DENPASAR, Bali, 5 March 2019: Silence will descend on Bali, 7 March, as all commercial and social activities halt including flights to and from the island’s busy airport to mark the annual Day of Silence.
The public holiday, when the entire island takes a break from sound, means the airport closes for 24 hours from midnight 6 March to midnight 7 March
Officials from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS/WADD) confirmed that the airport would close for 24 hours for both international and domestic flights.
‘Nyepi’ is the Balinese “Day of Silence a Hindu celebration of silence, fasting and meditation observed on the third day of the Balinese traditional New Year a celebration that extends for six days.
It is also happens to be a national holiday in Indonesia.
Bali literally shuts down to observe silence. Bars and restaurants close and noise, whatever the source, seriously frowned upon.
Hotel staff dim lights, curtains are closed and service is down to a minimum. People stay at home. They avoid taking walks or driving, other than for essential errands, or emergency trips. Watchmen patrol to ensure people stay indoors in villages and residential districts.
The Balinese who aren’t Hindu also observe these rules out of respect for their fellow Balinese people.
(Source: CTM Travel advice)
