Denpasar (Antara Bali) - All human activity on Bali island came to a standstill to avoid making any sound on Tuesday in observance of the Hindu New Year or locally known as Nyepi.
Usually crowded with thousands of domestic and foreign tourists who had come for a vacation, Bali island on Tuesday was enveloped in an atmosphere of total quiet as all people honored the Hindu holy day by staying at home for 24 hours to stop working, turn off lamps at night, refrain from traveling and making noises.
On Nyepi day, all public places such as tourist spots and markets are closed to respect the holy day of the Hindu religion.
Absolute stillness reigned at all famous locations on Bali island such as Denpasar city, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Marga subdistrict, Tabanan district, Gianyar district, Karangasem district and the eastern side of Bali. Only nature's sounds were heard in those places.
Bali provincial authorities also closed down Ngurah Rai international airport and four seaports for the next 24 hours or up till Wednesday (March 17).
Normally serving 180 airplane per day, Ngurah Rai airport was closed to all domestic flights from and to Denpasar. An exception was only made fpr international transits, technical landings and emergency landings.
Foreign tourists in Bali during the Day of Silence were only allowed to engage in some activities inside their hotels.(*)
