Indonesian authorities warn travellers after sudden rise in tourists suffering medical episodes
The latest unfortunate event saw a 59-year-old man from Western Australia collapse at the tourist hotspot shortly after arriving on a Jetstar flight from Perth on July 6.
The Bali Times reported the man had just retrieved his luggage and was walking toward the pick-up area when he lost his balance and struck a wall.
Medics arrived to find him facedown and bleeding from the head.
A spokesperson for Ngurah Rai Airport Police said the man sustained injuries to his head and neck.
'He appeared disoriented, collapsed, and hit a wall, which caused injuries to his head and neck,' Mr Artana said.
The man's wife told authorities he had a history of high blood pressure. He was treated at the scene before being transferred to BIMC Hospital in Kuta for further medical care.
Officials say the incident is one of a growing number of medical emergencies involving newly arrived tourists. Travellers are now being encouraged to assess their personal health conditions before flying.
On July 8, a 40-year-old woman and her 19-year-old son had to be rescued after becoming lost on Mount Batukaru. The pair had joined a group of nine climbers but became separated during the hike. They were eventually located and able to return safely.
The head of Bali's National Search and Rescue Agency used the incident to remind visitors of regulations governing mountain access.
'The SAR team members found traces of food left behind by the pair who had embarked on a group hike without a guide,' Nyoman Sidakarya said.
'It is illegal for both domestic and international tourists to hike on any of Bali's volcanoes or mountains without a local guide.'
In a related warning, Indonesia's Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, addressed the dangers of underestimating mountain treks following the recent death of Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins on Mount Rinjani in Lombok.
'Our imagination about climbing a mountain should not be equated with going to the office, on vacation; it requires physical exercise, complete equipment, and mental readiness,' Mr Antoni said.
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