23 March 2023 , 14:18
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A tourist has sparked outrage after mooning on top of a sacred mountain.
The unnamed Russian man dropped his trousers and pants to pose for a photo atop the revered stony outcrop.
The bottom displaying man released his belt on Mount Agung in Bali, appalling locals in the process.
Many called for the Russian man to be deported as they consider the mountain a dwelling of the gods.
Mount Agung is an active volcano as well as the highest point on the island, which is partly why it has such significant to those living in the area.
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The unnamed man, whose Instagram handle is Chila Brazila, apologised (Jam Press Vid)Indonesian designer Niluh Djelantik called for the authorities to “kick out garbage tourists., while travel website Bali Livin’ called the mooning incident “beyond rude and disrespectful”.
In response to the backlash, the Russian tourist, who goes by Instagram handle Chila Brazila, posted a video apology on his page.
He said: “I want to apologise for my actions that desecrated the sacred volcano for the local population.
“The only thing that led to what happened was my personal ignorance. For the Balinese, Mount Agung is a symbol of Shiva, the masculine principle.
The mountain is volcanic and has great significance to the Balinese (Getty Images AsiaPac)“After studying the culture and religion of Bali, I realised my mistake. Agung is a sacred symbol for the Balinese.”
He added: “I wrote to all the major groups that posted my photos to find out how I can fix the situation.”
The man was reportedly part of a group of seven tourists who climbed the sacred mountain without registering, which is prohibited in Bali.
Last week, Bali governor Wayan Koster called on the Foreign Ministry to ban visas-on-arrival for both Russian and Ukrainian visitors.
He made the recommendation after numerous cases of tourists from both countries misusing their tourist visas to find work.
Canadian actor Jeffrey Douglas Craigen sparked outrage after a video of him dancing naked on Mount Batur went viral (Jam Press)He said: “Why these particular two countries? Currently they are at war, so they come to Bali not only as tourists but also to work.”
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The Russian man is not the first tourist to cause offence to Balinese locals for misbehaving at sacred sites.
Last year, Canadian actor Jeffrey Douglas Craigen sparked outrage after a video of him dancing naked on Mount Batur went viral.
The following month, Russian yoga influencer Alina Fazleeva landed herself in hot water after posing naked at a 700-year-old sacred tree in Bali.