Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Bali's provincial government is advising foreign and domestic tourists not to visit Bali during the Nyepi Holiday (Balinese Day of Silence) on March 5, a spokesperson said.
"Foreign and Indonesian tourists who want to spend their vacation in Bali are asked to postpone or advance their visit as the transportation system in Bali will not be operational on Nyepi Day)," Bali provincial administration spokesman I Ketut Teneng said here Thursday.
All flights and ferry services from and to Bali would not be operational for 24 hours, starting Saturday (March 5) ar 06.00 local time to Sunday (March 6) at 06.00, Teneng said.
Four Balinese harbors, among others Benoa, Celukan Bawang, Gilimanuk, and Padang Bai would be closed, Tenegn said, adding that Ngurah Rai International Airport would also be closed to either domestic or international flights.
The Balinese land transportation system would also not be operational, he said.
During the Day of Silence, all Hindus in Bali would conduct a ritual called Tapa Brata Penyepian.
There are four rituals performed in the Tapa Brata Penyepian; Amati Geni, which means no fire or light including no electricity; Amati Karya, meaning no working; Amati Lelunganan meaning no travelling; and Amati Lelanguan meaning fasting and no revelry or self self-entertainment.
Previously, some travel agents which provide travel packages for tourist were asked to familiarize the Nyepi Holiday to their costumers.
The Balinese Governor, Made Mangku Pastika had written to four Indonesian Ministers; Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi, Foreign Affairs Minister Marty natalegawa, Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi, and Communication and Information Minister Tifatul sembiring, about the closing of the Ngurah Rai International Airport and also four Balinese harbors during the Nyepi Holiday.
The Directorate General of Sea, Land, and Air Transportation of Transportation Ministry and 23 institutions in the central and local administrations were also familiarized about the Nyepi Holiday.
Therefore, international and domestic airlines are also asked not to provide flights to Bali during the Nyepi Holiday.(*)
