In Reply to: nypei posted by Johanna_Kate on Monday, 27. November 2006 at 11:36 Bali Time:
Make sure you book early for dinner on the 18th as some restaurants close early. The Ogah Ogah parades are on about 7 or 8 or some later in the Nyepi eve, (18th). It can be difficult to get transport, taxis etc on Nyepi eve to get back to your Hotel.
I think officially lights go out at 6am on Nyepi day (19th) and there is silence in the streets. Not one motorbike to be heard. We could hear the waves on Kuta Beach last year on Jl Sahadewa.
The motorbikes start up again at 6am on the day after (20th). There is a big market along the beachfront at Kuta Beach.
Lots return to their villages for this time so shops shut early on Nyepi eve to allow shop keepers and staff time to head home, then they come back slowly on the day after (20th) so shops open later.
Its an exciting time to be in Bali and especially to see the Ogah Ogahs and the different side to the Hindu culture.
You can do as you like in your Hotel on Nyepi day, but with limited lighting (close the curtains) and food is usually prepared and served buffet style. So plan early and get your shopping done then a couple of days of true R & R.