my kin.

When our housekeeper folds your towels or our gardener greets you with a “Swastyastu,” they are not performing a duty for a customer. They are extending the same courtesy they would to a relative visiting their village. The hierarchy dissolves. You are simply Nyama (family).

Tat Twam Asi (I Am You)

Deepening this concept is the Hindu philosophy of Tat Twam Asi, which means “I am you, and you are me.” If I hurt you, I hurt myself. If I make you happy, I make myself happy.

This is the secret source of the Balinese smile. It is not a mask worn to get a tip. It is a genuine reflection of the joy they get from making you happy. Because under the philosophy of Menyama Braya, your happiness and their happiness are connected.

Welcome to the Family

So, the next time you receive a warm greeting at breakfast or a helpful hand with your luggage, know that it is real. You haven’t just booked a room; you have been adopted into a community.

Welcome home, brother. Welcome home, sister. Experience Our Hospitality

Kuta is known for its surf, its sunsets, and its traffic. But hidden in a quiet side street, just 20 minutes from Nusa Dua, lies a sanctuary that time forgot.

If you are visiting Bali during the Lunar New Year season, there is one pilgrimage you must make. It is not to a beach club, but to Vihara Dharmayana (also known as Kongco Leeng Gwan).  

Dating back over 200 years, this is one of the oldest and most revered Chinese temples in Bali. Stepping through its ornate gates is like stepping into a different realm—a place where the scent of Balinese frangipani mixes with the heavy, sweet smoke of Chinese sandalwood incense.

A Sanctuary in the Chaos

The temple stands as a striking contrast to the island’s usual palette. While Bali is covered in grey volcanic stone and green moss, Vihara Dharmayana is a blaze of Imperial Red and Gold.

Intricate dragons coil around the pillars. Giant red lanterns sway in the ocean breeze. Inside the main hall, statues of deities like the benevolent Tan Hu Cin Jin sit peacefully, illuminated by hundreds of candles. It is a visual feast, and for photographers, the play of light and shadow here is unmatched.  

The Harmony of Two Faiths

What makes this temple truly “Balinese,” however, is the Akulturasi (cultural blend) you will witness inside.

This is not a strictly “Chinese” space. It is a shared space. If you look closely at the altars, you will see Balinese Hindu offerings (Canang Sari) placed respectfully next to Chinese fruit offerings. You will see local Balinese Hindus praying alongside Buddhist devotees.

During the Lunar New Year, this harmony explodes into the streets. The temple becomes the starting point for the Barongsai (Lion Dance) processions, where the Chinese Lion dances alongside the Balinese Barong. It is a loud, vibrant reminder that in Bali, no god is a stranger.  

How to Visit

The temple is an easy morning trip from Merusaka Nusa Dua.

• Vibe: It is an active place of worship, not a museum. You will see families lighting joss sticks and making wishes for prosperity in the coming year.  
• Etiquette: As with all temples in Bali, modest dress is required. Take off your shoes before entering the inner sanctum.
• Moment: Buy a bundle of incense, light it from the main flame, and plant it in the heavy bronze urn. In the rising smoke, send a wish for the New Year. There is a palpable energy here that listens.

Step out of the resort. Step into history. 

Ask Our Concierge for a Temple Map

In most parts of the world, Chinese New Year is a distinct festival. In Bali, it is a family reunion.

If you watch a cultural procession in Bali, you might see two towering figures dancing through the village streets. One is a giant with a terrifying black face (the Barong Landung). The other is a graceful figure with a pale white face and slanted eyes.

They are inseparable. They are husband and wife. And they are the living embodiment of the deep, ancient bond between Bali and China.

This Lunar New Year, we invite you to look beyond the red lanterns and understand the love story that shaped the island.

The King and the Merchant’s Daughter

The story dates back to the 12th century, to the reign of the Balinese King Sri Jaya Pangus. Legend tells us he fell deeply in love with Kang Cing Wei, the beautiful daughter of a Chinese merchant. Their marriage was a union of two powerful worlds—the spiritual mysticism of Bali and the ancient wisdom of China.

Though their story ended in tragedy (as all great legends do), their spirits are immortalized in the Barong Landung. They are worshipped not as separate entities, but as a couple representing harmony. To this day, you cannot celebrate a major Balinese temple festival without the presence of this Chinese princess.

