Bali authorities have suspended the construction of a controversial glass elevator on the cliffside of Kelingking Beach, citing environmental concerns and permit violations. The project, backed by Chinese investors, aimed to improve access but faced widespread backlash for threatening the natural landscape.
The 182-meter glass elevator was being built on Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, one of the island’s most iconic and photographed natural attractions. Designed to transport tourists from the cliff top to the beach below, the project sought to ease the challenging hike that currently takes up to two hours round trip. However, its construction has sparked intense debate over the balance between tourism development and environmental preservation.
Authorities from the Bali Regional House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Spatial Planning ordered the suspension on October 31, 2025, after determining that the elevator violated national spatial planning laws and coastal zoning regulations. The structure was found to be located in a designated disaster-mitigation area where large-scale construction is prohibited, raising safety concerns. This decision followed viral social media images showing lift shafts cutting through the cliff, which is nicknamed the “T-Rex cliff” for its distinctive shape.
Local residents and tourists expressed outrage over the project’s potential to accelerate erosion and destroy the area’s natural beauty. Bali senator Niluh Djelantik had previously voiced opposition, warning that such developments could lead to environmental disaster. Many argued that tourists visit Nusa Penida for its pristine panoramas, not for man-made structures that compromise the landscape.
The suspension was also prompted by findings that the project lacked proper permits. Officials from Bali’s Civil Service Police confirmed that the development only had approval for limited use of the cliff area, not for a permanent structure. This violation of coastal setback rules and Balinese architectural traditions added to the grounds for halting construction, with authorities cordoning off the site for safety.
The project, managed by Indonesian developer PT Bangun Nusa Properti with support from Chinese investors, began in July 2023 and was approximately 70% complete at the time of suspension. The developers claimed to have complied with all legal requirements, including environmental and soil-strength studies, and expressed respect for the authorities’ decision while the matter is reviewed. The elevator, costing $12 million, was intended to have several stops for panoramic views.
The controversy has divided tourists, with some advocating for the elevator to improve accessibility, especially for those unable to manage the steep hike, while others insist that the physical challenge is part of the authentic experience. Local media reported mixed feedback, highlighting the tension between modernization and conservation in Bali’s booming tourism industry, where Chinese investments have been growing.
The suspension raises questions about the future of similar projects in Bali, underscoring broader issues of sustainable tourism. Authorities are now reviewing documentation, and the project could face permanent closure if violations are confirmed. This incident may lead to stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to protect natural attractions from overdevelopment.