Happy Nepi day in Bali!

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So, now we were in Bali. Beach time first in Balangan, Bukit Peninsula. The lodge we stayed at, Flowerbud Bungalows, was perfect for what we needed; quiet, pool, and large wooden bungalow including outdoor bathroom and large seating area over looking the ocean. We just chilled out for 3 days there, lots of rain but we knew that before we got there as it was wet season. There was pretty amazing thunder storms to entertain us.

We then moved up to Ubud, a cultural town in the middle of Bali and lots of rice fields. Without realising it we had arrived the day before Nepi, Balinese New Year. There was a huge parade down the central street with local schools carrying floats which had hand made sculptures. These are meant to scare away evil spirits for the New Year. Interestingly, the day after, Nepi day itself, is a silent day, literally. The airport was shut, nobody is allowed outside their homes/hotels, including us, no TV, no radio. The police stay on the streets to ensure people remain inside. It was bizarre, but a good experience. Nowhere in the world can you imagine the airport shutting for a whole day.

When we were allowed out the next day we hired bikes and rode to the Monkey Forest Temple, as you can guess there were loads of monkeys everywhere. Then in Ash’s attempt to recreate an Eat Pray Love (the film) moment we cycled in search of rice fields. However, 1 hour in, the sweat and humidity took its toll on Ash, and we returned the bikes. At least we tried. Next stop Oz........

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Photos

Nepi parade, Ubud
Us clinging on to a street lamp as the people carrying the floats run into the crowd with the huge floats!

Monkey temple, Ubud
Monkeys at the monkey temple

Monkey temple, Ubud
Dance to celebrate Nepi (Balinese New Year)

Comments

[Hazel Tomlinson]

Very envious!!
My dear Tom and Ash - Just picked up your blogs about your travel in Malaysia and Bali - seems things have been good along your way! I guess it's about 2 months since you left these cold shores - not much warmer even now in mid-march!! Actually yesterday was one of those incredibly beautiful days up here - still snow on the high tops, but otherwise a day of wall-to-wall sunshine. I went with some friends to see the film The Kings Speech - I thought it was extremely good - but then it's my vintage!! Am about to email you Tom with an address of friends in NZ, though I think you said that Ash has family out there - they live about an hour south of Christchurch. Trust all is well with you both LOL - G and H xx