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Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence

Every religion or culture all over the world has their own way to define and celebrate their new year. For example, the Chinese have the Imlek year and to celebrate it, have, as they called it in their own language, "Gong Xi Fat Choy". The Moslem societies have their Muharam year, and any of the people over the world using the Gregorian calendar, celebrate the New Year on January 1st.

Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Bali's Lunar New Year's (in 2010, was on March 16). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New year Gudi Padva in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India.

Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for Self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed. This year of 2010 Bali closed the airport start at 06.00 am. There is no flights in or out-no activity at all at the airport. And they request for all Indonesia tv station not to broadcast their programs in Bali. This year its really those moment of silence.

At 06.00 too other gate to Bali entrance are closed too (airport & harbours) for 24hrs (re-open again at same hour next day). So Bali is like grave yard for 24hr, very quiet. Any hotels that enoucourage their guest to stroll around will consider as insulting the holiness of the day.

Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.

On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.

• First, The Melasti Ritual is performed at the 3-4 previous day. It is dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa and is performed at the beach to respect them as the owner of The Land and Sea. The ritual performed in temple near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belongs to several temples, also to acquire sacred water from the sea. Melasti is meant to clean the pratima or arca or pralingga (statue), with symbols that help to concentrate the mind in order to become closer to God. The ceremony is aimed to clean all nature and its content, and also to take the Amerta (the source for eternal life) from the ocean or other water resources (ie lake, river, etc). Three days before Nyepi, all the effigies of the Gods from all the village temples are taken to the river in long and colourful ceremonies. There, they have are bathed by the Neptune of the Balinese Lord, the God Baruna, before being taken back home to their shrines.

• Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create balance with God, Mankind, and Nature. The ritual also meant to appease Batara Kala by Pecaruan offering. Devout Hindu Balinese villages usually mak e ogoh-ogoh, demonic statues made of bamboo and paper symbolizing negative elements or malevolent spirits. After the ogoh-ogoh have been paraded around the village, the Ngrupuk ritual takes place, which involves burning the ogoh-ogoh. They usually make Ogoh-ogoh (the fantastic monsters or evil spirits or the Butha Kala made of bamboo) for carnival purposes. The Ogoh-ogoh monsters symbolize the evil spirits surrounding our environment which have to be got rid of from our lives . The carnivals themselves are held all over Bali following sunset. Bleganjur, a Balinese gamelan music accompanies the procession. Some are giants taken from classical Balinese lore. All have fangs, bulging eyes and scary hair and are illuminated by torches.The procession is usually organised by the Seka Teruna, the youth organisation of Banjar. When Ogoh-ogoh is being played by the Seka Teruna, everyone enjoys the carnival. In order to make a harmonic relation between human being and God, human and human, and human and their environments, Tawur Kesanga is performed in every level of society, from the people's house. In the evening, the Hindus celebrating Ngerupuk, start making noises and light burning torches and set fire to the Ogoh-ogoh in order to get the Bhuta Kala, evil spirits, out of our lives. .
  

• Third, The Nyepi Rituals is performed with the following conditions:
  • Amati Geni: No fire/light
  • Amati Karya: No working
  • Amati Lelunganan: No traveling
  • Amati Lelanguan: Fasting and no revelry/self-entertainment
• Fourth, The Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 AM (e.g. March 26, 2009) and continues to 6:00 AM the next day.
• Fifth, The Ngebak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all Hindus to forgive each other and to welcome the new days to come. Ngembak is the day when Catur Berata Penyepian is over and Hindus societies usually visit to forgive each other and doing the Dharma Canthi. Dharma Canthi are activities of reading Sloka, Kekidung, Kekawin, etc.(ancient scripts containing songs and lyrics).
• Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed as the Nyepi Day or "Day of Silence."

A day after nyepi rituals taken (Ngambak Geni) actually there is an interesting tradition called "Omed-Omedan". It was held in Sesetan street in Denpasar Bali. Omed-omedan in Balinese language means "pull". This tradition held with pulling the opposite sex and kiss them (oww..). This tradition often called "Mass Kissing". The group were seperated between sexes, boys and girls (sorry young single people only!). Each group have to carry one of their group member to the other group-and the other group will pull that person and kissed each other. And its only one kiss!! (hahah!) after that each group will pull that person back to their group (girls and boys).

All participant get their turn to kiss the other groups!

