Bali to Demolish Controversial Tourist Lift at Iconic T-Rex Cliff Following Public Outcry
In a significant victory for environmental activists and cultural preservationists, Bali’s provincial government has ordered the removal of a partially constructed glass elevator on the famed T-Rex cliff at Kelingking Beach, located on the neighboring island of Nusa Penida. The decision comes after weeks of debate surrounding environmental concerns, regulatory violations, and the impact of rapid tourism-driven development on the island’s natural and cultural landscape.
Governor I Wayan Koster announced that the 180-meter structure—a glass lift intended to safely transport visitors down the steep cliffside to the popular viewpoint—must be dismantled within six months. Work on the project has been halted since late October due to missing permits and suspected breaches of environmental and spatial planning regulations. At that time, approximately 70 percent of the lift’s construction had been completed.
Kelingking Beach is renowned worldwide for its dramatic limestone cliffs that curve over turquoise waters, resembling the shape of a dinosaur’s head and spine, which has earned it the nickname “T-Rex cliff.” The newly erected white steel frame of the elevator, however, sparked intense criticism from tourists, environmentalists, and local communities who argued the structure spoiled the natural beauty and integrity of the iconic site.
The lift was initially promoted as a safer alternative for visitors who have frequently been injured descending the cliff’s challenging and dangerous pathways. Despite this rationale, opponents contended that the elevator violated Bali’s commitment to preserving its natural balance and spiritual values, which are deeply rooted in local customary law and the Tri Hita Karana philosophy—a tradition emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and the divine.
Governor Koster emphasized that the demolition order forms part of a broader strategy to safeguard Bali’s environment, culture, and social values. He dismissed accusations that the decision was anti-investment, stating, “Bali needs investment, but it must be carried out with integrity and responsibility. Development should protect Bali, not exploit it.”
The developer behind the project, PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development, has been instructed to restore the cliff area to its original condition within three months following the elevator’s removal.
The project, which began construction in 2023, included a substantial investment valued at approximately 200 billion rupiah ($12 million), with the glass elevator itself costing about 60 billion rupiah ($3.6 million). However, the province’s spatial planning committee identified that the lift was built in an area violating land use regulations. Their report also recommended reviewing adjacent development plans, including a proposed bungee-jumping platform, amid increasing concerns about the swift commercialization of Nusa Penida.
Local officials highlighted the challenges posed by coordination and oversight, noting that some permits were obtained directly from central authorities, limiting regional intervention. Klungkung District Chief I Made Satria acknowledged this complexity but affirmed ongoing efforts to minimize negative impacts through cooperation with the investors.
Supporters of the lift expressed frustration over the order to dismantle a nearly finished project that promised to improve tourist safety and accessibility. Putu Darmaya, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association in Klungkung, questioned the opposition, stressing the importance of investment to revitalize Bali’s tourism-dependent economy following the COVID-19 pandemic downturn.
Nevertheless, many tourists and environmental advocates concurred with the demolition decision, valuing the preservation of Bali’s rugged natural charm over infrastructural additions. One visitor, Hilmi Razak, remarked that the elevator contradicted the essence of Nusa Penida as a destination for adventurous visitors seeking unspoiled nature.
This incident highlights Bali’s ongoing struggle to balance the demands of burgeoning tourism with the protection of its unique cultural heritage and sensitive ecosystems. In recent years, provincial authorities have intensified crackdowns on unauthorized developments, including villas, bars, and resorts encroaching on sacred sites and farmland.
As Bali faces mounting pressure to accommodate increasing visitor numbers, the government’s stance signals a commitment to sustainable and respectful growth that honors the island’s longstanding traditions and environmental stewardship. The removal of the glass lift at T-Rex cliff is thus emblematic of a broader effort to preserve Bali’s identity amid rapid change.
Add a comment