Bali shuts down smart phones

ALL phone companies in Bali have, for the first time, agreed to shut down the mobile internet for 24 hours to mark the country’s annual Day of Silence.

Telecoms firms had agreed to the 24hour shutdown during Nyepi, a sacred day marking New Year on the predominantly Hindu island, which this year falls on March 17.

During the holiday, the airport and shops close, and television and radio stations do not broadcast. People remain indoors and tourists are asked to keep noise to a minimum.