DENPARSAR, 13 March 2018: Bali will declare 24-hours of pure silence, 17 March, following a day of revelry and music that marks the advent of Nyepi a day of silence.
The contrast between the parades and dances on 16 March and the festival’s silence observed 17 March is quite remarkable for visitors.
Asian Trails in a bulletin to clients noted that residents will stay indoors, make little or no noise and switch off all lights for the duration of this festival day.
The silence is eerie on an island steeped in tradition and a strong belief in spirits and ghosts. Travellers should respect the festival. Residents will not be in a talkative frame of mind, or at best they will resort to a few choice hand gestures to explain their mood.
However, major hotels generally offer guests full use of their outlets with the understanding that guests will not venture outside the property.
Bali’s only airport will also shut down during the entire Nyepi day. In addition, all hotels around the holy Mount Bromo are closed from 16 March until late afternoon 17 March. The hotels resume bookings again on 18 March.
No flights will arrive or depart 17 March, tours will stop, shops and business premises will close.
