On the Day of Silence, Bali dedicates itself to meditation and reflection – 10/02/2024 – Robson Jesus

You know when you imagine a place, but when you arrive it’s better than you expected?

That’s exactly what I experienced, at the end of April 2022, when I set foot on the island of Bali, Indonesia. When the plane landed in Denpasar, capital of Bali province, it felt like we were landing in the middle of the ocean! How could I not be impressed by the beauty of the airport, given that it was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen?

Later, I could understand why Bali is often called the Island of the Gods, as it is a place where spirituality is present in everyday life. It is another place where there are more temples than residential houses and every millimeter of the country appears to be sacred to the residents.

My first destination was Ubud, a city recognized for its landscapes almost preserved from ancient times. There I hired a “motorbike taxi” to visit the Tegallalang rice terraces; Being there was like being part of a painting.

They are carved into the hills with impressive detail, and I tried to photograph what I could.

However, it seems I got lucky with the unexpected: the motorbike driver lost his balance at one point, sending us plunging into the rice field! He and I treated the situation as comical, and I love this characteristic of the people I came into contact with in Bali. They are happy and light, they find encouragement in routine things.

The next point on my journey was the Uluwatu temple, located high on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. As the sun began to set, the sky turned bright orange and pink, reflecting the golden glow of the temple. Being there, standing in silence, while watching the waves crash against the cliffs below… I was at peace, contemplating the natural beauty.

The next day, I took some trips to the islands with crystal clear waters and strong blue tones, a paradisiacal place. I skydived in one and went diving in another. Seeing Bali from the sky, gliding over the ocean, was exciting, but diving into those waters and exploring the underwater world was super exciting! The colors of the coral reefs and variety of marine life were breathtaking, but of course, everything was under control! From the heights of the sky to the depths of the sea, Bali offers experiences that touch our souls.

My last day was especially significant because it coincided with Nyepi, a traditional Balinese holiday. It is also known as the Day of Silence, being a day of meditation, reflection and total stillness. No one leaves their homes, and the airport also closes.

It is a day for the Balinese to reconnect with their spirituality and a way for them to purify the island of negative energies. Experiencing the Nyepi holiday was a subtle reminder of the importance of inner peace and balance in life. Even as a visitor, I felt deeply part of the island and connected to the spiritual energy that flows through it.

Bali was a place that really heightened my senses, whether watching the sunset near the waves, exploring the rice terraces, or diving into the depths of the ocean.

Every moment was a gift and I plan to experience more of its wonders soon.

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