Beach Preservation Efforts in Bali Aim to Restore Tourist Hotspots to Their Former Glory
November 14, 2025
Bali’s renowned tourist beaches, particularly the iconic Kuta Beach, are undergoing renewed attention as local leaders and government officials acknowledge the urgent need for significant improvements to address environmental and infrastructure challenges. The goal is to revive these coastal destinations, restoring their appeal to both tourists and locals and preserving their natural beauty for future generations.
Kuta Beach: Facing Environmental and Social Challenges
Kuta Beach, once the busiest and most famous coastal resort in Bali, has been significantly affected by issues such as coastal abrasion, seasonal tides bringing in large amounts of plastic waste, and recent storm damage that has impacted beachfront sidewalks. These factors have contributed to a decline in the beach’s attractiveness, leading to concerns that it may lose its status as a premier tourist destination.
The Regent of Badung, Adi Arnawa, spoke candidly with reporters about the state of Kuta Beach, describing the situation as "increasingly dire." In his remarks, Regent Arnawa highlighted that without intervention, Kuta risks becoming a second-rate destination as other areas like Sanur continue to develop and modernize their tourism offerings.
Collaborative and Sustainable Solutions Underway
Regent Arnawa emphasized that revitalizing Kuta Beach is a top priority for both environmental sustainability and the local economy. Acknowledging that the region’s economic well-being heavily depends on tourism, the Regent stressed the importance of a collective effort involving government agencies, local communities, business leaders, and non-governmental organizations.
As part of this initiative, efforts have already begun to combat coastal erosion. The Badung Regency’s River Basin Office has taken proactive steps by adding sand to widen the beach boundaries, serving as an initial measure to mitigate ongoing abrasion. Plans to expand these conservation activities are set to continue into 2026 and beyond, with promises to enhance infrastructure such as building a continuous pedestrian path stretching from Tuban to Pererenan in Canggu.
Regulating Beach Vendors and Improving Visitor Experience
In addition to environmental actions, Regent Arnawa expressed concerns over beach vendors whose sometimes overzealous approaches may deter tourists. While recognizing the vital role of vendors and daily wage workers in the local culture and economy, he stated that maintaining order and ensuring public spaces remain welcoming and safe is essential for sustaining tourism growth.
“We understand that people need a livelihood, but that doesn’t mean they can exploit public spaces as they please,” Arnawa said. He warned that if the beaches fall into neglect or become uninviting, tourist numbers will decline, thus adversely affecting the local community’s economy.
Addressing Seasonal Debris and Expanding Conservation Efforts Across Badung
The Regent also acknowledged the challenges posed by Bali’s rainy season, which regularly brings tides of ocean debris to the shores of Badung Regency. Areas most impacted include Jimbaran and Kuta, with other hotspots like Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu also frequently affected. To counter this, the local government deploys dedicated beach cleanup teams, utilizing both manpower and machinery to promptly clear trash and maintain the beaches in a tourist-ready condition.
While Kuta remains the focus of many planned improvements, Regent Arnawa confirmed that attention will also extend to other prominent destinations within Badung, including Canggu, Seminyak, and Legian, ensuring a comprehensive approach to coastal management and tourism development.
The combined efforts of community members, government authorities, and environmental advocates reflect a shared commitment to preserving Bali’s treasured beaches. By tackling environmental degradation and enhancing infrastructure and services, Bali aims to restore these tourist hotspots to their former glory, securing their place as world-class destinations for years to come.
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