Hindu Nyepi Day will Paralyze all Transportation to, from and on Bali
On Tuesday 12 March there will be no transportation possible to the island of Bali, Indonesia's most popular destination in terms of tourism. On that day Hindus celebrate Nyepi, i.e. the Day of Silence or the Hindu New Year in the Balinese Saka calendar. Bali still contains a Hindu majority population amid Indonesia's Muslim-majority population. The island's traditional Hindu culture and customs is one reason for the annual millions of foreign arrivals.
On 12 March 2013, all air and boat travel to Bali will be paralyzed as the Balinese Hindu community celebrates Nyepi. On this day, Hindus will purify their souls by refraining from all worldly and physical activities, such as eating, drinking, working, and even talking to each other. As such, Balinese streets will be deserted (including no car transportation) and it is impossible for tourists to enter the island or participate in any touristic activities that exceed the borders of the hotel compound area.
Nyepi is one of the Indonesian public holidays that is honored nation-wide. Throughout the country, schools and businesses will mostly be closed for the day. On the Gregorian calender, the exact date of Nyepi will differ annually as this day follows the traditional Balinese Caka calendar.