Bali: Nusa Penida’s iconic Kellingking Beach ‘glass elevator’ plans suspended after backlash and permit issues

The controversial ‘Glass Elevator’ project in Nusa Penida has ground to halt amid backlash from locals and worrying permit issues.

With its ‘T-rex-shaped’ cliffs and turquoise waters, the world-famous Kelingking Beach attracts hoards of tourists who come to take in the views but the ambitious project designed to boost tourism in the area has not gone to plan.

The $2.4 million project was forecast to erect an 182m elevator as well as a bridge structure running down the cliff to the shoreline to provide easier access from the cliff-top viewpoint replacing the current steep and treacherous decent.

However, after a year of construction, Balinese authorities have suspended the build following government officials finding the project did not obtain the necessary permits.

It is unclear how long the suspension will last given an investigation is currently underway.

“The Bali Municipal police will ensure that no construction activities continue here,” government official Made Supartha told The Bali Sun.

Chinese developer China Kaishi Group is leading the project, backed by a reported $18.5 million in international investment, including $5.5 million allocated for the elevator structure alone. But with construction now halted, stakeholders and locals are increasingly concerned about the future of the partially completed site if approval is ultimately denied.

There has been a huge amount of backlash about the proposed project from its approval, with both locals and tourists highlighting that it’s an ‘eyesore’ to the area’s natural beauty and accelerates erosion due to altering the natural structure of the cliff.

“It’s a shame that the beautiful view of Kelingking Beach has been destroyed by the lift project,” local resident Made Sediana told The Bali Sun.

Despite being famous as a location for shooting picture-perfect snaps, Kelingking Beach is regarded as the province’s most dangerous stretch of coastline, following a recent spate of injuries and deaths due to strong currents and high waves.

Last month, a 32-year-old French tourist died after reportedly ignoring lifeguard pleas to exit the water due to the increasingly dangerous conditions.

In 2024, three people died including a 30-year-old tourist from Qatar, who was visiting the beach with a group of friends.

“If it were easier for guests to go down, it would be dangerous too. The coastline is narrow there, and big waves come suddenly. The best way to enjoy Kelingking Beach’s beauty is from above,” Ms Sediana said.