Problems for Bali’s 600-foot tall mega-elevator: “A magnificent view ruined”

Bali’s Kelingking Beach, one of Indonesia’s most photographed spots, is at the center of a heated debate after the construction of a massive glass elevator began on the cliffs of Nusa Penida. Locals and visitors alike say the project is destroying what makes the island special in the first place - its untouched natural landscape.

Humans have long shown a knack for ruining the very beauty they seek to enjoy. And while Bali remains one of the world’s last great natural sanctuaries, this new project has left many questioning whether progress has gone too far. The elevator, meant to give visitors a quick and easy view of the beach below, would replace a steep, hour-long hike that many see as part of the area’s charm.

Bali beach elevator: A project few wanted

The elevator, currently under construction, would rise about 182 meters - nearly 600 feet - along the cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of Kelingking Beach. But so far, only the early construction phase is visible, and it has already drawn widespread criticism. Tourists visit Nusa Penida for its raw, untouched nature, not for glass-and-steel conveniences.

Local authorities have expressed their firm opposition. “Long before the construction began, we had already voiced our objection. The risks are simply too great,” said Balinese senator Niluh Djelantik.

The project is being developed by ChangYe Construction in partnership with PT BIBU Panji Sakti, the same companies investing $3 billion in Bali’s second airport. Reports indicate the Chinese company paid around $13 million for the elevator project alone.

Officials and tourists push back

“The Bali Municipal Police will ensure that construction does not continue at this site,” said Made Supartha, head of the Special Committee for Spatial Affairs, Evaluation, and Permits. He added that the project had not secured all the required authorizations.

“Tourists come to Bali to enjoy its natural environment because their own countries are already overrun with buildings,” several visitors told the BBC.

As work on the mega-project moves forward, the impact on the island’s most iconic viewpoint is becoming increasingly clear. Kelingking Beach and its famous cliffside overlook — known as the “T. rex viewpoint” for its shape - became one of the world’s most recognizable coastal images during the early days of travel blogging and social media. Now, residents fear that what once symbolized Bali’s wild beauty is being transformed into yet another overdeveloped tourist trap.

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