Construction of Glass Elevator on Bali’s Kelingking Beach Sparks Local Outrage and Halt
Nusa Penida, Bali – The construction of a towering 182-meter glass elevator on Kelingking Beach, one of Bali’s most iconic tourist sites, has been temporarily suspended amid significant backlash from local residents and concerns over permits and environmental impact.
Kelingking Beach, located on the coast of Nusa Penida Island roughly a 45-minute ferry ride from Denpasar, is widely celebrated for its stunning aerial view of a natural rock formation resembling the silhouette of a T. rex. The site has long drawn tourists who make the challenging descent to the secluded beach below. However, this view and experience have been overshadowed by the construction of a massive metal and glass elevator structure aimed at improving access to the beach.
The developer, China Kaishi Group, commenced the multimillion-dollar project in July 2023. The elevator was intended to enhance tourism by providing safer and more convenient access to the beach, reducing the current nearly two-hour climb down the cliffs to just a one-minute journey. The initiative also promised additional attractions such as a sky café, restaurant, and a panoramic viewing platform spanning 400 square meters.
Despite these plans, local opposition quickly mounted. Many residents voiced concerns that the elevator would permanently damage the natural beauty and serenity of the site. One local, Made Sediana, expressed deep disappointment with the developments, calling it “a shame that the beautiful view of Kelingking Beach has been destroyed” and stressing that tourists visit the site to enjoy the landscape, “not the lifts.”
In response to the uproar and regulatory issues, Bali authorities ordered a temporary halt to construction on Friday, citing the absence of some required permits. I Made Supartha, head of a planning and permits committee within the Bali legislature, emphasized the need for strict enforcement of spatial regulations to prevent unauthorized developments on the island.
The Indonesian tourism ministry has stated it has monitored the project from the outset to ensure adherence to principles of sustainability, safety, and cleanliness. A deputy ministry official, Hariyanto, defended the elevator as a potential boost to tourism, highlighting an increase in visitors to Kelingking Beach by over 35% from 2023 to 2024. He also disputed claims that construction adversely affected tourism, asserting that visitor numbers are expected to remain robust even as work continues.
Nonetheless, critics remain skeptical. Indonesian Senator Niluh Djelantik has been a vocal opponent of the elevator project, warning that it symbolizes problematic development trends in Bali. She pointed out the beach’s dangerous ocean currents, which prohibit swimming, noting that a recent drowning incident tragically underscored the risks visitors face. Djelantik further cautioned that the elevator might simply lead tourists “to the gate of disaster,” highlighting the safety concerns associated with facilitating access to a hazardous site.
The developer has also indicated that the elevator could facilitate emergency evacuations, which are currently challenging due to the precarious descent from the cliffs. However, local sentiment indicates a deep unease with altering the natural landscape and the potential long-term impact on Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage.
As of now, the future of the glass elevator at Kelingking Beach remains uncertain. Bali’s local government has not issued a definitive statement on whether the project will resume once all legal and regulatory requirements are addressed.
This controversy reflects broader tensions in Bali between growing tourism infrastructure and the preservation of the island’s unique natural environment and local way of life. Visitors and residents alike watch closely as authorities balance development ambitions with environmental stewardship and community concerns.
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