A hiker from Tabanan, identified as I Gusti Agung ES, 45, was evacuated by a joint search and rescue team from Mount Agung, Karangasem, Bali, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, after suffering exhaustion that left him unconscious during the climb.
I Putu Handika Bhayangkara, Coordinator of the Karangasem SAR Post, confirmed the incident. He said the victim had been successfully evacuated and was receiving medical treatment at Selat Community Health Center (Puskesmas).
“That’s correct, we just finished the evacuation. The hiker is now at the health center because he was unconscious,” Bhayangkara said Saturday night.
How the Rescue Unfolded
The victim began his climb with several friends at around noon via the Pasar Agung trail in Selat. When the group reached an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, the victim reportedly experienced exhaustion and lost consciousness.
The group immediately contacted SAR to request an evaluation. Upon receiving the report, a joint search and rescue team, comprising Basarnas, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Fire Department, and local Pasar Agung guides, began climbing to assess the victim’s condition.
The joint SAR team began the evacuation effort at approximately 4:30pm, while local Pasar Agung guides had already moved ahead. At around 5:30pm, the victim was located at an altitude of 2,100 meters and evacuation down the mountain began.
“We successfully evacuated the victim to the base of the mountain at around 6:00pm. He was then treated by the medical team and immediately taken to Selat Community Health Center,” Bhayangkara said.
Following the completion of the evacuation, Bhayangkara expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the rescue operation for ensuring it proceeded safely and smoothly.
Tips for Foreign Tourists Planning to Climb Mount Agung
Mount Agung is Bali’s highest and most sacred peak, an active volcano rising over 3,000 meters, and a serious undertaking even for experienced hikers. For travelers considering the climb, a few precautions can make the difference between a memorable trek and a dangerous one:
- Always hire a licensed local guide. Mount Agung’s trails are not marked for independent hiking, and local guides know the terrain, weather patterns, and emergency protocols. Climbing without one is both risky and, on certain routes, not permitted.
- Check your physical fitness beforehand. The climb involves steep, high-altitude terrain that can be demanding even for fit individuals. If you have any underlying heart or respiratory conditions, consult a doctor before attempting the trek.
- Start early and stay hydrated. Most climbs begin in the early hours of the morning or around midday to reach the summit or key viewpoints at sunrise. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, dehydration is one of the leading causes of exhaustion on the mountain.
- Watch for signs of altitude sickness and fatigue. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, or sudden extreme tiredness are warning signs. Stop, rest, and inform your guide immediately rather than pushing through.
- Respect the mountain’s sacred status. Mount Agung is considered the holiest site in Balinese Hinduism. Climbs may be restricted or prohibited during religious ceremonies, check current access rules before planning your trip.
- Pack appropriately for changing conditions. Temperatures drop significantly at higher elevations, and weather can shift quickly. Bring warm layers, a headlamp, sturdy footwear, and basic first aid supplies.
- Know the emergency contacts. Save the number for the local SAR post or your tour operator before starting the climb, and ensure someone outside your hiking group knows your planned route and expected return time.
