The Singaraja Immigration Office has detained a German national, identified by the initials KES, for climbing Mount Agung without a guide. Immigration officers intercepted him at the Pasar Agung Temple in Karangasem.
Officials received a tip-off from a guide who suspected a foreigner was attempting a solo ascent. A team of immigration officers was dispatched to the starting point of the climb to investigate.
KES arrived at the Pasar Agung Temple parking lot alone on a motorbike. He told the security guard he was only visiting the temple, but the guard grew suspicious.
Immigration officers reminded tourists that climbing with a guide is a safety measure. Recently, there has been an increase in accidents and incidents involving tourists attempting to climb Mount Agung and other Balinese peaks without a guide.
KES is currently being held at an immigration detention center. “We have detained the foreigner for further investigation. He is suspected of violating regulations set by Bali’s Forestry and Environmental Agency,” said Hendra Setiawan, head of the Singaraja Immigration Office. It remains unclear whether the individual will face deportation.
Hendra also mentioned that rules requiring climbers to be accompanied by a guide are displayed on billboards in the parking area of Pasar Agung Temple to inform tourists. This is a preventive measure to avoid tragic incidents during unguided climbs.
If you’re planning to climb the mountain without a guide, think twice. You risk not only getting lost or injured but also ending up in the hands of immigration officers.
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