A Rp60 billion shortcut to the beach? Not anymore.
It was supposed to be a game-changer for Nusa Penida’s tourism scene. A 182-metre glass elevator built into the cliffs of Kelingking Beach, ready to take beachgoers from the top of the famous viewpoint down to the sand with no hiking required.
But just over a year since construction began, Bali’s Governor has officially ordered the whole thing to be torn down. Here’s what’s going on:
TL;DR
Governor Koster has officially ordered the demolition of the glass elevator at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida. The lift, which began construction in July 2023, sparked backlash over environmental damage, visual impact, and missing permits. The developers have six months to tear it down, and three more to restore the cliff.
What was the plan with the glass elevator?
Back in July 2023, developers quietly began building a glass elevator into the cliffs of Kelingking Beach, one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks in Nusa Penida. The plan was to create a luxury shortcut down the towering cliffs of Kelingking Beach. The numbers were big, the investors poured IDR 200 billion into the project, with IDR 60 billion set aside just for the lift.
On paper, it made sense… but not everyone was convinced. Kelingking’s climb down is no joke, and not every tourist is up for the steep (sometimes even slippery) trek. A lift meant broader access, more traffic to local businesses, and a shiny new way to experience the famous viewpoint.
So why is it all coming down?
The problem with Kelingking’s glass elevator
From the moment photos of the construction site hit social media, people weren’t having it. Locals, environmental groups, and even Bali officials began asking serious questions. Who approved this? Were any environmental checks done? And how exactly does a giant glass elevator make sense on a protected cliff?
Turns out… it didn’t.
After reviewing the project, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster and Klungkung Regent I Nyoman Suwirta found five major violations, including:
- Building in a protected area without proper spatial permits
- No environmental impact assessment
- Lack of transparency around land ownership and development rights
So what’s happening now?
On November 23rd, 2025, Governor Wayan Koster officially pulled the plug. He didn’t just pause the project, he ordered the developers to demolish the entire glass elevator at Kelingking Beach. They now have six months to tear it all down, and after that, they’ll have three more months to fully restore the cliffside. No lift, no leftover scaffolding, just back to nature.
Why the tough call? Because this wasn’t a small misstep. The project bypassed key regulations, ignored protected zoning laws, and moved forward without a proper environmental impact assessment. Moreover, it also raised huge questions about transparency. Even now, no one has been able to confirm who approved the project in the first place.
Governor Koster was firm in his reasoning:
I am taking firm action to halt all construction activities and protect Bali’s natural, human, and cultural heritage.
The message is clear: Bali’s sacred sites are not up for grabs, and future tourism developments will face far more scrutiny.
What’s next for the Kelingking glass elevator?
Kelingking isn’t just a pretty photo spot. It’s a cultural and ecological treasure, deeply tied to Balinese spiritual life and the island’s identity. The backlash to the lift wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about a growing sense that Bali’s most sacred places are at risk of being “overdeveloped”. Tourism in Bali has long walked a fine line between celebration and overexposure. And this lift became a symbol of what happens when that balance tips too far.
For now, the glass elevator stands unfinished, and soon, it’ll be gone completely. However, If you’re planning a trip to Kelingking Beach, now it’s back to the original route (with hiking shoes required). And honestly, maybe that’s a good thing.
This entire saga has sparked bigger conversations in Bali, not just about one lift, but about how far tourism should go, and at what cost. Bali isn’t against tourism, it just wants the kind that respects its landscapes, culture, and community.
What do you think?
Should Bali welcome developments like this, or is it time to slow down and protect what’s left?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments here and share this with someone planning their next Bali trip!
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More FAQs about Kelingking’s Glass Elevator
Can I still visit Kelingking Beach?
Yes! But you’ll need to hike down the original cliff path, no elevator access (wear comfortable shoes!)
Will more tourism projects be stopped like this?
Possibly. This case has sparked island-wide discussions about responsible development and preserving Bali’s natural beauty.
Why is it being torn down?
The project violated multiple laws, including lack of environmental permits and building in a protected area.
Was the Kelingking glass elevator finished?
No, the elevator was still under construction when the demolition order was announced.