Controversial £5.8 Million Glass Lift Project on Bali’s Kelingking Beach Cliff Halted Amid Local Backlash
A major tourist development project on one of Bali’s most iconic natural landmarks has been put on hold following intense opposition from local residents and visitors. The ambitious £5.8 million glass lift initiative, designed to connect the clifftop to Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida island, has sparked widespread controversy over environmental, aesthetic, and safety concerns.
The Project and Its Vision
Launched in July 2023 by the China Kaishi Group, the project aimed to build two glass elevators descending 182 meters down the cliff face, drastically reducing the time visitors take to access the remote beach—from an arduous 90-minute hike to just one minute. Additional features were planned, including a panoramic viewing platform, a sky café, and a restaurant, promising a “safe, comfortable, and experiential travel experience” for tourists.
Local Anger and Environmental Fears
Despite these ambitions, early images of work underway revealed metal shafts embedded into the cliffs, triggering an angry backlash from locals and environmental advocates. Many argue that the intrusive construction mars the natural beauty of Kelingking Beach and could exacerbate cliff erosion, potentially jeopardizing the fragile ecosystem that attracts visitors.
Made Sediana, a local resident, expressed her disappointment to media outlets: “It’s a shame that the beautiful view of Kelingking Beach has been destroyed by the lift project. Tourists come to Nusa Penida to enjoy the beautiful panorama, not the lifts.”
Bali senator Niluh Djelantik has been among the project’s strongest critics, voicing concerns about the risks involved. She stated on social media, “Long before this lift was built, we had already voiced our opposition. The risks are too great,” and cautioned tourists not to “create access that seems to be leading to the gates of disaster.” In an interview with Australian broadcaster ABC, she concluded, “I will never ride that elevator.”
Safety Concerns Heightened
Safety issues compound the controversy. Kelingking Beach is notorious for its dangerous tides and strong currents, resulting in a swimming ban that is frequently ignored. Recently, a French tourist drowned after entering the treacherous water. Critics warn that the lift could encourage greater visitor numbers to the beach, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has acknowledged these concerns and confirmed it has been supervising the project to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Regulatory and Planning Issues
Bali authorities intervened to halt construction after it was revealed that the project lacked all necessary permits. I Made Supartha, head of a local planning committee, confirmed that any violation of spatial regulations would be met with enforcement action, emphasizing the need to prevent further onsite activity.
Calls for Less Invasive Improvements
Many locals and tourists advocate for simpler, less disruptive measures, such as repairing the existing staircase down to the beach rather than erecting a large-scale lift installation. One social media commenter lamented, “Tourists come to Bali to enjoy its natural environment because their own countries are already filled with high-rise buildings. This just makes it even worse.”
The China Kaishi Group has defended the lift by highlighting its potential usefulness for emergencies and rescues on the beach, but there is currently no indication of when or if construction will resume.
Balancing Tourism Growth and Conservation
Nusa Penida, located about 45 minutes by ferry from Bali’s mainland, has witnessed a 35% increase in visitors to Kelingking Beach over the past year. While tourism contributes significantly to the local economy, many residents stress the importance of preserving the island’s unspoiled landscapes.
The suspension of the glass lift project underscores the ongoing tension between infrastructure development aimed at boosting tourism and the imperative to safeguard Bali’s renowned natural beauty for future generations.
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