February 29, 2008

Nyepi: Important advice you'll want to know about this Indonesian holiday

A day of silence for Nyepi, also known as Balinese New Year, will be observed from starting at 6:00 am March 7 and lasting until 6:00 am March 8. Does this observance affect foreign visitors? Yes.

How will this affect your plans? Check out the latest advice from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:

All people in Bali must remain indoors and silent during this period. The use of electricity is not permitted. Foreigners on the island should remain in their hotel rooms and seek the advice of hotel management. Anyone who chooses not to comply with these regulations risks being stopped by local security personnel and forcibly returned to their homes or hotels.

“In Bali, all seaports and the airport will be closed for this 24-hour period. Only transit, overfly, technical landing and emergency landing flights are allowed, but these flights will not be allowed to take any passengers with last destination in Bali or departure from Bali. Canadians should be aware of this and plan accordingly. Travellers should also note that outside of resort hotels, all stores and restaurants will be closed and all activities postponed.”

For more advice, see AllSafeTravels' Indonesia Travel Advisory page.

No comments: