Way to go, Mojo - new in town so straight to the scariest dive on the waterfront to show what yer made of. Welcome.
If you venture up top, be sure to go with a friend. Bapu is usually available as a guide.
The principle is the same as the one I learned in Alaska: when you go into bear country, always use the buddy system. That way, if you meet a grizzly you don't have to outrun the bear, you only have to outrun your buddy.