Sea silence day in Nusa Penida, a beautiful island located in the Klungkung Regency of Bali, is not only renowned for its captivating natural beauty but also for its diverse and unique traditions and culture. One tradition that has garnered attention is Sea Silence (Nyepi Laut), a sacred ceremony that forms part of the local wisdom of the Nusa Penida community.
On September 30th, 2023, the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan will be observing “Nyepi Laut” or Sea Silence Day.
This day is dedicated to honoring Dewa Baruna, the deity governing the seas, and is celebrated on the fourth full moon of the Balinese calendar. On Nyepi Laut, all maritime activities, including transportation to and from the islands and water-based activities, come to a halt. It is a day marked for meditation and reflection, to show respect to the sea that nourishes and encompasses the three islands.
Please note that Hotel, Villa, Resort & Spa maybe will not be facilitating any check-ins or check-outs on Sea Silence Day, and ocean water activities will be restricted.
Conducting Sea Silence
Sea Silence is held annually as part of the Ngusaba ceremony series. This ceremony takes place alternately at two temples in Nusa Penida, namely Penataran Ped Temple in odd years and Batumedawu Temple in even years. During Sea Silence, the waters around the Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan islands rest temporarily.
The Sea Silence in Nusa Penida starts at 06.00 WITA and lasts until 06.00 WITA the following day. This tradition is usually held on the day of Purnama Sasih Kapat, which falls between September and October each year, precisely a day after the full moon.
Meaning and Philosophy
The community of Nusa Penida believes that during Sea Silence, Dewa Baruna is meditating. Therefore, humans are prohibited from disturbing his tranquility with activities in the sea. If this prohibition is violated, it is believed that misfortune or disaster will occur.
Sea Silence is also considered a time to rest the sea from various human activities and busyness. It represents gratitude and thanks for all the bounty received from the sea. Additionally, this tradition signifies purification or cleansing in the sea, leading to the harmony of the universe.
Tourist Experience
For tourists planning to visit Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan in September – October, it is advised to check the Sea Silence schedule. Although marine activities are halted, tourists can still enjoy the beauty of nature and culture of Nusa Penida on land. This can be a good opportunity to get to know the local wisdom of the community and enjoy a more serene and peaceful natural atmosphere.
Conclusion
Sea Silence in Nusa Penida is a unique tradition that reflects local wisdom and harmonious living between humans and nature. This tradition offers a different and profound experience, both for the local community and for tourists visiting the island. By respecting and preserving this tradition, we can learn a lot about sustainability and the balance of the universe.
When is Sea Silence Day?
For travelers wanting to holiday in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembonga, and Nusa Ceningan, it’s important to know when Sea Silence Day is celebrated. This ceremony, which is a unique tradition, happens once a year. It’s in September or October, specifically a day after the full moon, according to the Isaka calendar. If you want to see Sea Silence in Nusa Penida, you can come a day before and stay for 3 days and 2 nights in Nusa Penida. Here are the Sea Silence dates in Nusa Penida for the next 10 years starting from 2023: September 30, 2023, October 18, 2024, October 7, 2025, September 27, 2026, September 16, 2027, October 4, 2028, September 23, 2029, September 13, 2030, October 2, 2031, and September 20, 2032.