Bali Travel News

A YOUNG Sydney woman has been found brutally stabbed to death in a Bali villa in what Indonesian police believe might have been a revenge killing.

The 34-year-old’s body was discovered yesterday by a shocked tradesman who arrived at her rented Bali villa to do some painting. She had received multiple stab wounds, including to the neck and back and police said she had fought with her attacker as she had injuries to her hands.

Naked body

Police said the woman was Heidi Murphy of Sydney and that she had lived in Bali in the villa in the suburb of Canggu for several years. She owned a garment and textile business in Kerobokan, a suburb near where she lived and her body was found.  The local police chief, Senior Supt Achmad Subarkah, said Ms Murphy had 16 stab wounds - one to the right side of her neck and the others in her back. Her naked body was found half-covered by a blanket.

Revenge

Supt Subarkah said it was believed that Ms Murphy had fought with her attacker as her hands and ears were also injured.
He said it was believed that nothing had been stolen from the villa and that the killing may have been one of revenge.
There was also no signs of a break-in, indicating the killer may have already been inside her property. No murder weapon has yet been found. She was last seen alive about 7pm on Saturday night by friend.  Supt Subarkah said that Ms Murphy’s ex-husband, an Australian with whom she was in the process of finalising a divorce, also lived in Bali.

Read the rest of this entry »

On 6 March 2008, Hindu devotees in Bali will celebrate the Çaka New Year that is commonly known as Nyepi or Silence Day. The Çaka year calendar system was begun in 78 AD; therefore, the year 2008 becomes Çaka New Year 1930. So, what are they doing in welcoming the New Year?

According to its name, Nyepi or Silence, is a ‘tranquil’ ambience. On that day, the Island of Bali is lifeless. No activities. Every street is silent. From Canggu to Seminyak, from Jimbaran to Ubud every where the road will be empty. On the day, Hindu’s performs Catur Brata Penyepian or four abstinences, Amati Geni (non-fury), Amati Lelanguan (no extravagant parties, devotees usually perform fasting), Amati Lelungan (going nowhere), Amati Karya (abstain from doing regular or negative activity like gambling etc.). One day after Nyepi is Ngembak Geni. Devotees resume to perform worldly activities and it is taken advantage of to carry out an informal and friendly day in which they visit each other, their family and relatives.

Tourists are advised to stay at their hotels.