This week, from 6AM on Thursday, 7th March until 6AM the following morning, the Indonesian island of Bali will celebrate Nyepi; the festival that marks the start of a new year in the Saka calendar. Also known as ‘The Day of Silence’, Nyepi is 24 hours during which normal activity in Bali is curtailed, creating an atmosphere of quiet contemplation throughout the island. Disruption to tourism activities during this time are mostly limited to Bali, although Mount Bromo in neighbouring Java will also be closed for 24 hours due to Hindu-Buddhist rituals being performed there.
In the days leading up to Nyepi, Bali plays host to a variety of celebrations, parades and rituals, offering a range of cultural spectacles to visitors. Over the next two days, Melasti pilgrimages involve villagers from all over the island taking their sacred heirlooms from temples to the coast for annual ceremonial ablutions, while elaborate demonic effigies known as Ogoh-Ogoh are built, paraded and burned in the streets in the build-up to the main festival. During the 24 hours of Nyepi itself, Bali’s streets are emptied, and a range of prohibitions restrict activity throughout the island. Fires, music, work and entertainment of any kind are forbidden; the beaches are cordoned off and tourists are requested to remain in their hotels.
Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali and tourists are expected to observe the rituals and respect the rules; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, travellers are not permitted to visit beaches or wander the streets. Internet providers cut off their service to Bali during Nyepi and the island’s only airport remains closed for the duration of the day. The internet shutdown and restrictions on work and travel will limit the availability and functionality of our Bali team during this time, so clients are advised to expect delays and are requested to please be patient.
Some visitors prefer to avoid Bali during Nyepi, as the restrictions around transport and accommodation can be a hindrance to holiday plans. Despite this, Nyepi is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime; festivities either side of the festival are spectacular, plus the day itself offers an insight into the unique culture of Balinese celebrations and worship.
For more information, please contact:
| AB Sadewa Corporate Secretary PT. Destinasi Tirta Nusantara Tbk M : +62 815 910 4718 E : corsec.pdes@panorama-destination.com |
PT Destinasi Tirta Nusantara Tbk Panorama Building, 4th floor Jalan Tomang Raya No. 63 Jakarta 11440, Indonesia T : +62 21 5695 8585 |
ABOUT PANORAMA DESTINATION
Panorama Destination is a Destination Management Company at the forefront of tourism in Southeast Asia, specializing in inbound tours. With over 40 years of experience in handling foreign markets, the company has served more than 2 million tourists worldwide. Panorama Destination currently has offices strategically placed in key locations throughout Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, with a new branch set to open in Vietnam in 2019. Through a combination of technology, infrastructure and expertise, Panorama Destination covers a wide and diverse range of destinations and experiences, serving clients both online and offline. Packages cover a variety of themes; from beach holidays to cruising, culinary experiences, cycling, trekking, diving & snorkelling, exploration journeys, golf holidays, honeymoon & weddings, luxury travel, MICE, family holidays, wellness & spa packages and tailor-made itineraries. Panorama Destination partners with Travelife to ensure all products and practices are representative of the company’s dedication to sustainable, ethical tourism.
