Mountain Climbing, Hiking No Longer Allowed in Bali After Tourist Damages Sanctity of Mountain Peak

After a visitor damaged the sacredness of their mountain summit, the Bali government declared that mountain climbing and hiking are no longer permitted in the area.

Damages on the Sanctity of Bali's Mountain Peak

Following an increase in infractions by unruly tourists, Bali's governor has declared a ban on the said tourist activities on its highlands with "immediate effect," in an effort to safeguard its sacred peaks.

At a press conference on May 31, Wayan Koster pointed out to reporters that the mountains of Bali are "sacred and revered."

If the sanctity is harmed, it is the same as undermining Bali's sacredness.

He further stated that popular activities like mountain climbing and hiking are no longer permitted for foreign and domestic visitors, as well as locals.

This restriction, according to Koster, is in place indefinitely and applies not just to international tourists but also to domestic tourists and local inhabitants, with the only exception of religious rituals and the management of natural calamities.

The governor first proposed the proposal in February.

Bali: Island of Gods

Bali, known as the "Island of the Gods," is one of the world's favorite tourist destinations, consistently scoring high in worldwide travel surveys.

However, this popularity comes at a cost.

Foreigners have frequently been observed misbehaving and straining the patience of natives.

Following many accidents and influencers conducting dangerous antics, Wayan Koster declared a crackdown on "digital nomads" discovered operating illegally on the island either as guides or hairdressers in March, and stated tourists would no longer be able to hire motorbikes.

New regulations will apply to Bali's 22 mountains, which are currently blocked to climbers indefinitely.

Local authorities confirmed in 2021 that a pornographic movie was shot on Mount Batur, an active volcano that is famous with climbers and revered as one of Bali's most sacred locations, according to reports from Daily Star.

This year atop Mount Agung, Bali's tallest peak and also a significant religious site, a Russian visitor sparked outrage with a semi-naked photo he captured and then uploaded on social media.

Despite apologizing publicly and taking part in an "offering ceremony to the Gods," he was deported from the country on April 12 and forbidden from returning for at least six months, New York Post reported.

Lamenting Tourism Industry

Many travelers rush to Bali to enjoy its beaches, rainforests, and rice paddy fields, however, mountains and volcanoes are also popular attractions.

Hiking and morning jeep trips over volcanic slopes are also popular with tourists, providing a source of livelihood for locals who serve as drivers and guides.

Despite being hailed for putting a stop to rude behavior, the new prohibition infuriated local Balinese communities, particularly those who worked on-site as guides and drivers and managed inns and other businesses around famous highlands that catered to tourists.

Mountain guides and local organizations raised alarm over the restriction on mountain climbing and hiking in Bali, claiming that it would harm tourism.

According to Che, a guide based in Seminyak who organizes hiking excursions to several volcanoes and waterfalls, because Bali is still recovering from the epidemic, now is not the time to pick and choose which visitors to serve.

Instead, police patrols and penalties might be established.

The prohibition is still being debated and must be approved by the local parliament before it becomes official.

Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, Bali's tourism head, stated that if the prohibition is enacted, native mountain guides will be forced to work as contract employees, CNN Travel reported.