12 March 2024 , 15:51
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One of the busiest and most lusted after holiday destinations in the world fell silent yesterday.
Recently The Mirror reported on over-tourism issues in Bali. Officials in the Indonesia paradise have just introduced a tourist tax in a bid to control the floods of visitors, shore up its infrastructure and clean up some of the rubbish which has been cluttering its otherwise world-beating beautiful beaches.
In 2023, more than five million foreign tourists visited Bali, which has a population of just four million. The island has had several tourist scandals recently, including a tourist who was criticised for posing naked in front of a sacred tree in 2023, prompting officials to crack down on tourist visas and consider a ban on letting tourists rent motorbikes.
Given all of this hub-bub and chaos, it is perhaps surprising - or maybe just welcome - that on March 11 the island went silent. The reason why is it's a custom of Nyepi, Balinese New Year.
Bali is one of the most sought after destinations in the world (Getty Images)Balinese Hindus don’t mark the new year by having a huge booze-soaked party or letting off fireworks as people in many parts of the world do. Instead they observe Nyepi, or silence.
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From 6am on March 11 until the same time the following day adherents switch off their electrical devices, fast, meditate and stay home with their families. Outside a group of specialist security officers patrol the street, ensuring that no one is outside causing a ruckus.
Although 8% of Bali's population is not Hindu the entire island is impacted by the holiday, which sees the roads completely cleared of vehicles aside from the occasional ambulance and all tourist attractions closed. Hotels do not check anyone in or out during the period. If you do find yourself on the island over the holiday, then you'll be treated to an experience like no other.
The day before Nyepi is Ngrupuk, which is essentially a time to get all of the noise out of your system. Children parade effigies of evil spirits made out of papier mache around the streets before torching them, while men launch burning coconuts at one another. Carrying torches while yelling and spitting spice into the corner of homes is another common custom on the day.
Many hotels such as the Viceroy Bali do not allow customers to book in over Nyepi. Those who are already checked-in cannot leave the hotel grounds but are able to use the pool, spa and gym there. The Wi-Fi is also kept on.
"We respect our culture, but we also respect our guests. They are not the same religion as us, so that means our hotel is still operating normally," resort manager Jero Mangku Tindih told CNN. On Ngrupuk guests of the hotel can head on an arranged trip to a nearby village to watch the flaming coconut battle and masked parade.
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