'€œOn the day after Nyepi, locals enjoy the beach'€

Agus Bernawa was getting ready to go out with his friends. Dressed in their best outfits, the boys headed to Penyumbahan Beach in Les village, Buleleng, for Ngembak Geni, joining many other people for a fun day on the beach.

Ngembak literally means free and geni means fire, so Ngembak Geni can be interpreted as the freedom to light fires; it is celebrated on the day after the silence and darkness of Nyepi.

On this day, as social activities quickly pick up again, the local people usually gather with friends and family. Many of them spend the day leisurely visiting places of interest.

In Les village, going to the beach on Ngembak Geni day has become a tradition. The empty beach suddenly fills with temporary stalls selling clothes, toys, snacks and accessories, while other vendors set up games for children.

Fishermen, who usually spend the night sailing, take a break to offer rides in their traditional jukung outriggers for Rp 5,000 (38 US cents) per person.

The merriment of Ngembak Geni on Penyumbahan Beach has become a highly anticipated day for the local people as they enjoy the fun and entertainment before returning to their daily activities.