HIKING ACTIVITIES UNDER THE NEW NORMAL IN INDONESIA

When the time comes, when our National Parks and mountains are reopened for hiking activities, Climb Indonesia will implement the guidelines for conducting hiking activities under the new normal, which are adopted from UIAA –International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation while maintaining compliance to health protocol as issued by Government of Indonesia or local government where the national park is located. Climb Indonesia is committed to ensure that the safety of our clients are prioritized in each activities during the hiking, particularly during this unprecedented time of the new normal. And since the implementation of hiking activities under the new normal relies much on the change of behavior, your cooperation in is one of the key factors to ensure that your trip can be done safely.

Adopted from general UIAA’s guidelines, the 8 (eight) main points of our guidelines for hiking activities in Indonesia under the new normal consist of the followings:

• Reduce risk, for activities in the mountains, low mountain ranges and other nature sports areas, stay well below the personal performance limit. More than ever: only doing hiking and trail running when healthy to avoid any potential strain on emergency services. This is where self-control and assessment are important. From precautionary perspective, we will issue a more comprehensive health questionnaire. Some areas in Indonesia require COVID-19 free declaration issued by hospital with PCR test result as the evidence for visitors bound to the arrival airport.

• Only in authorized small groups. Only carry out hiking in the number and composition of people allowed by the authorities. Always keep the required social distance during greetings and discussions. Avoid high-traffic areas and tours. Follow the local regulations and advice regarding any border crossings. At this point, there has not been regulation on limitation in number of people traveling in one group for mountaineering activities, however national parks may impose lesser quantity of hiking permit to enable physical distancing and avoid overcrowded campsite.

• Keep a distance of at least 2 meters. UIAA recommends to wear a mask (mouth-nose protection) if, in exceptional cases, the minimum distance of 2 meters cannot be kept. Government of Indonesia requires the use of mask for conducting outdoor activities, therefore while maintaining physical distancing, we will require clients (and our crew) to wear mask at any time during the excursion. No long rests should be taken at the summit when others want to go up.

• Avoid the usual contact rituals e.g. shaking hands, giving hugs, sharing drinks with others, etc. Large group dining will still maintain physical distancing, each client will have dedicated eating utensils and drinking bottles.

• Bring a mask (mouth-nose protection) and disinfectant with you. Referring to point 3 above, as wearing mask is mandatory in Indonesia In addition to general emergency equipment, a mask (mouth-nose protection) and disinfectant should be in your backpack at all times. We will be providing alcohol based hand sanitizer, however you can bring your own in case you have specific need (such as allergy and sensitivities towards certain fragrance). Almost all national parks do not allow soap/detergent-based cleaners. We are monitoring this requirement and possibility of national parks allowing the use of greener product as replacement.

• Wear a mask (mouth-nose protection) in permitted carpooling. Only carry out carpooling in the number and composition of persons permitted by the authorities. UIAA advises to use a mask (mouth-nose protection) if, in exceptional cases, the minimum distance of 2m cannot be kept. Government of Indonesia limit number of people traveling in a car to be 50% of its maximum capacity and all passengers to wear mask at any time in the car. We will adhere to this requirement by the Government

• In an emergency. As a first responder, we will proceed according to the generally applicable first aid guidelines and use a mask (mouth-nose protection). When close to somebody, conversation will be limited to help reduce potential spread of infection.

• Disinfecting equipment. We will follow manufacturer’s guidance on equipment cleaning and quarantine. If you have personal equipment, use only your own equipment. Minimize sharing or borrowing equipment if you are not sure about its disinfecting handling.

APGI or Indonesia Mountain Guide Association is also developing guidelines or detailed protocol for managing mountaineering activities. Currently, Indonesia is still within the transition period towards the new normal and as a responsible operator we are keeping ourselves updated with all regulations and the industry standards applicable to our operations. Since regulations and local policy may change with situation, please do not hesitate to contact us for inquiries on requirements in specific areas related to your journey.