Thu, 03/19/2009 3:01 PM | Bali / Jakarta Post
DENPASAR: Various tourist spots in Bali were deserted Wednesday as much of the island's Hindus observed the religious holiday of Galungan, which celebrates the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).
Only a handful of overseas tourists were seen swimming and sunbathing along Kuta Beach in Badung regency, while local tourists milled along the beachfront.
There were no lifeguards on standby at their post, with most celebrating Galungan and those on duty busy patrolling the beach.
A similar atmosphere prevailed at Sanur Beach in Denpasar, as well as at the high-end Nusa Dua tourism enclave and Tanjung Benoa Beach in Badung regency.
"It's always like this. It gets really quiet during Penampahan *a day before Galungan* and Galungan," Ratna, the manager of a travel bureau on Segara Beach in Kuta, told Antara news agency.
"Tomorrow *Thursday* on Umanis Galungan, there will be more people."
Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has declared a three-day holiday from Tuesday to Thursday to allow residents to celebrate Galungan. -JP