The Coin with the Square Hole (Pis Bolong)

The evidence of this union is not just in the statues; it is in the daily offerings. Look closely at the Canang Sari (flower offerings) placed around Merusaka. Inside, you will often see ancient Chinese coins known as Pis Bolong. These coins, with their distinctive square holes, were originally currency brought by Chinese traders. Over centuries, they became sacred. Today, a Balinese ceremony is often considered incomplete without them. They represent the “Essence of Wealth” and the eternal link between our ancestors.

A Feast of Harmony (Akulturasi)

This is why celebrating Lunar New Year at Merusaka feels so different. You are not just attending a themed buffet; you are participating in a living history of Akulturasi (cultural fusion).

When we serve our Lunar New Year dinner, we are honoring the legacy of Kang Cing Wei.

• The Flavors: Our culinary team blends the spices of the spice islands with the techniques of the wok, creating a menu that tastes like the history of trade itself.
• The Atmosphere: We celebrate with the Barongsai (Lion Dance) not just as entertainment, but as a ritual to clear negative energy, echoing the protective power of the Balinese Barong.

The Union of Traditions

This February, we invite you to experience a celebration that is centuries in the making. It is a time when the Dragon of the East dances with the Lion of the South. It is a reminder that in Bali, we do not just tolerate differences; we marry them.

Experience the union of traditions. Reserve Your Lunar New Year Table

The world is noisy. Nusa Dua on March 19, 2026, will be the only place on Earth that truly stops.

For 364 days a year, Bali is a symphony of motorbikes, temple bells, music, and life. But for one period of 24 hours—from 6:00 AM on March 19 to 6:00 AM on March 20—the island hits a hard reset.

This is Nyepi (The Day of Silence).

If you have never experienced it, the concept can sound intimidating. No flights land. No shops open. No one is allowed on the streets. But to think of Nyepi as a day of “being trapped” is to miss the point entirely.

Nyepi is the ultimate luxury. It is the day the earth breathes. Here is what you can expect when the lights go out.

Total Darkness (The Canvas of the Night)

The most striking rule of Nyepi is Amati Geni—no fire or light. At sunset, the streetlights do not turn on. The horizon, usually dotted with fishing boats or plane signals, goes pitch black.

For guests at Merusaka, this creates a rare phenomenon: Zero Light Pollution. If the March skies clear, the result is breathtaking. Without the interference of city glow, the Milky Way becomes visible to the naked eye. You can sit on your balcony in total darkness, feeling the cool ocean breeze, looking up at a sky so crowded with stars it feels heavy. Even if the clouds roll in, the depth of the darkness is profound and peaceful.

Sound of the Ocean

When the traffic stops, the island’s true voice returns. You will realize how much background noise usually filters out nature. During Nyepi, the sound of the waves crashing at Mengiat Beach becomes a roar. The wind in the coconut palms sounds like rain. The chirping of geckos becomes a rhythm. It is a sonic detox. Your ears stop ringing from the frequency of modern life and tune into the frequency of the island.

True Experience of Getaway

Modern life demands that we are always “on”—always productive, always scrolling, always moving. Nyepi removes the option. Because you cannot go out, you are free from the “Fear Of Missing Out” (FOMO). You have total permission to do nothing.

• Read the book that has been sitting on your nightstand for a year.
• Sleep until noon without an alarm.
• Meditate in the expansive gardens of Merusaka, which feel like your own private sanctuary.

A Hard Reset for the Soul

The Balinese believe that on this day, the bad spirits fly over the island. Seeing no lights and hearing no people, they assume the island is deserted and move on. It is a cleansing. And you will feel it, too. When the sun rises on the day after Nyepi (Ngembak Geni), the air feels cleaner. The colors look brighter. You feel lighter.

The only day of the year Bali truly sleeps. Be here for it. Book Your Silent Escape

Bali is an island of contrasts. One day, total silence. The next day, a kissing festival.

If you are visiting Bali in March for Nyepi, you are prepared for the quiet. You know about the empty streets and the starlight. But very few travelers know what happens the moment the silence ends.

On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, the island wakes up with a roar. And in the village of Sesetan (just a short drive north of Nusa Dua), this awakening takes a unique, boisterous form known as Omed-Omedan.

What is Omed-Omedan?

Literally translating to “Pull and Pull,” this is a tradition exclusive to the Banjar Kaja community in Sesetan. It has been practiced for centuries, allegedly starting to satisfy a king who needed entertainment to heal from an illness.

