The naked truth

The group of backpackers who undressed and posed for photos on Mount Kinabalu. Photo / via YouTube / Emil Kaminski

As keen followers of recent events in Christchurch will know, earthquakes are hard to predict.

But I'm willing to go out on a limb and say with some certainty that nudity does not cause seismic events.

Which would have been cold comfort to the five westerners arrested in Malaysia for getting their kit off on Mount Kinabalu, a place sacred for locals some of whom associate the peak with the spirits of their ancestors.

A couple of days after the backpackers posted photos of themselves in various states of undress, the area was hit by an earthquake which killed 18 people.

After spending a couple of days in jail and paying a $1900 fine, they were allowed to leave the country. Some hotter heads were demanding the tourists spend longer behind bars.

The kids involved have expressed their regret for the offence caused to Malaysians. Of course, they had no idea that the timing of what's essentially nothing more than a bit of immature tomfoolery would prove to be so unfortunate.

The big question is this: Why do people - typically young western backpackers - feel they have to get naked in beautiful places? Yes! You've climbed a mountain! Now please keep your kit on!

As with much in a traveller's life, take your lead on matters of nudity from the locals. On a nudist beach? Let it hang out. Up a mountain? Put it away.