Known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, Bali is now looking to transform its neighboring island of Nusa Penida into a luxurious destination akin to Monaco. As Bali thrives as a tourist hotspot, local leaders are pushing for strategic changes to tourism operations throughout the province, with Nusa Penida at the forefront of this transformation.
Gede Pasek Suardika, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Nusantara Awakening Party (PKN) and former member of the Bali House of Representatives, has outlined a bold vision for Nusa Penida, emphasizing its potential to become a world-class tourism destination. He stresses the importance of attracting investment to support infrastructure upgrades essential for luxury tourism, emphasizing the need for strong “social foundations.” Suardika envisions Nusa Penida competing with Bali’s established luxury enclave, Nusa Dua, and even surpassing it, aiming to create Indonesia’s own version of Monaco while preserving its unique cultural identity.
This ambitious vision has sparked debate. While some applaud Suardika’s aspirations, others fear that mass tourism could overshadow the island’s traditional values and charm. Concerns are heightened with projects like the proposed Nusa Penida Glass Elevator, a project seen by some as an opportunity to attract even more tourists to an already popular destination, while others worry about its impact on the island’s delicate ecosystem and limited resources.
Nusa Penida is already experiencing an influx of visitors, with thousands traveling daily from nearby areas like Sanur, Padangbai, and Serangan. The proposed Glass Elevator, along with other developments, is expected to bring in tens of thousands of additional visitors, straining the island’s resources, including hotels, restaurants, and essential utilities like water, electricity, and internet services.
While the influx of tourists is seen as an economic boon by some, others call for a pause to assess the sustainability of such rapid expansion and its impact on the island’s infrastructure, originally designed to support its resident community.
The journey ahead for Nusa Penida is crucial. It must find a delicate balance between harnessing the allure of luxury tourism and preserving its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural environment. The decisions made today will determine whether Nusa Penida becomes the prestigious destination envisioned by its leaders or falls victim to the very mass tourism it seeks to transform.
