A controversial glass elevator construction at Bali’s iconic Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida, that is famous for its dramatic dinosaur-shaped cliff, was ordered to be demolished by Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, in late 2025.
This was due to major zoning, environmental, and permit violations, as well as the need to preserve the island’s nature and culture.
A 182-metre glass elevator shaft built into the limestone to help tourists reach the beach, was deemed an “eyesore” and a threat to the landscape. Bali’s building code regulates that a building must not exceed 15m high.
More importantly, after the initial announcement to halt construction work was made in October last year, the governor instructed the investor to demolish all the structures within six months and restore the affected space within three months.
The glass elevator had sparked controversy and public outcry over its visual impact and ecological risks to the fragile cliffside. There was widespread criticism via viral outrage from tourists and locals who felt the structure ruined the natural beauty and authenticity of the iconic spot.
Developer had invested $12 million in project
Project owner PT Bangun Nusa Properti defended the development and stated that the project, supported by a Chinese investor, was legally permitted in 2023 and had completed the required site assessments.
The investor had contributed 200 billion Indonesian rupiah (about US$12 million), with 60 billion Indonesian rupiah (about US3.5 million) allocated for the elevator, aimed at boosting regional revenue and creating jobs.
The investor constructed a ticket counter, a flyover connecting it to the elevator, and a glass elevator with a restaurant and foundation across these areas, triggering regulatory scrutiny.
The project suffered from numerous breaches, including:
- Spatial planning (zoning) violations in a protected coastal area
- Environmental concerns, including potential erosion and damage to the fragile landscape
- Permit irregularities, with approval only for the ticket counter, not the entire lift
- Marine spatial planning violations for foundation placement
Challenges to remove the structure
Currently, the demolition order is in effect, though the cleanup process itself presents challenges for the fragile landscape. The incident serves as a strong statement by the Bali government against unsustainable development that threatens cultural and environmental integrity.
Koster stressed that future investments must comply with legal standards while preserving ecosystems, cultural heritage, and local values, emphasising responsible development over exploitation.
Overtourism and unchecked development put Bali in peril
Bali was placed as the number one destination not to visit in 2025 on Fodor’s Magazine’s ‘no list’, with overtourism and ‘unchecked development’ as its key reasons.
‘Rapid, unchecked development spurred by overtourism is encroaching on Bali’s natural habitats, eroding its environmental and cultural heritage, and creating a “plastic apocalypse. Once-pristine beaches like Kuta and Seminyak are now buried under piles of trash, with local waste management systems struggling to keep up,” it said.
Despite the backlash, Bali is expected to receive 6.5 million foreign tourists this year, setting a new annual record and well exceeding its local population of 4.4 million.
Main photo credit: Blair Nguyen
Photos of lift structure: Vacation In Bali/ Instagram
