To celebrate the Balinese New Year, also known as Nyepi, the busy streets of the island fell silent as everyone stayed indoors. During Nyepi, everything from the airport to local supermarkets and ATMs was closed. From 6 in the morning until the following morning at 6 o'clock, island residents and visitors were expected to refrain from entertainment, work, travel and even artificial lighting. The Pecalang, a traditional Balinese security force, patrolled the streets to ensure that everyone - including tourists - complied. The sweet melodies of birds and the whispering of the windDuring this annual day of silence, the usual sounds of motorbikes and car horns were replaced by the sweet melodies of birds and the whispering of the wind. It was a unique experience to be surrounded by such profound silence, and from my terrace in front of my room, I could fully embrace it. When the sun set, an even more peaceful feeling came over me. To witness such a dark sky with all the twinkling stars, I usually have to be somewhere far in the desert or high up in the mountains, since no artificial light was allowed to be used, and now I could just see this in the midst of the otherwise always busy Kuta. The further the night progressed, the more I understood this day of silence in Bali.  Traditional statue in Bali. For the Balinese people, Nyepi is a way to scare off negative spirits and embrace a purified start to the new year. The day of silence is seen as an important ritual to avoid attracting negative energy and to prepare for a fresh beginning. While some tourists and digital nomads couldn't bear the thought of being without their reliable wifi, and opted to travel to nearby islands instead, I and many others of those who remained in Bali, embraced the festival in their heart. After all, isn't experiencing local customs and culture a big part of travelling? By embracing local traditions like Nyepi, we can learn more about the unique culture of BaliNyepi is a reminder of the importance of taking a step back, unplugging and reflecting on our lives. It's a chance to let go of negativity and start anew. By embracing local traditions like Nyepi, we can learn more about the unique culture of Bali and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of this island. While Indonesia has a predominantly Muslim population, the people of Bali are predominantly Hindu. The island largely practices a specific form of Balinese Hinduism that incorporates teachings from Buddhism as well as worship of local deities. As a result, the island enjoys its own unique set of annual celebrations and festivities, often featuring colourful parades and offerings. This fusion of beliefs and traditions makes Bali a fascinating place to explore and experience, offering a glimpse into a rich and diverse culture unlike any other.  One of the Ogoh-Ogoh in Bali. Nyepi was maybe a day of stillness for Bali, but the lead-up to this day was more than busy. On the eve of Nyepi, communities all over the island held parades to purify the island of evil spirits. Local groups spend weeks building "Ogoh-Ogoh" effigies that were then paraded through the dark streets of Bali. That evening the streets were full of joy, happiness and togetherness. Video of the parade of the Ogoh-Ogoh in Kuta Legian in Bali. I'm feeling so lucky I had the opportunity to experience this. It was a truly unique experience to be surrounded by silence, knowing that the entire island is shrouded in silence. It's amazing that in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Bali can pause and reflect in such a profound way. Overall, I was happy with this quiet day. In life you need to take a break every now and then. I'm sure I'll never forget this experience during Nyepi, a day that I embraced every minute of the 24 hours of stillness. I didn't want want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience and trust me, it's an experience you don't want to miss too. 
Hanan Scheers I travel the world to find unexpected stories. 24 March 2023
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