The ritual is simple, chaotic, and full of joy: The village youth are separated into two groups—men and women. At the signal of the Gamelan drums, they rush toward each other in the center of the street. The front pair is pushed together by their friends until they embrace and share a quick kiss, all while the older villagers douse them with buckets of cold water.

It is slippery, loud, and incredibly fun.

Why It Matters

To the outsider, it looks like a matchmaking festival. But to the locals, it is a ceremony of harmony and warding off bad luck. It represents the return of social connection. For 24 hours during Nyepi, the Balinese are isolated in meditation. Omed-Omedan breaks that isolation with the most human act possible: physical connection and laughter.

It is a celebration of fertility, youth, and the washing away of bad energy (represented by the water) to start the new year fresh.

The Beauty of Balance

This is the secret sauce of Bali in March. Nowhere else on earth can you experience such extreme duality in 48 hours.

• March 19 (Nyepi): The deepest silence you will ever know. A day for the soul.
• March 20 (Ngembak Geni): The loudest laughter you will ever hear. A day for the community.

You don’t have to go to Sesetan and get soaked to appreciate it (though brave travelers are welcome to watch!). Just knowing it exists adds a flavor to your holiday. It reminds you that you are on an island that celebrates every spectrum of life—from the sacred quiet to the chaotic joy.

Experience the energy of the New Year. Book Your March Getaway 

In Singapore or Hong Kong, the Lunar New Year is a roar of energy. In Bali, it is a warm embrace.

As we approach the Year of the Horse in February 2026, many travelers are looking for a place to celebrate that feels meaningful, not just manic.

Bali offers something unique during this season. It is not just a tourist destination putting on a red lantern show; it is an island that has held a deep, spiritual connection with Chinese culture for nearly a thousand years. This creates a specific atmosphere—an Akulturasi (acculturation)—that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Here is why ringing in the Lunar New Year in Nusa Dua feels different.

1. A Love Story Carved in History

The connection between Bali and China isn’t just about trade; it is about romance. The island’s folklore is built on the legendary marriage of the Balinese King Sri Jaya Pangus and the Chinese merchant’s daughter, Kang Cing Wei.

This union changed the face of the island. It is why, in many sacred rituals across Bali, you will still see ancient Chinese coins (Pis Bolong) used as symbols of spiritual value. It is why the terrified face of the Barong Landung (the giant puppet protector) is often accompanied by a white-faced female figure representing the Chinese princess.

When you celebrate here, you are walking in the footsteps of this ancient harmony. You are not a stranger; you are a guest in a home that has welcomed your culture for centuries.

Color of Prayer

In most cities, Red is the color of luck. In Bali, Red is the color of Brahma (the Creator). During the Lunar New Year, the aesthetics of the island merge. The Balinese Penjor (bamboo poles) curve gracefully alongside red lanterns. The smell of incense from the temples blends with the aroma of the festive feast. It is visually stunning—a vibrant mix of Balinese Gold and Lunar Red that makes for profound, beautiful photography.

Feast of Togetherness (Kebersamaan)

At Merusaka Nusa Dua, we honor this season by focusing on family. The Lunar New Year is not about the fireworks; it is about the Reunion Dinner. It is the one time of year when generations sit at the same table.

In 2026, our culinary team is preparing a dining experience that honors this spirit. Using fresh ingredients from our local partners (and organic produce from the Magi Farm initiative), we serve a feast that is both traditional and distinctively Balinese. It is a celebration of abundance, held by the ocean, where the breeze carries the promise of a fresh start.

Come for the celebration. Stay for the connection. 

Reserve Your Family Table

The world tells you to speed up. On March 19, 2026, Bali commands you to stop.

There is a misconception that Nyepi (The Day of Silence) is a day of restriction. Tourists often worry: “Will I be trapped?” “Will I be bored?”

At Merusaka Nusa Dua, we see it differently. Nyepi is not a lockdown; it is a liberation.

For 24 hours—from 6:00 AM on March 19 to 6:00 AM on March 20—the entire island shuts down. The airport closes. The streets are empty. The frenetic energy of modern life is paused by law and by spirit.

Noise Before Silence

To understand the silence, you must first survive the noise. The night before Nyepi (Pengerupukan), the village of Nusa Dua comes alive with the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. These massive, demonic bamboo statues are paraded through the streets with drums, fire, and shouting. It is a ritual to wake up the negative spirits and cast them out.

