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Tips to enjoy Nyepi Day in Bali

 

Nyepi or Silence Day is a very unique holiday that you will only find on Bali and its neighboring islands Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Its purpose is to celebrate the Balinese New Year. Since Balinese people follow a different calendar system, and this year Nyepi (Silence Day) takes place on March 7, 2019.

Despite of all the rules to be followed, such as wandering restriction around outside of your house, and not to be seen or heard, The Silence Day is a unique experience you could try and enjoy during your stay in Bali. With some useful tips below, your Nyepi experience will be fun and memorable.

1. Plan your arrival; Ngurah Rai International Airport is perhaps the only international airport in the world that totally ceases its operations for a full 24 hours every year. Due to the closure, all flights both arriving and departing from the airport will be inoperable. It’s always a good idea to plan your flights in or out to avoid the actual Nyepi date. In other words, arrive early – perhaps in time to watch the lively parades of Nyepi Eve!

 

2. Find yourself a nice accommodation, with a swimming pool, to enjoy the tropical climate even on Silent Day. Hotels in Bali are well geared up to offer their guests the best experiences during Nyepi, which basically confines them to their resort grounds, as traveling is one of the restricted rules during Nyepi Day.

 

3. Ogoh-ogoh Parade, a cultural highlight you don’t want to miss. The evening before Nyepi each village will have a huge parade presenting large artfully crafted monsters, made from bamboo and recycled paper, called Ogoh-Ogoh. They will be carried through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and mostly even a performance act. It is really impressive watching this cultural Highlight.

 

4. Stock up snacks & DVD. Visitors are exempt from the Nyepi restriction of lighting fire (for cooking – as long as the light and fire is not visible from outside your room or villa), so it’s okay to stock up on snacks or food for your kitchenette. The same goes for in-room entertainment such as DVDs (entertainment and other luxuries are also restricted among the Balinese during Nyepi). The local government has pushed for TV stations to cease broadcasting over Bali’s airwaves over Nyepi. Your hotel’s satellite channels will mostly remain available, including internet and Wi-Fi.

 

5. Book a full spa treatment. Nyepi is a great opportunity to make good use of its silence and seclusion, so why not spend some quality spa time with a full-day treatment? It’s a perfect time to reflect, reconnect and truly unwind.

 

6. Stargazing. Despite, having a relaxed day and just enjoying doing nothing, you will see the most amazing night sky during Nyepi Day. Since every place is supposed to shut down the lights, you will be able to see a million stars!

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Best Things To Do in Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi “the sunrise of Java” this is the name of the eastern tip of Java which is given by the residence of the island. Banyuwangi offers many natural sights which are a feast for the eye. Have you ever seen a big blue flame? Then here is your chance, because there are just 2 places where these kind of flames exist. Or maybe you want to have an African-Style holiday where you’ll see African wild life in front of your eyes. Do you want to relax? Banyuwangi is a perfect place. The following are recommendations for activities during your holiday in Banyuwangi.

Witness the beauty of blue fire in Ijen Crater
Mount Ijen feels special due to its rare phenomenon in the form of blue fire which only exists in 2 places on the world. Blue fire is a process of sulfur evaporation that looks bright blue at night. The blue fire moment will be only at 02.00-04.00 local time. With an estimated start at Ijen Cater, you’ll do a trek of 2 hours. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the blue fire phenomenon. Tourists will start at Kalipuro around 1:30 in the morning.

See rare flora and fauna in Baluran
Baluran is a national park that is often dubbed as the “African of Java” and that is not without reason. In Baluron is a savanna landscape similar to the savanna landscape in Africa. The national park area which has an area of approximately 25 thousand hectares has a variety of flora and fauna that are protected by the state. You’ll be treated by views of meadows and exotic mountains. You can get acquainted with protected animals such as bulls, buffaloes, deer, and long-tailed macaques. During the rainy season, there are many animals that look for food in savanna which covers almost 10,000 hectares. you still have to be careful with wild animals such as snakes and a herd of bulls that can come at any time considering this still wild life.

