Bali's Nusa Penida Prepares To Become Beacon Of Eco-Tourism

Nusa Penida is one of Bali’s most in-demand tourist destinations right now. The island, which can be reached from Bali via a short, fast boat ride, is home to some of the province’s most famous vistas, including Kelingking Beach. Over the coming months, leaders on the island want to develop more eco-tourism and evolve the destination into a ‘Green Island’. The new Green Island concept has been developed by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, and the Klungkung Regency Government. Sugiarto told reporters that the island, although now hitting the itinerary of more tourists, still has a ‘hidden paradise’ feel to it. With this atmosphere still intact, the team feels that now is the moment to double down on efforts to establish more sustainable and even regenerative tourism on the island. For tourists and the local community, this should create a wealth of benefits. Sustainable tourism inherently helps protect the landscape, and in turn local livelihoods and spiritual ties to the land; it also helps connect tourists to the place in a more meaningful and culturally informed way. Sugarito explained that he has held this vision since he was a child. “I remember when I was little, there was a comic about Nusa Penida. Now, when I come here, my main impression is that this is a hidden, untouched paradise.” The Green Island concept has been spearheaded by the Regent of Klungkung, Made Satria, who is on a mission to develop a whole island, holistic approach to sustainable development, which ranges from waste management and renewable energy through to vehicle restrictions, cultural conservation, and sustainable tourism. All of this costs money, some of which will be generated from the regency and provincial budget, others from tourism taxes, and some from private investments and strategic partnerships. He noted, “We [will] refine the Green Island concept, integrate everything, and then from there we can determine which ones we will pursue through loans, which ones we will pursue through corporations, which ones through corporate social responsibility, and which ones through investors.” Nusa Penida is at a tipping point in terms of tourism. The island hit international headlines in December 2025 when the highly controversial Kelingking Glass Elevator Project was axed by the Bali Provincial Government after more than a year of construction. The project was ordered to stop after an investigation found building violations; however, many have expressed concern that irreversible damage has already been done to the iconic cliffside. Tourists visiting Kelingking Beach can still access the world-famous viewpoint, and over the coming months, they may see and hear some demolition work at the construction site. There are many tourism businesses in Nusa Penida that are already promoting sustainable and even regenerative tourism practices. Penida Colada, Nusa Penida’s most loved beachfront restaurant, bar, and live music venue, has long been an advocate for sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. Penida Colada serves up an exceptional menu of Australian-Indonesian meals, created using only the freshest and most locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen with whom the Penida Colada team has personal relationships. Tourists who want to make a positive impact during their visit to Nusa Penida are suitably rewarded by the team at Penida Colada. Anyone who fills a bucket with trash found on the beach or around the island can bring it to the bar for proper disposal. As a thank you, Penida Colada gives either a coffee or a coconut and a chance to kick back and enjoy the stunning oceanfront view from the deck. Penida Colada hosts live music every night from 7 pm, but for those who want to get an early seat, happy hour cocktails are served two-for-one from 4 pm through to 6 pm. Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium Plan Your Bali Holiday: Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties Book Cheap Flights To Bali Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox. Discover more from The Bali Sun Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.