The deadly reality behind one of Bali’s most popular tourist sites
Holidaymakers have been warned not to climb Bali’s highest mountain without a guide after recent deaths on difficult hiking trails.
Although the Indonesian island’s highest peak, Agung, more than two miles above sea level, is modest compared to many other mountain ranges, a local guide is needed to guide those who venture to the summit.
But some tourists bypass this requirement and underestimate the difficulty of the climb, which has led to two deaths in the past two months.
A Dutch woman, 29, died in hospital on Thursday after falling about 15 meters off a path while walking up a mountain and into a deep ravine.
The body of another tourist, a 60-year-old Indonesian man, was found near the top of the mountain by a group of hikers in March. Neither hired a local guide for their climbs.
Holidaymakers 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, left around 3 a.m. local time with her Danish partner for the approximately six-hour return hike to the top of Mount Agung.
Karangasem police public relations chief Iptu I Gede Sukadana said they planned to “go for a walk independently without using the services of a local guide.” Bali sun reports.
Her partner ran back down the mountain to seek help from a member of the Social Forestry Business Group and dozens of local residents.
They were able to transport FB back down the mountain on a stretcher and she was rushed to Selat Health Center.
Mr Sukadana said she suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw, left arm and front teeth.
Despite being conscious on arrival, her condition rapidly deteriorated and she died shortly afterwards.
According to local authorities, about six tourists die every year on Bali’s mountain slopes without the help of local guides.
The rescue effort for the Indonesian man killed on Mount Agung in March intensified for search and assistance officers, who took about 28 hours to return him to base.
A 29-year-old Dutch woman and a 60-year-old Indonesian tourist have died in the past two months (photo, Balinese rescuers on Mount Agung)
Mount Batur hike 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 rough weather conditions and while a walking restriction was in place for the Betara Turun Kabeh religious ceremony.
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said officials are “very concerned” about the safety of tourists walking without a guide.
“We strongly appeal to tourists to be guided and ensure they adhere to the rules,” Mr Une said in April, while also imploring tourists to “prioritize safety”.
Holidaymakers are also urged not to stay on top of Mount Agung or Batur for too long, as they are active volcanoes.
Local guides can be hired through their hotels, travel agencies or online.