Bali, one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, will be suspending all flights on 7 Mar to commemorate the Hindu festival Nyepi or the Day of Silence.
Airport management of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport announced on Thursday (28 Feb) that all flights will be halted from 6am on 7 Mar to 6am on 8 Mar.
This is being done out of respect for Hindu Balinese so that they can observe the festival solemnly.
261 domestic flights and 207 international flights, mainly from Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and AirAsia, will be affected by the closure.
International routes to Singapore will be the most affected with 18 flights delayed, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 16 flights, and Perth with 9 flights.
Notices have been sent to airlines and tickets to Bali on 7 March are no longer on sale. Flights for the days after 7 March will operate as per normal.
Nyepi is a New Year for Balinese Hindu.They do not celebrate the coming of the new year of Saka calendar with a lavish party; they celebrate it with fasting and meditation instead.
While suspending flights for a festival may come as a surprise to some, the Balinese also refrain from using electricity, electronics, fire, travelling outside the home and all forms of entertainment and work on that day.
All shops are closed and there are no vehicles on the streets. The whole island observes silence.
As such, air traffic is also amongst the prohibited activities.
Bali is known for their warm & welcoming culture, laidback beach vibes, glorious street food, relaxing massages and the exotic night life.
Despite their booming tourist industry, we admire how they’ve held on tightly to their traditions and the arrangements made to celebrate Nyepi.
If you are travelling to Bali during that period, be aware of the closure. Or if you know of anyone who is travelling to Bali during Nyepi, tag them in the comments below!
Featured image from Airport.id.
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