Bali will come to a standstill on this day
Aussie tourists heading to Bali have have been warned to abide by strict rules on a specific day.
Aussie tourists and travellers alike heading to Bali next month have been warned to abide by certain rules ahead of the island’s upcoming Nyepi Day, the Balinese Day of Silence.
The public holiday is held on Saturday, March 29 in honour of the Balinese New Year where the entire island comes to a complete standstill for 24 hours.
There are no lights, music or with no traffic or transport. All businesses and public services, except emergency services, are closed.
Everyone must stay at home and tourists are also required to stay in their accomodation.
Hotel hosts will advise guests what activities are and are not permissible. Some hotels provide a silent buffet for guests and allow limited access to resort facilities, while others require guests to stay in their rooms and deliver food to them, according to The Bali Sun.
The spiritual and cultural celebration is a time for reflection, meditation and self-purification.
The religious and cultural holiday is rooted in Balinese Hinduism where about 87 per cent of Bali identifies as Hindu.
Tourists have also been warned air travel will be halted with the main airport — I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport — closed for the full 24-hour period.
Travellers have instead been advised to arrive on March 27.
It will be a busy travel period as Nyepi Day falls very close to Eid al-Fitr, on March 30 and March 31, with millions of Muslims travelling throughout the country for the holidays, including to Bali.
Meanwhile, in the lead up to Nyepi Day, the island will be buzzing with rituals and festivities.
The day before Nyepi, the Ogoh-Ogoh parade will be held with effigies that represent mythological creatures paraded through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dancing.
According to the Hindu traditions of Bali, Nyepi represents the efforts of the people to maintain balance and harmony. It also symbolises the island’s purification of evil spirits in preparation for the New Year.
“A visit to Nagi Village-Gianyar is a must for an unforgettable and truly unique experience during the celebrations leading up to Nyepi Day,” The Viceroy Bali hotel in Ubud explains on its site.
“This charming village, just a stone’s throw away from the Viceroy Bali, offers a chance to witness the mesmerising Mesabatan Fire Tradition. In this tradition, the youth Balinese engage in a fiery battle using coconut fibres to symbolise the purification of the universe and the triumph of good over evil.”
Rules on Nyepi Day
Tourists are reminded to stay in their hotel on Nyepi Day — it is known Amati Lelunganan, which means refraining from leaving the house or travelling.
“Try to keep your noise and lighting to a minimum to maintain a tranquil atmosphere. You should avoid speaking on electronic devices, conversing, or participating in loud activities,” the hotel’s blog advises.
“This step is known as Amati Geni, which means refraining from lighting fires or using any light. Thirdly, remember that no work-related activity is allowed, which means you cannot go to the beach or engage in recreation. Instead, try to enjoy the serene atmosphere. This step is known as Amati Karya, which means refraining from working or physical activity.”
It explains Nyepi is a day for refraining from entertainment and pleasure.
“This step is known as Catur Brata Penyepian and is an essential aspect of Nyepi and is observed with great reverence and dedication by the Balinese.”
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