A Norwegian tourist has been swiftly deported from Bali after he was caught hiking Munt Agung without a guide.
Local legislation stipulates that it is mandatory for hikers, whether Indonesian or international tourists, to be accompanied by a guide on the trails of the sacred volcano.
A 41-year-old Norwegian man, known by his initials BG, has been deported from Bali by the Singaraja Immigration Office.
He left the country on a flight to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday 20th February, and on Monday 24th February the Head of Singaraja Immigration Office, Hendra Setiawan, confirmed the details to the media.
Setiawan explained, “The person concerned will be subject to administrative immigration action in the form of deportation and deterrence.”
BG had been eligible to stay in Indonesia on his visitor visa on arrival until 3rd March, having entered the country on the 2nd February 2025. However, since he was caught breaking the law his visa was revoked and he was forced to leave the country.
BG was caught hiking Bali’s sacred Mount Agung without a guide on Saturday 15th February. Setiawan explained to reporters “The foreign citizen was secured by the Singaraja Immigration enforcement officers based on a report from the local authorities.”
“After receiving the report, we immediately sent a team to the location and secured the foreigner concerned for further questioning at the office.”
BG is reported to have been given advice from the Mount Agung Climbing Manager not to hike the trail alone. Nevertheless, he persisted, in turn violating legation as laid out in the Circular Letter of the Forestry and Environmental Service Number B.24.500.4.1/95/UPTD.KPHBT/DKLH of 2025 concerning Prevention of the Risk of Climbing Mount Agung in Extreme Weather Conditions.
The document states that hikers can only embark on the trials on Mount Agung with a registered local guide.
Setiawan told reporters “However, BG deceived local officers. He even managed to document the prohibition banner, but they still ignored it.” He appealed to foreigners intending to hike Mount Agung to arrange a trek with a local guide, whether directly with a freelance guide or through a travel and tour provider.
BG is the second foreign national to be deported from Bali for attempting to hike Mount Agung without a guide in just as many months.
On Wednesday 22nd January 2025 a German national, known by his initials KES, was too deported from Bali on a flight to Kuala Lumpur after he was apprehended by authorities for hiking Mount Agung alone.
KES, like BG, is also reported to have tried to deceive officers at the hiking post. He is reported to have told the guard that he only intended to visit Pasar Agung Temple. Speaking last month the Head of the Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Agency, Made Rentin, pleaded with hikers to obey the rules put in place to keep them safe.
Rentin spoke with specific reference to the dangers of hiking during the monsoon season and recent violent storms in the province. However, it is still illegal to hike both Mount Agung, Mount Batur, Mount Batukaru, and Mount Abang without a guide at any time of year, no matter the weather.
Rentin told reporters “Climbers are advised not to climb Mount Agung during extreme weather for safety. If the weather is stable, climbing can be done using the services of experienced local guides who understand the route and environmental conditions.”
He added, “Climbers are urged not to do climbing activities on Mount Agung during bad weather, such as heavy rain, storms, or other extreme weather potentials that can endanger safety.”
Bali is taking a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to violations of this nature, especially since there has been a notable rise in these types of cases over the last few years.
Contrary to popular belief the hiking routes to the summits of both Mount Batur and Mount Agung are physically challenging, technically difficult in places, and the routes are poorly marked throughout.
Dozens of tourists have become lost, injured, and even died on the mountainsides over the years, almost all of whom have embarked on the trek without a guide.
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