The little-known holiday in Bali where Aussie tourists risk copping a hefty fine just for leaving their hotel
- Thousands unaware of what's coming
- Non-compliance can lead to steep fines
- READ MORE: Bali puts Aussies on notice - here's the seven banned acts you need to know about
Thousands of Australians flying to Bali on Friday are probably unaware of the shock awaiting them just a few hours later - and it could cost them.
The Indonesian island will celebrate the religious festival of Nyepi, a day of prayer, meditation and quiet contemplation, from 6am on Saturday to 6am on Sunday.
The 'day of silence' requires everyone on the island, including tourists, to stay at home, limit noise and even switch off their lights for 24 hours.
The Balinese take the day very seriously, with traditional security known as pecalang being the only people allowed on streets, beaches and in businesses.
They enforce the regulations by going on patrol and looking out for anyone breaking the rules, who could then be hit with penalties and fines.
Anyone, including tourists, who leave their home or accommodation on the day can receive a fine of 1million rupiah ($95).
Locals have observed the Hindu tradition, which represents a cleansing of the island in preparation for the year ahead, for centuries.
Other festivals take place in the days leading up to it, including the Melasti, which represents another cleansing in which thousands of locals, dressed in white, carry sacred objects from the temples to the sea to be purified.
Tourists are pictured on Seminyak Beach, north of Kuta
Traditional security personnel known as pecalang (pictured) patrol the streets on Nyepi
In the days leading up the Balinese day of silence there are a number of other festivals including Melasti, in which sacred objects from temples are cleansed in the ocean (pictured)
On Friday night, before Nyepi, there is a holy festival called Ngrupuk which tourists can enjoy watching.
Huge papier-mâché monsters made by locals are paraded through the streets before they are burnt to ashes to represent their defeat.
During Nyepi no fires can be lit and lights must remain off or dimmed. There is also no working, no entertainment and no travelling.
Businesses stay closed on the day and everyone on the island is required to stay inside their homes or accommodation.
The airport will also close, so no flights go in or out in the 24-hour period.
Australians are advised to have food for the day in their accommodation and to withdraw or exchange money in advance as banks are closed and ATMs are offline during Nyepi.
There may also not be much fun to be had on mobile phones during the holiday as the internet can be limited.
Loud talking and music is also discouraged, with locals spending the day meditating, fasting and holding a quiet family gathering.
Hindu worshippers parade ogoh-ogoh figures during Ngrupuk on the night before Nyepi and make noise to draw evil spirits, who then find the island deserted the following day and leave
What would be a normally crowded beach during Nyepi (left) and the pecalang (right) who can take rule-breakers to police
Rowdy and obnoxious tourists breaching local religious and cultural protocol have just been put on notice by Indonesian authorities.
The island's recently re-elected Governor Wayan Koster has warned travellers to show respect for the people, culture and environment or they could be jailed or fined.
He also released an updated list of seven banned acts, saying 'We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change we need to adapt.
'This ensures that Bali's tourism remains respectful, sustainable and in harmony with our local values.'
And being 'in harmony with local values' is what Nyepi is all about, as Aussies in Bali will discover from 6am on Saturday to 6am on Sunday.
On Nyepi in 2024, a photo posted to the Bali Travel Forum Facebook group showed two people simply walking on the beach, which is not allowed on the day.
'Just checked a webcam I've been keeping an eye on and surprised to see a couple walking on the beach, I didn't think that was allowed today,' the post was captioned.
'Officially not allowed. No respect,' a commenter wrote.
A member of the Bali Travel Forum Facebook group shared this webcam screenshot of two people walking on a beach during Nyepi in 2024, which could attract a large fine
'They should know. If they stayed at a hotel or Airbnb for sure they had been informed about what not to do on Nyepi day,' added another.
'I'm pretty sure they are well aware. Wouldn't they wonder why they are the only two humans running around where there would normally be crowds of people?' a third said.
'Pecalang (security men) will catch them shortly,' added another.
One even claimed that: 'Two people got deported last year for going to the beach.'
But some others took the side of the two people on the beach.
'Would have hated to have been your neighbour during the lockdowns,' one said.
'I don't mean any disrespect or disregard to the culture, but this couple is outside in a serene environment, not using their phones or playing music,' another wrote.
'Maybe they didn't realise that they were supposed to stay indoors... and weren't intentionally being disrespectful.
'Inform and educate rather than just being judgmental.'