Oh this tradition only held in Sesetan Village Bali.....







More info:
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News Flash: Bali is not a country !!!

This morning i read something that tickling my mind when i open a website about a free accommodation, and because i am planning to go to OZ i look up the "info about Australia".

When i see the part of "neighboring COUNTRIES, i saw something : Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Indonesia, New Zealand, South East Asia, Fiji, BALI.

EEH??!!



Since when Bali is a country? i know its been long time a go, maybe since high school tourist often call Bali as a country. They don't realize Bali is one of Indonesia Province, one among thousand pretty island in Indonesia.

Its just strange that so many people doesn't know that ! Its just the same like saying Hawaii is a country, or saying New York is a country instead a state !



I know that website been edited by the user, but its just make it worse, show how much people don't care or don't want to know places that interest them, and then pass the wrong information about that place... i found that a little bit ignorant.

Every time i travel i met tourist made such statement, that Bali is a beautiful country.. ewww... and i did my best to explain that Bali just one of Indonesia wonder. When i explain that i am from Indonesia, sometimes even from traveller from Europe or USA will paused and see me puzzled, and then when i ask "do you know Bali?" and their answer will be ahhhh.. ohhh.. ok i heard about Bali ! (uggghhhh!) hahahah.... Even once someone said the country between Australia and Singapore is just Bali...(ouch that hurt!!).

Trust me for local it feels much more better if you know about places you visit. They would feel you respect them (a little bit).

When i am traveling i would love to know about the place i am about to visit. Its just enrich the knowlegde, i think traveling its also about learning something, and learning that Bali not a country is one of the thing you should do if you want to visit Bali !



I hope Julia Robert latest movie "Eat Pray Love" (based on novel by Elizabeth Gilbert) somehow made more people abroad know about Bali ! and Bali wont be the only tourist place they visit.

Last day in Bali (Kuta)

We arrive in Kuta from Lovina in the afternoon. We decide to stay in Poppies lane 2 because at first we could compare it from Poppies lane 1, theres much better guest house and much cleaner and more options on poppies lane 2.
After check in we went for lunch at Kuta beach food court


Because its too hot so we decide to eat inside the food court. Its not so busy hours so theres not really that crowded. But i could see that this place could be packed in certain hours.



We went to Discovery Mall first to look up some clothes but then, euuuhhh.. a bit pricey there !!
So we end up shopping in Matahari (yay!). On the way to Discovery mall i saw the huge sling shot. I glance at Peter, and he say "NO". I laugh hard, i love this.... hahaha but i didn't try it.. just look at peoples who dare enough to do the sling shot... its so high !!! fun !


Kuta at night... this is what i call night life ! its feels like i'm in phuket but with indonesian language ! bars with loud music... motorcycle.. cars .. tourist.. cafe.. all the lights and sound.. also the sound of the wave on the beach.. ahhhh.. i could stay here forever... i don't feel strange why lots of expatriate want to live here...


When passing Hard Rock Cafe i see this (sorry its blurry picture) "And in the end the love we take is equal to the love we made" Beattles. Cool !


We went dining at Food Court in Kuta beach. Listening to music and i order coconut... yums...



We went back to the hostel at nearly 10.30 pm. Too tired..... Early morning its raining.. and we went to the beach...




We had our last morning walk at beach to see sunrise.. its not the best spot.. but its our last walk on the beach. Its raining really hard last night. We headed to Kuta beach from Poppies lane 1.


Theres few morning surfers already at beach (isn't they feel cold some how?)
Some food vendors sold hot coffee, tea and some locals food. We just walk until the edge of the beach, passing the discovery shopping mall.


The beach is dirtier because theres lots of garbage on the shore. Few people do their jogs, and some with their dogs.
And its raining for a while.. suddenly we saw this two beautiful rainbows very near at beach.
Its a good vacation.. ended beautifully..
We just sat down for a while to enjoy the "not so crowded" beach. Kuta beach well known with crowded beach bums and aggressive vendors. But this early morning you wont see them much (vendors and the beach bums).


Seeing two rainbows at the same time not the first time for me, but still.. its Kuta beach Bali double rainbows... hehehe its different...
Before 11.30 am i pack my thing and, i feel really sad. My vacation in Bali have to be ended. I grab my backpack and walk to the Kuta beach, looking for a cab. Peter staying for few more days. And we said our good bye as i got my taxi.
Thanks to him, my travel is quite interesting. Bali is the absolutely a place for relax with your friends, and yes, would be very romantic place to go with your love one (hehe...)
Oh God.. its just so sad this have to be OVER....
I really enjoy the vacation, 10 days seemed not enough for Bali. I will come here again... thats my promise...





hikss.. hikss... byeeeee bali !!!!!!!! i'll be right back !

