I visited Uluru with Eileen and Rodd ten years ago. As we neared it, our guide patiently explained that the local people asked us not to climb, and though he couldn’t stop us from doing so, he really urged us to consider their views. This is a sacred place, and people have died making the climb. The fragile ecosystem on top has been ruined by humans literally pissing on it. It was an easy decision for us, and we instead spent a couple memorable hours walking all the way around it. It’s a beautiful place. I especially loved getting to see the sides of it you don’t see on the postcards.
Really – if your host asks you not to do something, it’s simple politeness not to do it.