As a guest at Merusaka, you are just steps away from this raw cultural spectacle. You feel the heat of the bamboo torches and the vibration of the gamelan. It is chaotic, loud, and uniquely Balinese.

Art of Nothingness

Then, the sun rises, and the silence falls. This is the only day of the year where you have total permission to do nothing.

• Digital Detox: While the internet is restricted across the island, it is an invitation to disconnect.
• Garden Sanctuary: Unlike small villas where you might feel confined, Merusaka’s expansive tropical gardens offer you space to breathe. You can walk the paths, sit by the lotus ponds, and hear the sounds that are usually drowned out: the wind in the coconut palms, the distant surf of Mengiat Beach, and the call of the birds.
• Atmosphere: March is the “Shoulder Season.” The air is thick, lush, and often dramatic. Whether the sky is a piercing blue or heavy with grey clouds, the silence makes the atmosphere feel heavy and sacred.

A Reset for the Soul

We don’t sell Nyepi as a “hotel package.” We offer it as a human reset. In a world that demands your constant attention, Nyepi gives you back to yourself. You read the book you’ve been ignoring. You sleep without an alarm. You sit on your balcony and watch the day drift by without guilt.

It is a rare privilege to be on the Island of the Gods when it decides to rest.

Surrender to the Silence. 

To the modern traveler, Nusa Dua is synonymous with luxury. It is a world of manicured gardens, 5-star resorts, and pristine calmness. But long before the hotels were built, this land was defined by a legend.

Have you ever wondered about the name? Nusa means “Island.” Dua means “Two.”

But if you look at a map, you are clearly on the main island of Bali. So, where are the “Two Islands”? And why are they so significant?

The answer lies in the two small headlands that guard the coastline—and the tragic tale of forbidden love that created them.

Local Insight: The Geography

The Southern Island: Pulau Peninsula (Nusa Gede). This is the larger one, home to the Water Blow and the grassy field. The Northern Island: Pulau Nusa Dharma. This is the smaller, quieter one, home to the Pura Nusa Dharma temple. The Legend: They represent two lovers, forever separated by fate.

The Tale of the Exiled Lovers

Local folklore whispers of a time when the area was wild and uninhabited. A young soldier (Ksatria) fell deeply in love with a beautiful girl. However, their love was forbidden—some say by their families, others say by the king.

Desperate to be together but unable to marry, they were exiled from their village. They fled to the desolate coast of what is now Nusa Dua.

Tragically, fate (or perhaps a curse) would not allow them to be together even in exile. They were transformed into the two separate rock formations we see today.

• The Soldier became the larger, rugged island (Peninsula Island), standing strong and guarding the ocean.
• The Maiden became the smaller, serene island (Nusa Dharma), sitting quietly nearby.

They are destined to stand side-by-side for eternity, separated by a strip of white sand, forever looking at one another but never able to touch.

The Two Energies: War and Peace

If you visit the two islands today, you can almost feel the different energies of the lovers.

1. Peninsula Island (The Soldier) This headland feels active, powerful, and masculine. It is home to the Water Blow, where the ocean crashes violently against the rocks, symbolizing the soldier’s strength and perhaps his turbulent emotions. It is a place of energy, festivals, and statues.
2. Nusa Dharma (The Maiden) Just a short walk away, the smaller island feels completely different. It is quiet, contemplative, and feminine. It is home to Pura Nusa Dharma, a temple associated with peace and spiritual study. Locals often come here for meditation. It is a sanctuary of silence.

How to Walk the Legend

You can experience this legend yourself with a simple morning walk from Merusaka.

1. Start at the Beach: Walk north along the beach path.
2. Visit the “Maiden” (Nusa Dharma): Take the quiet path around the smaller island first. Feel the stillness. Notice the squirrels and the temple shrines.
3. Visit the “Soldier” (Peninsula Island): Cross the sandy divide and walk the loop around the larger island. Stand at the Water Blow and feel the spray of the ocean.
4. The View: Stand on the edge of Peninsula Island and look back at Nusa Dharma. You will see how close they are, yet distinctly separate.

A Land of Dualities

The legend of Nusa Dua is a reminder of the Balinese concept of Rwa Bhineda—the balance of opposites. Male and Female. Action and Stillness. Rough ocean and calm temple.

The next time you look out from your balcony at Merusaka, remember that you are looking at more than just scenery. You are looking at a monument to eternal love.

Discover More Hidden Stories in Our Cultural Guide