Visit the unique Selendang Arum waterfall
Selendang Arum is a waterfall located in Sumberasih sub-village which is rarely touched by humans due to its somewhat hidden location. With its height of 20 meters and lush trees, Selendang Arum Waterfall is a beautiful sight to see. This waterfall is called Selendang Arum due to its rock-like shawl. The water runs through stone walls which sparkles when exposed to sunlight just like an present an exotic feel resembling a shawl.

Surfing at G-Land beach
G-Land Beach, also named Plengkung beach, is the best surfing spot in Indonesia. Both beginner and professional surfers can surf at the G-Land beach, due to three levels of waves at the beach which are ranked from 3 to 4 meters for beginners to 6 to 8 meters for professionals. The surfing experience of G-Land beach gets even better with the atmosphere which is still beautiful. Its remote location and surrounding dense forest makes the air pollution-free. You will get an unforgettable surfing experience on this beach.

Go on an adventure in the forest of Alas Purwo
There is one more location in Banyuwangi which is a pity to be missed. This location is Alas Purwo National Park. Navigating this area is like exploring the wild version of Indonesia, which is said to be the oldest land in Java. The national park, which covers 44,037 hectares and has been designated a National Geopark, is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Not far from the gate, you will see a Hindu temple called Site Kawitan, which in Jawi Kawi means oldest temple. This is related to Alas Purwo, which is believed to be the first creation made be humans on Javanese land. You can also visit the vast Sadengan savanna where you can see peacocks, deers and Javanese bulls.

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Best things to do in Kupang

Kupang is a less known tourist destination in Indonesia, but the best thing about Kupang is that this destination is totally different from the rest of Indonesia. This city is located on the island of Pulau Timor. The landscapes are similar to the landscapes of Africa and because of this, you have the feeling that you are in a totally different continent. The people in Kupang are dying to meet you, especially when you are a foreigner from a western country. Already interested? Keep reading our recommendations for Kupang.

The forest in the sea
With forest in the sea, we mean mangroves. Mangrove is not touristic and you can see that on the way how it’s built. During your visit, you will think that you are walking on a tree-house-like architecture and this gives you an exciting feeling. The structure is really stable, but it doesn’t feel and look like it. The locals are making pictures of the mangroves and when they see you, you have to go on a picture with them.

Drive around the island of Pulau Timor
Driving around the island is for itself a very nice activity to do during your stay in Kupang. When you are exploring the island, you will see a landscape of a dry rainforest which is extraordinary sight to see for you as a tourist. There are also several markets you will pass. It’s a good idea to stop at one of those markets, cause you will have to opportunity to buy traditional handcrafts which are unique to the island. You will probably be the only foreigner at a market like that and the local people will admire you during your visit.

Eat at the boulevard of Kupang
At the boulevard of Kupang, you’ll find some nice terraces to have a meal or something to drink. Mostly of the time, the terraces have 2 levels which provides you for more places. The music which is played is modern music which gives you a real holiday feeling. On the beach are many seats which are waiting for you to take place, so you can enjoy the sunset while you are dining or just drinking something. This is a must do during your stay in Kupang.

Crossing the border to Timor Leste
When you go to the north of the island, you’ll be going to the border of Timor Leste. This is a different country, but you will get the opportunity to set a few footsteps in the county. The landmark of Timor Leste is waiting for you at the border of Indonesia. It is a massive pole with the name of the country on it and this is a good stop to make a picture which will make your trip memorable. After you have been there, you can go back to Indonesia which has also a landmark with the letters of Indonesia which you have to see.

Seek refreshment at Oenesu Waterfall
This waterfall is easy accessible and not touristic, but it is still big and it’s a wonderful sight to see. The waterfall even has its own parking place. Reaching the waterfall itself is a little bit tricky after you have parked your car. That’s because there is not a real walking path, but that makes the waterfall look more natural than it already is and you will have a little bit of a challenge during your visit. After you reach the end, you will be rewarded with an amazing view and you can even jump off the waterfall if you brought you swimming clothes with you.

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