This week in Lembongan. It’s that time of year again. On the fourth full moon of the Balinese calendar Nyepi Laut is celebrated on the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan. This year this day falls on September 29th. On this day the inhabitants of the three islands pay homage to the Dewa Baruna who is the ruler of the seas. This ritual has been performed in the region of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan since 1600 during the reign of Dalem Waturenggong. The ritual practice of that day includes meditation and quiet contemplation on the importance of the watery environment that surrounds and sustains the islands.
So on Nyepi Laut all activities on and in the sea will be ceased. No boats will come to any of the islands and no boats will leave any of the islands. For the guests here at this time it is a great opportunity to explore the island above water instead of diving in the surrounding sea. Many ceremonies at tempes can be visited and on Ceningan there is also a local market open for 3 days where people sell local foods and drinks, as well as clothing and toys. So even if we cannot dive there are still many things to do on Nyepi Laut.
We did do some diving this week as well and had amazing encounters with the inhabitants of our sea. We spotted many molas as well as mantas. Some guests were lucky enough to see both fishes on one day. But also many smaller critters have been spotted, like all kinds of weird and colorful nudibranchs, juvenile sweetlips and angelfish, banded sea snakes and of course many types of shrimps and crabs.
