Tourists have been warned not to climb Bali’s highest mountain without a guide after recent deaths on difficult trails.
While the Indonesian island’s highest peak, Mount Agung, more than 3 km above sea level, is modest compared to many other mountain ranges, a local guide is required to accompany those who venture to the summit. .
But some tourists avoid the requirement, underestimating the difficulty of the climb, which has caused two deaths in the last two months.
A 29-year-old Dutch woman died in hospital on Thursday after falling about 15 meters off a trail while climbing the mountain into a deep ravine.
The body of another tourist, a 60-year-old Indonesian, was found by a group of hikers near the top of the mountain in March. Neither of them hired a local guide for their climbs.
Tourists in Bali have been urged to hire a local guide before attempting to climb the Indonesian island’s mountains after two tourists died on Mount Agung (pictured).
The Dutch woman, identified by her initials FB, began the approximately six-hour return walk with her Danish partner to the top of Mount Agung around 3 a.m. local time.
Karangasem Police Public Relations Chief Iptu I Gede Sukadana said they intended to walk “independently without using the services of a local guide.” Bali sun reports.
His companion ran back down the mountain to seek help from a member of the Social Forest Business Group and dozens of locals.
They were able to transport FB back down the mountain on a stretcher and rushed her to the Selat Health Center.
Sukadana said he suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw, left arm and front teeth.
Despite being conscious upon arrival, his condition rapidly deteriorated and he died shortly afterwards.
According to local authorities, about six tourists die each year on the slopes of the Balinese mountains without the help of local guides.
The rescue effort for the Indonesian who died on Mount Agung in March was more intense for search and assistance agents, who took about 28 hours to bring him back to the base.
In the last two months, a 29-year-old Dutch woman and a 60-year-old Indonesian tourist have died (in the photo, Balinese rescue agents on Mount Agung)
Hike Mount Batur on the Indonesian island of Bali, with Mount Agung in the background
The man had attempted to climb to the summit without a guide during adverse weather conditions and while a hiking restriction was enacted for the Betara Turun Kabeh religious ceremony.
Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economies Minister Sandiaga Uno said officials are “very concerned” about the safety of tourists walking without guides.
“We strongly call… for tourists to be guided and make sure they follow the rules,” Une said in April, also calling on tourists to “prioritize safety.”
Tourists have also been urged not to spend too much time on top of Mount Agung or Batur as they are active volcanoes.
Local guides can be hired through your hotels, travel agencies or online.