Tourists traveling to Bali are being reminded to respect the rules of trekking and hiking in the province.
Not only are the rules in place to help protect the sanctity of the island’s peaks, but ultimately to keep tourists safe.
The call for tourists to respect the rules of Bali’s peaks is hitting headlines once again. These reminders are issued more frequently, as tourists repeatedly disobey the rules and end up in grave danger.
The rules apply not only to international tourists but also to domestic tourists and even locals.
Bali’s most popular hiking trails can be found on Mount Agung, Mount Batur, and Mount Batukaru.
Located in Tabanan Regency, the trek to the summit of Mount Batukaru is often assumed to be much easier than the hike to the summit of Mount Batur or Mount Agung because it is a much smaller peak.
This is absolutely not true. While Mount Batukaru is a less elevated hike, the trail is almost impossible to follow in places, making it incredibly easy to get lost, especially when the fog descends.
This was the reality faced by five young hikers who attempted to summit Mount Batukatu this weekend and ended up having to be rescued by Bali’s Search and Rescue teams.
The group of Balinese teenagers consisted of Ida Bagus Komang Tirta Wicaksana, 16, and Ida Bagus Gede Agung Setia Pala, 16. Putu Gede Agus Sukanadi, 19. Putu Bayu Putra Sudana, 16, and Putu Wisma Yoga Pranata, 16, attempted to hike to the summit of the peak without the help of a local guide.
It is a legal requirement for all hikers attempting any and all routes on Bali’s peaks to be accompanied by a qualified local guide. This is the case for international tourists, domestic tourists, and even locals.
The Police Chief AKP I Nengah Simpen spoke to reporters following the rescue mission. He was relieved to report that all five of the teenagers made it home without injury, but he wanted to emphasize that the situation could easily have ended in disaster.
While the group made it to the summit, they were separated and lost on the way back down. By the time they reached the search and rescue post, they were cold and exhausted.
AKP Simpen told reporters that hikers must be well prepared to trek Mount Batukaru. He shared, “The condition of this Batukaru terrain is quite steep and slippery. So a mature physical and mental preparation must be done.”
He noted that following the rules is ‘easy’ and that hikers should enter that they hire a local guide and follow all other guidance. This includes being well prepared, bringing emergency supplies, respecting the environment, and not littering.
Hikers exploring the Mount Batukaru area must also be mindful of stray dogs, as reports confirm that rabies-positive dogs reside in the area. On 22nd September, a climber hiking Mount Batukaru was bitten by a dog that later tested positive for rabies.
The Head of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of the Tabanan Agriculture Office, I Gde Eka Parta Ariana, confirmed that emergency vaccinations would target the 167 known dogs in the area.
Ariana told reporters, “Emergency vaccination will be centered in Banjar Tibu Dalem, Pujungan Village.”
Adding “With a positive lab test, Pujungan Village was designated as a rabies red zone.” Pujuan Village is one of the trailheads for Mount Batukaru.
Speaking separately, the Head of Tabanan Health Office, Dr Ida Bagus Surya Wira Andhi, emphasized that anyone who is bitten or scratched by a dog that is suspected to be positive for rabies must complete post-exposure three vaccinations.
He shared, “Must be fully vaccinated. We urge those who feel that they have been bitten by a dog while climbing Mount Barukaru to be fully vaccinated 3 times.”
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