Hotels, villas fully booked during Nyepi

DENPASAR: Hotels and villas in Bali were fully booked during Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence.

Most hotels in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, Sanur, and Ubud recorded higher incomes and occupancy rates by offering Nyepi packages.

"We have two small children and it would be difficult for us to turn off all the lights during Nyepi. Therefore, we had a three-day holiday here in the hotel," said Karina, one of the guests at a hotel in Kuta.

In Sanur, all hotels enjoyed robust business.

Sanur Beach Hotel, Bali Hyatt and other hotels confirmed they received more guests and their occupancy rates reached more than 70 percent. March is usually a quiet month after two months of holiday seasons in December and January.

"Bali Hyatt offered special Nyepi Package that pampered our guests," said Meutia Mahardhika, public relations manager of Bali Hyatt.

Perry Markus, the secretary of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI), said that most hotels' occupancy rates increased by at least 40 percent during Nyepi. - JP