As wildfires spread across Bali’s sacred Mount Agung, tourists are being reminded not to attempt to hike the island’s higher peak.
Not only are the wildfires scorching along the volcano’s safest hiking routes, but the landscape will be closed to the public on November 30th for a series of ceremonies.
Tourists are being urged to respect Mount Agung’s closure and heed the requests of the local community and natural disaster management agencies for safety reasons.
Earlier this week, a couple was rescued from the slopes of Mount Agung after attempting to hike to the summit despite the closure, without a guide, and as wildfires were starting to spread.
Though the couple was found by a local guide who was supporting search and rescue teams, the whole saga, which involved endangering the lives of rescue workers and interfering with the closure of the mountain for spiritual purposes, could have been avoided.
Nevertheless, leaders harbored no anger toward the couple and have requested that the public and tourists come together to spread awareness that the mountain is closed for the foreseeable future. Hiking routes along the active volcano will reopen on December 1st.
The ceremonies that will take place include Karya Tabuh Gentuh Wana Kertih, Segara Kertih, and Nubung Pedashan at Pasar Agung Temple in Sebudi Village.
When the two-month closure was announced, Arsana told reporters, “This work is done once every ten years. The last time was held in October 2014. So this is a big ceremony at Pasar Agung Temple.”
On Wednesday, October 16th, local authorities intercepted five young backpackers from Germany and Switzerland as they attempted to embark on a self-led hike of the mountain. The three young men and two women were from Germany.
Speaking to reporters, I Wayan Suara Arsana, the Public Relations Department of Pasar Agung Temple, explained, “They came using three motorcycles and were about to go up to Mount Agung through the path of Pasar Agung Temple, so we immediately intercepted them.”
“The [leaders] of Pura Pasar Agung and I really hope that the entire series of works this year will run smoothly from the beginning to the end.”
He said that the tourists understood the reasons they were not allowed to climb once they had spoken to local police and respected that the religious ceremony took precedence over their wishes to climb.
Arsana said, “Hopefully, the five foreigners will really go home after we give understanding and do not look for another route to go up Mount Agung.”
A forest fire covering over 100 hectares of Mount Agung is being monitored by the Karanagasem Regency Disaster Management Agency.
The Head of the Karangasem Regency BPBD, Ida Bagus Ketut Arimbawa, confirmed that the fire, which started on Sunday, 13th October, was still gaining momentum on Tuesday, 15th October, and would be expected to blaze for many more days to come.
The hottest point of the fire was last confirmed to be at around 2000m above sea level, and Arimbawa explained, “A fire point was detected in the forest area around Pengubengan Temple at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.”
“The Forest Management Plan monitoring team reported that the fire is visible from a distance. The affected is estimated to reach 100 hectares.”
He concluded, “Extinguishing efforts have not been carried out due to difficult access to the fire location, which requires a travel time of around 4 hours…Hot weather conditions around the fire area also increase the risk and slow down handling.”
“We hope the fire will be extinguished soon so that the fire in the forest on the slopes of Mount Agung does not spread even more widely.”
Bali’s Mount Batur, Mount Abang, Mount Batukaru, and Trunyan Hill remain open to the public, though hiring a local guide is essential.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.