Balinese authorities: tourists must abide by customs for Nyepi

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Bali’s leading Hindu authorities have issued updated guidance regarding the observance of Nyepi, the Day of Silence, on 29th March.

The Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) advised that all non-Hindus, foreigners, and tourists on the island need to abide by the rules of the holiday.

The latest guidelines were formally communicated to the Bali Provincial Government and the public in the circular letter signed by PHDI Bali Management Official Nyoman Kenak and PHDI Secretary Putu Wirata Dwikora.

Dwikora said: “Every year we always make a Circular Letter containing the PHDI Decree to remind the community because there are so many activities in the traditional village. The guidelines are much the same as each year and outline to village leaders and temple management teams how each ceremony of the festival must be conducted. The updated guidance communicates that the Tumpek Wariga ceremony, which can be carried out by observing the Catur Brata Panyepian, must be completed by 6.30 WITA.”

This means that temple ceremonies observed by local Balinese Hindus will be permitted to continue until 6:30am on Nyepi itself.

Plan accordingly

Tourists who are planning to be in Bali from the 28th to 30th March should be aware that the normal flow of the island changes over the festive period.

From midday on 28th March many businesses will close so that staff can travel home for the holiday.

On 29th March, all businesses and public services will be closed, though emergency services remain on duty.

Many businesses will remain closed on 30th March, or operate limited opening hours with fewer staff.

On the 29th, tourists will be unable to travel anywhere and will be required to stay in their accommodation.

Host establishments will advise guests as to what activities are and are not permissible.

Tourists will also find that they are unable to land in or travel out of Bali on 29th March since I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will be closed for the full 24-hour period.

For planning to be in Bali over the Nyepi period, it is advisable to arrive on the 27th of March rather than the 28th.

Similarly, departures will be easier on the 31st of March.

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