Day 8 :The attack of Lovina baby jelly fish !

I feel like i don't want to wake up and just stay on bed. Now starting to feel bit tired, its been 8 days on my vacation, hell of fun is how i describe it !
I woke up because i heard the swimming pool cleaned, and someone swim after that...
Last night we swim until almost 10 pm ! just having fun hehe because its hot too and feels good in the water with stars above.. quite romantic too. From the restaurant we could hear someone sing, laughs music, etc.

I don't want to woke up but i feel hungry. So, dragging our self to the restaurant we had breakfast with pan cake with hot tea/coffee. I like Ubud breakfast much better...
Peter ask what to do today, i said clearly "WE snorkeling" and he seemed not really agree with the idea. Until we finish breakfast we haven't decide what to do (well.. i did already decide). Sit by the swimming pool, i ask again for snorkeling, Peter just didn't say anything. I ask the shop owner in front of the Hotel for a snorkeling trip and she said that would cost us Rp 40,000,- per hour per person. And then i ask what about 2 hours? she said that would be Rp 100,000,- i said i'll come again to pick my friend.
I went back and explain to Peter that lying down next to the pool on the pool bench. And then i realize he's not listening me !! and he sleep ! aaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww !!!!
So i think okay, i'll do this my self, he could sleep here, and i went snorkeling by my self ! but when i went to the room he suddenly wake up ! (grrrrr!)
Peter then finally decide to join the snorkeling trip, but he said Rp 100,000,- too expensive because the boat only took us to one snorkeling point and just wait for us. Okay he made his point.. he is right... Peter suggest to find other boat with lower price.
But as when we leave the hostel, the boat owner already at the gate and calling us (oppss!) we try to pretend we don't hear but the wife is running to us. So i stop and said we want lower price, we want Rp 100,000,- for two hours for two person. And i add.. i pay this by my self too, so Peter not paying for me.. and i ask her not to give me expat price just because i am with one of them...and then she said okay.. (hehehe).
The husband show us the fin and the mask. Peter fin fits perfectly.. mine a llitle bit too small ! but not really matter i think... I also request for a safety jacket, for precautions.. then i decide to wear it. Its indonesia.. hehe you should prepare for everything hehehehe... I also don't feel like i want to really swimming.. just want to "float" and look down under.
So we went to the boat.. its a beautiful day, sky are blue clear, the sun shine, no wave and no wind.. its perfect for snorkeling !


The boat that we use is quite different then the boat that we had in Jambi (yeah.. haha for sure) its small but its "deep".


The boat owner said he will take us the the snorkeling site which is 15 minutes from our beach. When we arrive there several boats with tourist heading that way, and when were finally there theres more tourist doing snorkels. I could see the snorkels and their head over the water. I am so excited !!!


Our boat just perfect because it had stairs to go to water... i short of worry before i see the stair because i think i could climb up the boat after jumping to water because its so high ! But then theres ladder.. hehe i am cool !
We start to snorkel at 8.30 am. Peter down first.. me.. still struggling with my life jacket (stupid...stupid..stupid !!). After finally find out which rope goes where and wich flip goes to what direction, i finally join Peter.
More fish.. bunch of small fish with different colors. Ohhh this is soooo what i want !
We see something new.. well at least i thought i am the only person who notic ethe "BLUE STAR FISH" yesss its blue not red like i ever saw in Thailand !
Fishes is more in here, but most of them are same.... i see NEMO or the clown fish too.
I feel relax to see lots of fish.. and garbage like plastic wrapper on the bottom of the sea.. can't stop thinking how stupid Indonesian could be (i am indonesian that feel shame of my self). The plastic wrapper could cause the reef die and not colorful again.
I see reef shape like brain too.. hmmm...
We ask to the boat owner before we jump off.. do they find shark here (Peter ask). And he said yes.. sometimes but not big (i imagine big white sjark with razor sharp teeth..oohhh no) and he laugh and said its only on certain months the shark went here... and its not the time we were snorkel (fiuhhhh hehehe).
The fish in Bali is.. "shy".. hehe not like fish in Andaman Sea, they will come close to you.. hehehe.. but these fish just swim and short of wondering, why were following them !
Almost 2 hours we swim, and then suddenly i feel something "bite" my feet !!!!
And then my arms, and my neck. I call Peter and said something bite me, and leave small red itchy marks. Peter look down and he said theres plenty of baby jelly fish near where i swim !!
I look down and i did see one of them ... euuuhhhhh !!
We swim to the deeper area, no jelly fish.. but the wave quite big that i swallow some of the sea water (yuck). The reef is more beautiful, but its not that crystal clear there. I see more tourist come and go, and it does bit crowded cause i crash with other people twice.
I get tired and swim back to the boat, Peter still swim around the boat. He said the jelly fish sting his lips, hahaha ! poor guy ! hehehehehe....
We went back to the beach .. and i feel my tummy not too good, i think because of the sea water that i swallow, and my tummy is hungry....
We went back to hotel and clean our self, and then went to the warung to have our lunch.
Oh i am happy today.. even though theres some minor attack.. and its not from a shark hahahaha !

