Controversial Glass Elevator Construction at Bali’s Kelingking Beach Sparks Local Outrage
Construction of a towering glass elevator at the iconic Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida island, Bali, has been temporarily halted amid significant backlash from local communities and officials. The 182-metre tall project, intended to boost tourism by providing safer and easier access to the beach, has instead ignited concerns about environmental impact, safety, and the preservation of the area’s natural beauty.
Iconic Location and Ambitious Project
Kelingking Beach, renowned for its breathtaking cliffside views resembling a Tyrannosaurus rex silhouette, is located on Nusa Penida, a small island about a 45-minute ferry ride from Bali’s capital, Denpasar. The site draws many tourists eager to experience its stunning panorama and challenging descent to the beach—a trek previously marked by a nearly two-hour climb down steep cliffs.
In July 2023, Chinese developer China Kaishi Group launched the multimillion-dollar construction of what is billed as the world’s first cliffside sightseeing elevator. The project includes two external glass elevators, a sky café, a restaurant, and a 400-square-metre panoramic observation deck. It promises to reduce the access time to the beach from two hours to just one minute, offering a "safe, comfortable, and experiential travel experience," according to the company’s media release at the groundbreaking.
Local Concerns and Government Response
Despite the developer’s optimistic vision, the project quickly became controversial. Recent video footage revealed a large metal structure dramatically altering the striking natural view of Kelingking Beach, provoking strong opposition from local residents. Many feel that the construction spoils the pristine landscape that tourists come to appreciate.
Made Sediana, a local resident, expressed her dismay, saying, “It is a shame that the beautiful view of Kelingking Beach has been destroyed. Tourists come to enjoy the natural panorama, not lifts.” Indonesian Senator Niluh Djelantik, outspoken in her opposition, described the elevator as a symbol of excessive and inappropriate development in Bali. She emphasized that locals had been raising objections well before construction started, warning that the facility might lead visitors “to the gate of disaster,” given the beach’s well-known hazardous ocean conditions.
In fact, Kelingking Beach is permanently closed to swimming due to dangerous currents. Tragically, a French tourist recently drowned there despite multiple warnings. The steep and perilous access path also complicates emergency rescues—a factor the developers cite to justify the elevator’s safety benefits.
In response to the growing public outcry, Bali authorities temporarily suspended construction last Friday after discovering the project lacked some required permits. I Made Supartha, head of a planning and permits committee in the Bali legislature, underscored the need for strict enforcement to ensure compliance with spatial regulations, emphasizing that no further work should proceed on-site without proper authorization.
The Indonesian Tourism Ministry acknowledged overseeing the project to align it with sustainability, safety, and cleanliness standards but has yet to clarify the elevator’s future. Ministry deputy Hariyanto defended the development, highlighting a more than 35% increase in visitor numbers to Kelingking Beach between 2023 and 2024 and arguing that the elevator would enhance tourist experience and encourage longer stays on the island.
Balancing Tourism Growth and Environmental Preservation
The Kelingking Beach elevator project exemplifies the delicate balance Bali faces in managing tourism growth while preserving its unique and fragile natural environment. With the island’s popularity surging, infrastructure improvements are crucial but must be carefully planned and regulated to respect local sentiments and ecological constraints.
As construction remains on hold, stakeholders continue to debate the project’s merits versus its risks. The ongoing controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in developing tourist hotspots and the importance of inclusive dialogue with the communities that call these iconic landscapes home.
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