Bali temporarily suspends installation of glass elevator on 'dinosaur spine' cliff after series of criticisms

Authorities in Bali, Indonesia, have issued a decision to temporarily suspend the construction and installation of an elevator project at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida island—southeast of Bali and one of the region's most famous tourist destinations. This move follows a wave of strong opposition from the local community and international tourists, sparking criticism regarding environmental risks, safety concerns, and suspicions of building permit violations.

The project is a collaboration between Indonesia's PT Bangun Nusa Properti and Chinese investor China Kaishi Group, featuring a 182-meter glass elevator and a 64-meter bridge. According to Indonesian media, the total investment is estimated at 200 billion Rupiah (approximately 12 million USD).

Kelingking Beach is a renowned tourist hotspot, famous for its cliff formation dubbed the "T-Rex spine" and its turquoise waters, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

The elevator installation aimed to replace the steep and relatively dangerous path visitors currently use to descend to the beach. Currently, hiking from the cliff edge to the beach takes about 45 to 60 minutes, while the climb back up can take up to two hours.

However, as images of the massive steel structure circulated on social media, many argued that the project infringed upon the island's natural landscape, posed potential environmental threats, and contradicted the spirit of nature conservation that Bali has always upheld.

The elevator project erected beside the cliff at Kelingking Beach area in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.

Local resident Made Sediana told The Bali Sun: "It's regrettable that the stunning scenery of Kelingking Beach is being ruined by this elevator project. Tourists come to Nusa Penida to admire the natural beauty, not to ride an elevator."

Sediana also questioned the necessity of the elevator, noting that Kelingking is a no-swim zone where accidents frequently occur. Safety concerns have escalated following the drowning of a French tourist on October 15, despite warnings from lifeguards.

"Many tourists have accidents from falling into the water. If visitors can easily access the beach, that could lead to more dangers. The shoreline there is narrow, and waves crash in unexpectedly. The best way to enjoy Kelingking Beach's beauty is to view it from above," Sediana said.

Additionally, the project's legal standing has come under scrutiny. According to Bali's Regional People's Council Special Committee on Planning, Assets, and Licensing (TRAP), the site falls within a disaster-prone area where large-scale constructions are prohibited. Committee Chairman I Made Supartha stated that the elevator's design clashes with traditional Balinese architecture and risks diminishing the area's natural allure.

Meanwhile, the project's investors claim they obtained legal permits in 2023 and completed all required assessments. The company stated it will comply with Bali's suspension order and prepare any additional necessary documentation.

Initial rendering of the project

To date, Bali authorities have halted all construction activities on the glass elevator at Kelingking Cliff. The duration of the suspension remains unclear, as officials continue investigating the project's environmental impact and legal compliance.

"Enjoy Bali's beauty wisely; don't create pathways that lead tourists to the gates of disaster," Bali Senator Niluh Djelantik warned on social media.

In recent years, overdevelopment has emerged as a major issue in Bali, particularly following severe flooding in September 2025 that prompted Indonesian authorities to declare a state of emergency on the island.

According to the French news agency AFP, more than 4.6 million international visitors arrived in Bali from January to August 2025, exceeding the island's population of 4.4 million. The infrastructure strain from this influx has led to land conversions, negatively affecting urban management and regulatory enforcement.

Recently, Bali's government has taken steps to curb unchecked construction by banning the conversion of agricultural land into commercial developments such as villas, restaurants, and hotels.

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