Uluwatu Takes Another Hit
Industrial-scale excavation begins above the Ulus cave.
Talk about skull-crushing an already blackened eye. If the gods do live in Bali, they’re now under siege by the mortals of planet Earth.
You’ll remember, back in August 2024, when the government-backed dismantling of the cliff face below the Pura Luhur Temple began. A $5 million USD plan, marketed as a measure to protect the ancient temple, addressing a crack along the southern cliff face while also building a seawall and road along the cliff’s edge.
“This is clearly a Jakarta-driven, corrupt tax-money swindle, and they’ve cut in three or four of the biggest moustaches in the Picatu Village to tow the line,” explained a local anonymous source at the time.
And you’ll remember, back in July 2025, when all businesses on the Bingin cliff face, including those warungs and living quarters that had been there since the ‘80s, were served eviction notices, officials leaning heavily on the thin reed that the land these businesses were on had always belonged to the state.
“It’s because of the money. Because Bingin is so big now,” said a source. “Do you really think they’ll just ‘revitalise’ the place without finding another way to make money? Sure, it’s their land, but do you believe it’ll stay a cliffside forever? Or is there another agenda behind this?”
All dwellings on Bingin cliff have since been reduced to rubble.
Eeep.
And now, just above the Ulus cave — the spot that gave birth to the infamous Stab comment: “After 30 seasons on tour, 56 event wins & 11 world titles, Kelly Slater still holds his board like a Russian trying to find the stairs down to Ulus” — there’s a new luxury development in the works. It’s set to rise just a whisper from the cliff’s edge, built right on top of the cave itself.
The luxury development, dubbed Olaya Magnifique, is set to host wedding receptions, among other high-end amenities, and it’s already well underway. Heavy machinery and excavators have been put to work, clearing trees and vegetation from atop the cave, all in preparation for the next phase of construction.
A strange call, really, for a number of reasons. Firstly, using heavy machinery on top of a cliff with a hole in it, one that is home to a constant parade of young, beautiful people sunning themselves, is concerning. The influx of Euro learners in Uluwatu can be irritating, sure, but I think we can all agree that turning them into an archaeological layer of crushed bones seems a tad excessive.
Secondly, the cliff face is limestone, a material that’s prone to collapse. Landslides happen regularly in the area. So, despite the ethical and environmental concerns, not to mention the potential risk to human life, it seems a rather unstable and risky investment.
As always, Bali’s watchdog on exploitation and corruption, Piter Panjaitan, has been on the case. He reached out directly to the company, laying out his concerns, and received this response.
“Dear everyone who lives on this beautiful island. As of now, we are beginning our site project—something we have carefully planned and thoughtfully reflected on long before taking this step.
“We have worked hand-in-hand with experienced professionals to ensure that this project is carried out with care, responsibility, and deep respect for nature and the land that has given so much to all of us. Our sincere commitment is to protect, preserve, and honour the natural beauty of this island throughout every stage of this journey.”
Ahem. To which Piter replied:
“Olaya Magnifique, cut your bullshit. Your whole statement is contradictory. This is the thing you need to understand. Your design sucks. Your architecture sucks. Your project sucks. I do not welcome you in Uluwatu.
“Why is there industrial level drilling happening on a cliff?,” Piter continued. “That alone should worry people. The design shared on Olaya’s instagram account looks like the design goes right to the edge of the cliff. We all know that’s not safe. Before this goes any further, we deserve a clear answer. Did they do a proper geological assessment? How is runoff being managed now the the vegetation is gone? What are the steps being taken to protect the ocean, the cliff, and the people who live nearby?”
As the proud owner of an environmental science degree, which I occasionally dust off for moments like these despite having forgotten most of what I was taught, I do recall being told that vegetation on cliffs is essential for stability. It holds the structure together, reduces runoff, and slows erosion. Clearing all of that from a cliff over a cave doesn’t exactly seem a wise decision in terms of long-term safety.
Piter stresses that it ain’t too late to stop Olaya Magnifique’s plans.
“This is a private project, not a government one, so we can still stop it. We did it for Keramas. There’s no marina there.”
Spread the good word.
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