An Australian backer has been fined by police after sparking outrage by climbing a sacred tree in Bali, Indonesia.

Samuel Lockton shocked locals when they saw him scaling the 32ft tall banyan tree in a blessed area of the Kelici Kelod village in Tabanan regency on June 11.

He was seen taking a selfie while standing shirtless among the vines of the banyan, which had been growing for more than 100 years on the hallowed grounds of a Hindu temple in the Kediri district.

Furious residents alerted the police, who arrived at the area and immediately questioned Samuel for his actions.

The Australian national claimed he was unaware of the tree's sacred properties and was only recording video content to post on his social media.

Officers said that Samuel had admitted to climbing other trees in the area.

Anggiat Napitupulu, head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Bali, said:
'Samuel Lockton said he had done something similar in the Canggu area, North Kuta, Badung. He admitted he had previously climbed two trees in that area.

'At this time the person concerned has apologised to all Indonesian people, especially the Balinese people for his action.'

Samuel had arrived in Bali for a sightseeing trip around the region on June 6. He told police he was 'channelling his energy into his hobby' by climbing trees.

Police arranged for a meeting with community elders and temple leaders to perform a ritual that would appease the anger of the spirits he had disturbed. They lit incense and chanted prayers.

Samuel was ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 IDR (about 34 USD), but as he was short on cash, he told police he would make the payment in a few days. He has now been sent to an immigration facility to be sent home.

Police chief Commissioner Adjutant Ranefli Dian Candra, said: 'The fine was approved by the traditional leaders and representatives of the residents present. For the next steps, the concerned will be submitted to Immigration for further processing.

'The foreigner has been secured by the Kediri Police before being handed over to the Class I TPI Denpasar Immigration Office.'