BANGLI, DEWATA.NEWS – Authorities in Bali have announced a temporary closure of several conservation tourism areas as part of preparations for the Nyepi Day of Silence, one of the island’s most important religious observances.
The Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Bali) confirmed that tourism, research, and educational activities will be temporarily suspended in four conservation areas across the island.
One of the affected locations is the Mount Batur Bukit Payang Nature Tourism Park in Bangli.
The policy was announced through an official notice issued by the head of BKSDA Bali under document number PG.1/K.23/TU/KSA.01.04/B/03/2026.
In addition to the Mount Batur Bukit Payang area, the temporary closure will also apply to Buyan–Tamblingan Lake Nature Tourism Park, Penelokan Nature Tourism Park, and Sangeh Nature Tourism Park.
All visitor activities at these sites will be suspended for three days, from Wednesday (March 18) until Friday (March 20).
The conservation areas are scheduled to reopen on Saturday (March 21) at 09:00 WITA.
The closure is intended to respect the observance of Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence marking the Saka New Year.
Nyepi is observed through the Catur Brata Penyepian, which includes four main restrictions: Amati Geni (no fire or light), Amati Karya (no work), Amati Lelungan (no travel), and Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment).
Officials said the pause in tourism activity also provides an opportunity for the natural environment within conservation areas to rest and recover from regular visitor traffic.
Head of BKSDA Bali, Ratna Hendratmoko, urged residents and visitors to respect the religious observance and support efforts to protect Bali’s natural and cultural environment.
“BKSDA Bali invites the public and tourists to respect the observance of Nyepi and work together to maintain harmony between nature and culture in Bali,” Ratna said in an official statement.
Authorities hope visitors and tourism operators will comply with the temporary closure to ensure that the Nyepi observance can take place peacefully while helping preserve Bali’s conservation areas.