Nyepi holiday unique for Japanese tourists

Nyepi holiday unique for Japanese tourists

DENPASAR, Bali (Antara): Japanese tourists, whose number rank first on Bali's arrival list, want the local government to maintain the recently introduced rule demanding closure of Denpasar's airport during Nyepi, a Hindu day of seclusion, which this year falls on March 25.

"This tradition is unique. It makes Bali more interesting for foreign tourists," Minoru Shirotta, head of the Japanese consulate in Bali, said after meeting with Bali governor Dewa Beratha here on Tuesday.

Shirotta was making a farewell call during which he also introduced his successor, Kaoru Hatta, to the governor.

Shirotta, who has headed the Japanese consulate in Bali since 1997, said Japanese tourists visiting Bali think that the airport's closure on Nyepi Day was very unique and interesting.

The tradition could be a positive promotion for Bali's tourist industry, he said, adding, however, that the concerned institution should also make an effort to improve security.

The number of Japanese tourists who visited Bali in 2000 was 362,270 from a total of 1,412,839 foreign tourists.

The second largest number of tourists, defined by nationality, came from Australia, whose numbers reached 231,739.

Governor Beratha, meanwhile, said that closure of Ngurah Rai airport on Nyepi Day was conducted for the first time on April 4, 2000.

The local government was also planning to close the airport on March 25 this year, he said.

Also to be shut down would be harbors and land transportation gates on March 26, for 24 hours starting at 06:00 a.m..

On Nyepi Day all Balinese Hindus are forbidden to turn on lights or carry out daily activities, including travel. During the Nyepi Day most Balinese spend their day contemplating and praying.

The governor expressed hope that international tour operators would be able to explain the Balinese tradition of Nyepi Day to prospective visitors to avoid misunderstanding about Balinese customs.