Why the north-east coast around Tianyar is one of the darkest, clearest places in Bali to watch the night sky.
North Bali keeps its nights dark. Away from the resorts and traffic of the south, the coast around Tianyar carries almost no light pollution. On a clear night the stars reach all the way down to the sea.
Why the north is darker
The south of the island is bright. Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu throw enough light into the sky to wash out all but the strongest stars. The north-east coast is different. The villages are small, the road empties after dark, and little stands between you and the open sky. The result is a depth of darkness that is rare on Bali.
What you can see
On a moonless night the Milky Way rises clearly over the water. Planets, satellites and the odd shooting star are easy to pick out. You need nothing more than your eyes and a little patience while they adjust.
When to look
The dry season, from about May to September, brings the clearest and steadiest skies. Watch the moon. A new moon leaves the sky at its darkest, while a full moon is bright enough to read by and drowns the fainter stars. The hours after dinner, once the last boats are in, are usually the calmest.
Where to stand
The beach itself is the simplest place. Dark pebbles, the sound of the water, and a clear line to the horizon. Walk a short way from any light and let your eyes settle for ten or fifteen minutes. The longer you stay, the more the sky fills in.
VELA Tianyar is eleven canvas lodges behind Saga, our restaurant, on the pebble shore at Tianyar, north-east Bali.
Tianyar sits on this dark stretch of coast, away from the light, where the stars still show.
Stay on the pebble shore at Tianyar.
Eleven canvas lodges behind Saga, fifty to eighty metres from the sea.
Read it in person.
The lodges are fifty to eighty metres from the water. Pick your dates and ask.
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