Single photo of a couple strolling the beach in Bali could get them in big trouble during Nyepi
- Bali commemorates a 'Day of Silence' each year
- Tourists who don't follow the tradition could be fined
- READ MORE: Tegan felt a bit yucky days after landing in Bali and landed in ICU
A single pic of a couple walking on the beach has sounded a desperate warning for Australians in Bali on the Indonesian holiday isle's most significant day.
Travellers have been warned that even basics like leaving your resort could land you in trouble on the Balinese 'Day of Silence', known locally as Nyepi.
It coincides with new year's day on the Balinese Saka calendar, although the actual date varies and this year it fell on March 11.
It requires everyone on the island, including tourists, to stay at home, limit noise, and even switch off their lights for 24 hours - or be hit with penalties and fines.
The Balinese locals take the day seriously, with traditional local security men known as pecalang the only people allowed on streets, beaches and in businesses on patrol and looking out for anyone breaking the rules.
But a screenshot shared to the Bali Travel Forum Facebook group yesterday showed two people simply walking on the beach, which is usually not allowed on Nyepi.
'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,' they captioned the post.
A member of the Bali Travel Forum Facebook group shared this webcam screenshot of two people walking on the beach yesterday during Nyepi, which could attract a large fine
Traditional security personnel known as pecalang patrol the streets on Nyepi
The post received a flood of comments from both locals and tourists.
'Officially not allowed. No respect,' one person wrote.
'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 will catch them shortly,' added another.
One even claimed that: 'Two people got deported last year for going to the beach.'
However, 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 added.
'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.'
What would be a normally crowded beach during Nyepi (left) and the pecalang (right) who can take rule-breakers to police
The Balinese people have observed the Hindu tradition for hundreds of years. It represents a cleansing of the island in preparation for the year ahead.
Other festivals take place in the days leading up to it including the Melasti, which represents another cleansing where thousands of locals dressed in white carry sacred objects from the temples to the sea to be purified.
On the night before Nyepi, the Ngrupuk takes place in which huge papier-mâché monsters made by locals are paraded through the streets before they are burnt to ashes to represent their defeat.
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
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
The main restrictions on Nyepi are that no fires can be lit and lights must remain off or dimmed, there is also no working, no entertainment, and no travelling.
Businesses and schools will close on the day and everyone on the island is required to stay inside their homes or accommodation.
The airport will also close and planes will be diverted so as not to cause excess noise.
ATMs will go offline, and while electricity stays on, the internet can be limited.
Loud talking and music is also discouraged with locals usually using the day to meditate, fast and enjoy the company of their families.
Anyone, including tourists, who leaves their home or accommodation on the day can receive a fine of 1million rupiah.
Nyepi lasts for 24 hours from 6am on the Saka new year to 6am the following day.
