Norwegian tourist deported from Asia's most beautiful island for climbing sacred mountain

The 41-year-old man ascended Mount Agung in Karangasem Regency in northeastern Bali alone, violating local regulations, The Bali Sun reported.

Mount Agung is considered a sacred site and a dwelling place of the gods. Local authorities require all hikers, both locals and foreigners, to be accompanied by a licensed guide while trekking the volcano.

The man had entered Indonesia on Feb. 2 on a visitor visa valid until March 3, but his stay was cut short due to the violation, New York Post reported.

This is not the first such incident. On Jan. 22, a German national was also deported from Bali and sent to Kuala Lumpur after authorities found him hiking Mount Agung alone.

Bali, named Asia's most beautiful island by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2024, welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

However, local authorities have been cracking down on tourists who violate customs and regulations in an effort to protect the island's cultural and tourism image.