Bali considers banning mountain climbing following spate of bad tourist behavior

Bali’s governor has announced a ban on tourist activities on its mountains with “immediate effect,” in a bid to preserve its sacred peaks following a rise in violations by misbehaving tourists, Report informs via CNN.

“These mountains are sacred and revered. If their sanctity is damaged, it is the same as degrading the sacredness of Bali,” Wayan Koster told reporters at a news conference on May 31, emphasizing that popular activities like mountain climbing and hiking were no longer allowed for both foreign and domestic tourists as well as locals.

“This ban is in effect forever and is not only for foreign tourists but also domestic tourists and local residents… (with the exception of) religious ceremonies or the handling of natural disasters,” he said.

The governor had initially floated the idea back in February.

He did not elaborate or discuss potential punishments for those who violated the new rules but groups of foreigners have been deported and banned from returning to Indonesia for six months by authorities.

Dubbed the “island of the Gods,” Bali is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, regularly ranking high on global travel polls.

But this popularity has come at a price. Foreigners have been regularly found misbehaving and testing the patience of locals.

In March, Wayan Koster announced a crackdown on “digital nomads” found to be working illegally on the island as guides and hairdressers and said tourists would no longer be allowed to rent motorbikes, following several accidents and influencers performing reckless stunts.

The new rules will apply to Bali’s 22 mountains, which have now been closed indefinitely for climbers.

Mountains and volcanoes are popular among many visitors who flock to Bali to enjoy its beaches, jungles and rice paddy fields. Hiking and sunrise jeep tours around volcanic slopes are also particularly popular among tourists and have provided a source of income for locals working as drivers and guides.

Despite being praised for stamping out disrespectful behavior, the latest ban drew anger from local Balinese communities – those who worked on site as guides and drivers and ran inns and other businesses near famous mountains catering to travelers.