Controversy Erupts Over Glass Elevator Construction at Bali’s Iconic Kelingking Beach
Construction of a towering glass elevator at Bali’s renowned Kelingking Beach has sparked significant local outrage, leading to a temporary suspension of the project amid environmental, safety, and cultural concerns.
A Landmark Location Faces a New Structure
Kelingking Beach, located on the island of Nusa Penida just a 45-minute ferry ride from Bali’s capital Denpasar, is famous worldwide for its dramatic cliffside rock formation resembling a Tyrannosaurus rex. The destination has long been prized for its breathtaking views and challenging descent to the beach, which involves a precarious trek along steep cliffs.
In July 2023, China Kaishi Group commenced construction on a 182-metre tall glass elevator designed to transport tourists safely and quickly from the cliffs to the beach below. The ambitious multi-million-dollar development also includes plans for two external sightseeing elevators, a sky café, a restaurant, and a 400-square-metre panoramic overlook.
Local Backlash and Government Response
However, the introduction of the glass structure—visibly marred by metallic frames stretching from the top of the cliffs to the sands below—has provoked widespread disapproval among local residents and environmental advocates. Critics argue that the elevator’s imposing presence detracts from the natural beauty of Kelingking Beach, a cherished landscape that draws visitors seeking the unspoiled panorama rather than modern infrastructure.
“The beautiful view of Kelingking Beach has been destroyed,” lamented Made Sediana, a local resident interviewed by The Bali Sun. “Tourists come here to enjoy the panorama, not lifts.”
In response to the growing discontent, Bali authorities issued a temporary halt to construction on November 1, 2025, citing the absence of necessary building permits. I Made Supartha, head of the planning and permits committee in Bali’s legislature, stated, “If the project violates spatial regulations, enforcement must proceed. We want to ensure there’s no further activity on site.”
Despite multiple requests, the Balinese government has yet to provide a detailed official statement on the future of the elevator project.
Balancing Tourism Development and Preservation
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has defended the project, emphasizing its oversight since inception and framing the elevator as a commitment to sustainability, safety, and cleanliness. Hariyanto, a ministry deputy, highlighted that visitor numbers to Kelingking Beach increased by more than 35% between 2023 and 2024, attributing this growth partly to ongoing development efforts.
“The elevator could be a boon for local tourism and encourage visitors to extend their stay on the island,” Hariyanto told Tempo magazine. “Tourist visits are expected to remain high, even as construction continues.”
Proponents argue that the lift will significantly improve accessibility and safety, reducing the nearly two-hour treacherous climb to the beach to just a one-minute ride. The developer also underscores the elevator’s potential to facilitate emergency evacuations in the event of accidents—a pressing concern given the area’s hazardous ocean currents.
Safety Concerns and Cultural Opposition
Nevertheless, skepticism about the necessity and wisdom of the elevator remains strong. Kelingking Beach is permanently closed to swimming due to dangerous currents, with recent tragedies—including the drowning of a French tourist despite prominent warnings—underscoring the risks involved.
Niluh Djelantik, a Bali senator and vocal opponent of the project, condemned the elevator as emblematic of problematic development trends on the island. In interviews and social media posts, she argued that the construction disregards local voices and could lead visitors “to the gate of disaster” given the hazardous water conditions.
Djelantik declared she would “never” ride the elevator, emphasizing the need to preserve Bali’s natural heritage rather than imposing intrusive infrastructure.
The Path Forward
As construction remains paused, the fate of the Kelingking Beach glass elevator hangs in the balance. The situation spotlights the ongoing tensions in Bali and similar tourist hotspots between economic development ambitions and the preservation of cultural identity and natural landscapes.
The debate is a vivid reminder that while enhancing tourist access can bring economic benefits, it must be carefully balanced against environmental sustainability and respect for local communities’ perspectives. For now, the future visitor experience at Kelingking Beach remains uncertain, with the island waiting to see whether the “world’s first cliffside sightseeing elevator” will become a landmark attraction or a cautionary tale in responsible tourism development.
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