Tourist Deported from Bali After Hiking Mount Agung Without a Guide

Incident Overview

A recent incident in Bali has drawn attention to the stringent regulations surrounding the sacred Mount Agung, following the deportation of a Norwegian tourist, identified by his initials BG. This 41-year-old man had his visitor visa revoked after he was caught hiking the cultural and spiritual site without the mandatory accompaniment of a local guide.

Mount Agung: A Sacred Site

Located in Karangasem Regency in the northeast corner of Bali, Mount Agung is not only the island’s highest peak, standing at over 3,000 meters, but it is also considered a dwelling place of the gods. Due to its significance, the local authorities strictly require that all hikers—whether locals or international tourists—be guided by local experts when trekking the trails of this revered volcano.

Upon breaking this law, BG was detained by immigration officials and subsequently deported to Kuala Lumpur on February 20. His visitor visa, which allowed him to stay in Indonesia until March 3, was revoked due to his failure to comply with the regulations.

Immigration Action

Hendra Setiawan from the Singaraja Immigration Office stated, “The foreign citizen was secured by the Singaraja Immigration enforcement officers based on a report from the local authorities.” Following this report, a team was dispatched to the area to ensure compliance with the law, leading to BG’s questioning and subsequent removal from the country.

Reports indicate that the Mount Agung Climbing Manager had previously warned BG about the risks of hiking alone, underscoring the necessity of hiring a guide for safety reasons.

Stricter Regulations and Hiker Safety

Setiawan’s comments serve as a reminder to all potential hikers about the importance of adhering to local regulations. “We urge hikers wanting to trek Mount Agung to enlist a local guide, whether through a freelance guide or a travel and tour provider,” he advised.

BG is not the first tourist to face penalties for similar infractions. Another tourist, identified only by the initials KES, attempted to mislead officials by claiming he was only visiting the Pasar Agung Temple, but was also found to be hiking without a guide. This incident further emphasizes the need for compliance with local hiking regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all hikers.

Hiking Risks on Mount Agung

Hiking Mount Agung is not without its challenges. Each year, it is reported that approximately half a dozen tourists suffer serious injuries or lose their lives while attempting to summit both Mount Agung and its sister peak, Mount Batur. This is typically due to the risks involved in hiking without proper guidance.

In one tragic incident in May of the previous year, a 29-year-old Dutch woman died after slipping and falling into a ravine. She and her partner had also set out without hiring a guide, illustrating the potentially deadly consequences of disregarding local regulations.

Conclusion

As Mount Agung continues to draw immense interest from adventure-seeking tourists, authorities are taking decisive actions to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Tourists are encouraged to engage with their accommodations for guidance on hiring local experts before embarking on their hikes, ensuring a safe and respectful experience in this culturally significant region.