Cultural Festival In Bali May Impact Tourist Travel Plans For October 18th

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Most Bali lovers have heard of the Nyepi Festival, Bali’s sacred day of silence. But far fewer have heard of Nyepi Laut, the silent day of the ocean.

With Nyepi Laut coming up on the 18th of October, tourists planning on traveling between Bali, Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan will have to double-check their itinerary plans.

Bali Province’s outlying islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan are soaring in popularity with first-time holidaymakers to the region and with returning Bali lovers looking to explore emerging and authentic destinations. 

The Nyepi Day typically falls in late March or early April every year, depending on the traditional Saka calendar. Neypi Laut always falls on the full moon of October.

Much like Nyepi, the day of silence, Nyepi Laut sees those in Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan, and ocean farers from Bali province stop all activities to observe the holy day.

Though the festival is only officially observed on Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan, the limitations on ocean-bound activities also impact life on the main island of Bali and, to a degree, Lombok and the Gili Islands. 

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Nyepi Laut is a day of reverence and devotion to the Balinese Hindu Gods of the sea and ocean, Baruna. In the broader picture of Balinese Hindu mythology, Baruna is one of the manifestations of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, also known as Acintya, the God of Gods.

To honor Baruna and show respect for the endless abundance that the ocean provides, communities let the sea rest.

This means that all marine activities are stopped for a full 24-hour period. This includes all fishing activities, harvesting of seaweed, and, of course, all tourism-related activities on the ocean, from diving to snorkeling, surfing, swimming, free diving, and travel by boat.

Access to the island’s beaches is also prohibited as residents and tourists on Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan must stay at home. 

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This means that on the 18th of October 2024, all boat crossings between the main island of Bali and between Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan will be paused.

All those tourists, digital nomads, and expats on Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan will be expected to honor and observe the restrictions of the day, just as all who are on the main island of Bali must during Nyepi Day. 

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Those who already know they will be staying on Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan from the night of the 17th of October until the morning of the 19th of October at the least should chat with their accommodation hosts to see what provisions will be available.

Almost all hotels, resorts, and guest houses will still provide food, and most will be happy for guests to quietly move around the grounds of the property and not be fully confined to their rooms.

However, silence will be observed, and the use of tech, electricity, and partaking in physical activities will be observed by most Balinese Hindus on the island. 

Unlike Neypi Day, during Nyepi Laut, there are no ogoh-ogoh parades the night before the event, and there are no large-scale parades or ceremonies for tourists to observe. Nyepi Laut feels comparatively scaled down and is a holy day focused on respect, reverence, and gratitude for the ocean. 

For tourists planning day trips to Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan in the next week or so, all marine tourism activities will continue as usual until the 18th of October.

However, be aware that some independent fast boat providers may also run a limited boat service on the 17th and 19th of October; it is best to check directly with the provider to gain an understanding of the services each will offer.

Normal tourism activities like snorkeling and diving day trips will resume on the 19th of October from sunrise.