An intensive search is currently ongoing on Bali’s Mount Agung as a South Korean tourist has been reported missing.
Who Is Missing?
The hiker, referred to by his initials KDO and aged 31, reportedly began his ascent to Bali’s highest peak without a local guide or an established hiking group. This decision exemplifies a risky choice that many adventurous souls make without considering the potential dangers that lie ahead.
The Search and Rescue Mission
Coordinated by the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, the search mission commenced following a call from the South Korean Consulate on Wednesday, January 1st. This frantic effort highlights how quickly situations can escalate in unfamiliar terrain.
I Nyoman Sidakarya, the Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, shared that KDO last contacted a friend in South Korea at around 09:00 WITA, noting that he was at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level. Imagine being thousands of meters high, alone, and without a buddy to share the experience with—it’s a scenario that evokes anxiety for anyone who enjoys the hiking lifestyle.
Discoveries and Team Coordination
Authorities have since found KDO’s rental motorbike parked at Pura Pasar Agung, the starting point for the hike. Notably, there have been no eyewitness accounts of him parking or commencing his trek, which raises questions about safety and preparedness.
As part of the search operation, 23 local guides were deployed along the Pasar Agung Selat route, with four others initiating efforts from the Pasar Agung Bebandem route. Sidakarya emphasized that the team was divided into two Search and Rescue Units (SRUs) to enhance their search efforts. This kind of logistical organization is crucial when searching for a missing person in challenging environments.
Collaborative Efforts to Find KDO
The Denpasar Search and Rescue Office is working diligently with the South Korean Consulate to gather more information about KDO, which could assist the search teams. On the subsequent day, assistance from the Karangasem Search and Rescue Post brought in eight additional personnel to join the effort.
Further bolstering the mission, a dedicated team consisting of five SAR personnel, three local guides, and two officers from the Karangasem Natural Disaster Unit began climbing from Pasar Agung Sebudi. The scope of this search underscores the severity and urgency of the situation.
Safety Guidelines for Hiking in Bali
Sidakarya committed to continuing the search until KDO is found, stating, “All resources are being mobilized to ensure his safety. Up to now, additional information is urgently needed.” This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution when hiking.
For those planning to hike Mount Batur or Mount Agung, proceed with extreme caution, particularly during the monsoon season. The risks are heightened, and hikers must be prepared for inclement weather conditions.
Lessons Learned from Recent Searches
This search and rescue operation isn’t an isolated incident; just days prior, another hiker, Ridho Adi Yudistira, was found at an altitude of 1,700 meters after a serious fall. He was incredibly fortunate to survive such a harrowing experience.
Statistics show that tourists who have found themselves lost or in danger often did so while hiking without a guide. In nearly all tragic cases on Bali’s mountainsides, the individuals were inexperienced and ventured out alone. This highlights the critical need for tourists to hire a local guide when exploring trails.
Both Mount Agung and Mount Batur are stunningly beautiful yet challenging hikes. Numerous sections of the trails remain unmarked, and the weather can turn from sunny to dangerously cloudy in moments, disorienting even the most experienced hikers.
As Bali faces its harshest rainy season in recent history, the importance of prudent decision-making cannot be overstated. Torrential rains have turned trails into treacherous quagmires. Strong winds compound the dangers on steep slopes, making hikes particularly perilous now.
If you’re planning a trek on Bali’s majestic peaks, book a qualified local guide, heed their advice, and don’t ignore warnings regarding hazardous conditions. The scenic views may be tempting, but your safety should always come first.