Day 7: Lovina (Love Indonesia)

Night before.....

I need beach.. i love beach.. never see beach for past 8 months. Peter live next to the beach.. no he not fond of water that much (uuughhhh !!)
I said i want to go to Amed.. well it doe have to made long turn to go to Amed and the price could cost is about Rp 200,000 per person. I want to stay and snorkel and just sit next to beach.
I know its going to be hot (Peter don't like it). He short of said its not a very good idea...
Hmmmm....

I sleep.

Next morning (this morning), i woke up.. Lovina is the next destination. First he said he don't really like the idea (again !), because he ever went there and its not that much to see !
I said there's dolphins.. and i could snorkel.. we could ride motorcycle around again.. i don't like crowded beach like in Kuta. And i want beach (INSIST!).
Peter said okay... (hahaha!).





We do a short walk again this morning to directions that we never pass before, but not the far one like yesterday. We went to a temple inside the park. But because theres several people praying we don't think its a good idea to go inside the temple.



We went to the bust station at 1 pm, and enjoy the ride for like 2 hours with lots of chips from the market.

I feel quite sad had to leave Bedugul honestly. Its very romantic place, quiet and i like the fresh air, and the view.. the best ! with mountains and lake and rice fields and trees ! awesome !



The road to Lovina from Bedugul is speachless... beautifull.. the road is small and lots of curves, up and downs.. its short of remind me of the road to Kerinci mountain.
We enjoy the ride listening to my cellphone mp3, and see lots of pretty scenery. I just think once again, i should go back here someday !
We arrive at Lovina perama bus station nearly 3 pm. We don't know where to go. When we arrive the bus driver said that we have one free lunch. So we eat our lunch. Not really enjoy it because there's plenty people offering accommodation while we chew our lunch. Well.. Peter seemed have no problem with that... hehe i like to see when he eat.. really enjoy it !
This one guy offer a hotel, with swimming pool and very next to the beach. Its seemed very nice hotel. I look at Peter eyes and give sign (what do you think?) and he short of wisper in Indonesia (its cheap, and seemed nice). He ask for the brochure. A guy from our table said the hotel does look nice. Its 2 km from Lovina beach.
I said to Peter its okay, Lovina would be looks like poppies but less crowded, and he said up to me. So we said we want to see. So the guy with his friend get our bags and their motorcycle.
Peter goes first with that guy friend, and i ride with another motorcycle.


I amazed with the pool. Not so big.. but the atmosphere so relax ! the room not so small.. but yes.. they do tell lies said it could be lower than Rp 100,000,- (they said could haggle until Rp 75.000,-) but once again.. its okay.. i could stay here for months !!


After check in we went for short walk around the hotel. We find internet cafe and check our mails. After that we take a rest and have dinner in one of the small warung (stall) infront of the hotel. Hotel foods quite expensive.. we already guess it.


That night finally i could eat something with Bali taste. I eat mixed seafood that cooked inside banana leaf with balinese seasoning and white rice. While Peter had tuna cooked the same way like my food. Its yummy ! And the price is fairly cheap too ! and clean !
After dinner we decide to take a swim at our hotel swimming pool. Enough to burn some of our energy that lefted..

ps.. sorry for the feet pictures it was mine ! (hehehe)