Alarming rate of Bali tourism prompts new warning for visitors to popular beach
Kelingking Beach is considered one of the leading attractions in Nusa Penida. But visitors must scale a long and steep set of stairs to reach the sand.
It's one of the most popular destinations for Aussie tourists and draws in millions of travellers from around the world, but some of Bali's most picturesque spots come with a warning for those visiting.
The world-famous Kelingking Beach is considered one of the leading attractions in Nusa Penida, a mountainous island 20km southwest of Bali, and like many hot spots across Indonesia, is best known for its stunning coastal panoramas.
Yet to truly capture all the beach has to offer, visitors must scale a long, steep and somewhat precarious set of stairs to reach the sand from the top of the cliffside resort above, which, according to some, has become increasingly dangerous.
Tourists flock to iconic Bali beach despite warnings
Social media has become flooded with videos from tourists capturing their attempt at scaling the cliff face which takes most between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. A steady stream of people, usually tourists, are often seen navigating the rocky and narrow 135-metre steep path.
Authorities in Nusa Penida, tour guides, and the local community have noticed an increase in foot traffic, prompting recent warnings to tourists not to attempt the hike down to the beach, according to The Bali Sun. The issue comes from many people attempting to tackle the path at the same time — often wearing inappropriate footwear.
It's been described by many as "extremely challenging" and "not for the weak". Meanwhile, some who've visited have argued "it's worth it" just to see the beach from the bottom. Some however admitted they didn't bother attempting the stairs, instead enjoying the view from the top, considering the beach is off-limits to swimming due to rough and dangerous currents.
Nearby Diamond Beach sees just as many tourists and there the cliffside walkway is just as dangerous, locals say. There have been dozens of injuries and even deaths on Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, and their respective hiking trails over the years, it's been reported.
In July, the Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, Ni Made Suliastiwati and her team reportedly installed safety fences and warning boards on several beaches in Nusa Penida which have a high risk of accidents.
"We have installed warning and swimming prohibition signs. We will increase this by placing security officers in vulnerable destinations," Suliastiwati said.
Tourists planning a visit to Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach are advised to follow the guidelines and rules that are in place and obey the instructions of the safety officers.
Controversial new development at Kelingking Beach underway
To address the steady flow of tourism in the area, a bold new development has begun. With the help of a Chinese company, local Balinese authorities that preside over the world-famous Kelingking Beach are erecting a 182-metre viewing platform and glass elevator to provide easy access down to the sand. But not everyone is happy about the project.
Online, travellers have expressed dismay about it obstructing the pristine panoramic views of the cliffs that overlook the beaches below, while others admit it will likely attract even more tourists to the area. Locals aren't happy either with many arguing that overdevelopment is "destroying Bali".
The government has previously said about 200,000 foreigners live in Bali, contributing to problems such as crime, overdevelopment and competition for jobs. Government figures show 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived through Bali airport in the first half of 2024, making up 65 per cent of total foreign arrivals in Indonesia by air.
There were 541 hotels in Bali in 2023, the figures show, up from 507 in 2019.
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