Sacred Mountain Hiking Guidelines: Mandatory Certified Local Guides & Sanctity Protocols for Mount Agung and Batur

In accordance with the fundamental Balinese philosophy of Sad Kerthi (preserving harmony between the natural environment, the human community and the sacred), the Bali provincial government has promulgated mandatory operating guidelines governing treks to sacred volcanic peaks.

Mandatory accompaniment by a certified local guide

Under Circular No. 4/2025, solo climbs, expeditions without an approved guide and the use of unmarked trails are strictly prohibited on Bali's sacred peaks, including Mount Agung (Gunung Agung), Mount Batur (Gunung Batur), Mount Batukaru and Mount Abang.

• Supervision ratio: Any group of four (4) hikers maximum must be supervised by at least one (1) local guide holding a license issued by the host customary village (Desa Adat) or the official guiding association (Pokdarwis).
• Guide skills: Certified guides are trained in first aid in isolated environments, volcanic topography and traditional Balinese protocol rules.

Base camp check-in and waste control

Hiking departures must be made from recognized official checkpoints:

• Mount Agung: Exclusive access via Pasar Agung Temple Base Camp (Sebudi) or Besakih Mother Temple Trailhead.
• Mount Batur: Exclusive access via Toya Bungkah base camp or Serongga post.
• Environmental waste audit: Before departure, the contents of the backpacks (plastic bottles, food packaging, batteries) are recorded in a register. Hikers must bring back all their waste on return under penalty of an immediate environmental fine.

Rules of decorum and protocols for respecting sacred places

Any hiker entering the sacred area (Kawasan Suci) must comply with the following requirements:

1. Moratorium during religious ceremonies: Ascents are completely prohibited during major religious celebrations, in particular during the Karya Bhatara Turun Kabeh in Pura Besakih.
2. Decent attire: Shoulders and knees must be covered. See-through clothing, swimsuits and inappropriate inscriptions are prohibited.
3. Respect for altars and sanctuaries: It is strictly forbidden to sit, climb or pose in a disrespectful manner on sacred altars (pelinggih), steles and sacred fumaroles.
4. Prohibition of nudity: Nudity and indecent behavior are subject to criminal prosecution and immediate expulsion with inadmissibility under the UU Immigration Act No. 6/2011.

Sanctions and customary purification rituals

Any offender will be forced to finance the entirety of the traditional spiritual purification rituals (Upacara Guru Piduka), without prejudice to legal proceedings and immediate expulsion for foreign nationals.