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Back in July 2023, developers quietly began building a glass elevator into the cliffs of Kelingking Beach, one of Bali\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
On paper, it made sense… but not everyone was convinced. Kelingking\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
So why is it all coming down?<\/p>\n
The problem with Kelingking’s glass elevator<\/h2>\n
From the moment photos of the construction site hit social media, people weren\u2019t 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?<\/p>\n
Turns out\u2026 it didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
After reviewing the project, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster and Klungkung Regent I Nyoman Suwirta found five major violations, including:<\/p>\n
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- Building in a protected area without proper spatial permits<\/li>\n
- No environmental impact assessment<\/li>\n
- Lack of transparency around land ownership and development rights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So what\u2019s happening now?<\/h2>\n
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Before the cranes and controversy, Nusa Penida\u2019s coastline as it\u2019s meant to be.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n On November 23rd, 2025, Governor Wayan Koster officially pulled the plug. He didn\u2019t 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\u2019ll have three more months to fully restore the cliffside. No lift, no leftover scaffolding, just back to nature.<\/p>\n
Why the tough call? Because this wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Governor Koster was firm in his reasoning:<\/p>\n
I am taking firm action to halt all construction activities and protect Bali\u2019s natural, human, and cultural heritage.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The message is clear: Bali\u2019s sacred sites are not up for grabs, and future tourism developments will face far more scrutiny.<\/p>\n
What’s next for the Kelingking glass elevator?<\/h2>\n
Kelingking isn\u2019t just a pretty photo spot. It\u2019s a cultural and ecological treasure, deeply tied to Balinese spiritual life and the island\u2019s identity. The backlash to the lift wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about a growing sense that Bali\u2019s most sacred places are at risk of being \u201coverdeveloped\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n
For now, the glass elevator stands unfinished, and soon, it\u2019ll be gone completely. However, If you’re planning a trip to Kelingking Beach, now it\u2019s back to the original route (with hiking shoes required). And honestly, maybe that\u2019s a good thing.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t against tourism, it just wants the kind that respects its landscapes, culture, and community.<\/p>\n
What do you think?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Should Bali welcome developments like this, or is it time to slow down and protect what\u2019s left?
\nTell us your thoughts in the comments here\u00a0<\/a>and share this with someone planning their next Bali trip!<\/p>\nWant to keep up with what\u2019s happening in Bali? Here are more stories we\u2019ve covered recently:<\/p>\n
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- Bali\u2019s new building ban<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Bali\u2019s move to ban private beaches<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Bali’s new travel guidelines<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
More FAQs about Kelingking\u2019s Glass Elevator<\/h2>
Can I still visit Kelingking Beach?<\/h3>
Yes! But you\u2019ll need to hike down the original cliff path, no elevator access (wear comfortable shoes!)<\/p>\n<\/div>
Will more tourism projects be stopped like this?<\/h3>
Possibly. This case has sparked island-wide discussions about responsible development and preserving Bali\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Why is it being torn down?<\/h3>
The project violated multiple laws, including lack of environmental permits and building in a protected area.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Was the Kelingking glass elevator finished?<\/h3>
No, the elevator was still under construction when the demolition order was announced.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
- Bali\u2019s move to ban private beaches<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Bali\u2019s new building ban<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
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