Having A Ball In Bali

Bali as a tourist destination is made even more popular because of the easy access through direct international flights from most countries. However, I opted to fly into Denpasar from Jakarta, after breaking journey there for two days. The 30 day free visa on arrival offer makes travelling to Indonesia a breeze and the formalities of the visa stamp at Jakarta airport are over in no time.

- Melanie P. Kumar

The choice of cheap fares to Bali on Lion Air turns out to be a bit irksome, as both on the onward and return journeys, my flight faces inordinate delays. I request to be put on an earlier flight for the journey back to Jakarta, on the plea of a connection back to India and the attendants quickly oblige. The last row that I am assigned is no fun though and on a stormy rain-battered night, I find solace in all the prayers that I can recall!

The reason I decide to set out for (Nyepi Day) is because on this day the whole island falls silent and the airport shuts down. In today’s world of incessant chatter, it is fascinating to learn that for 24 hours, television and radio stations go off the air and that the use of electricity and lighting is forbidden. This is taken seriously; nobody ventures out on the streets and everyone speaks in hushed whispers, whilst physical activity, including cooking is frowned upon. Even stranger to find is that this date coincides with the Balinese Bali a day after what is called Silence Day New Year, which the Hindus there use as a time for self-reflection. On the run-up to Nyepi, Hindus follow cleansing and purification rituals including the Melasti ceremony the day before, which involves throwing offerings into the sea. On my next visit to Bali, I think that I will make sure that I am around to experience this day of silence, as it is a rarity to experience this, except if one were an ascetic who has disappeared into the forests.