24 March 2009

Tourists told to avoid arriving in Bali on Nyepi Day

DENPASAR - Domestic and foreign tourists have been advised not visit Bali during the Hindu holiday of Nyepi, which falls on Thursday this week, as local authorities are planning to stop all public services during the day.

ââ¬ÅâœTourists are advised to move their visit date to before or after the holiday. There would be no transportation service available on the holiday,ââ¬~ I Putu Suardhika, spokesman of Bali administration told the Antara news agency.

Suardhika said that both air and sea transportation into and out of the island would not be available for 24 hours starting 06:00 am local time Thursday.

Local authorities are planning to close Ngurah Rai International Airport for the whole day, as well as Benoa seaport in Denpasar.

Observers mark Nyepi by remaining totally silent and, at night-time, being in total darkness. Most Balinese stay indoors and tourists are asked to keep a low profile.

More than three million Balinese Hindus are expected to observe the holiday, which marks New Year 1931 on the Saka calendar.

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