Luxury yachts, fine dining restaurants, and plenty of wealthy people—this is how most envision Monaco. The allure of the French Riviera has even caught the attention of the Indonesian authorities. Officials responsible for tourism development have stated that Monaco could serve as a model for Nusa Penida, which they believe has the potential to become a haven for luxury tourism.
Gede Pasek Suardika, chairman of the Supreme Council of the Awakening Nusantara Party (PKN) and former member of Bali’s House of Representatives, believes that Nusa Penida is already a world-class tourist destination. He is convinced that the island’s future must be strategically planned. Bali’s satellite island should be developed as a luxury tourist destination, emphasizing both economic and environmental appeal.
Suardika urged the Indonesian government to prepare what he calls “social funds,” which would enable more investments to flow into Nusa Penida. The primary goal of these funds would be to finance much-needed infrastructure improvements that would help transform the island into an elite resort.
“In my opinion, Nusa Penida must become wealthier and more exclusive than Nusa Dua. Bali no longer has a place to attract affluent tourists seeking peaceful and comfortable relaxation,” Suardika continued, “if the island maintains its cultural identity, it could become the Indonesian Monaco!”
However, many locals and tourists returning from Bali are concerned that the island and neighboring Penida are starting to lose their cultural uniqueness as Western infrastructure spreads across the region.
Nevertheless, Suardika remains confident that modernization must continue: “Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan must become modern to be globally appealing. Create the infrastructure to reach that level, and prepare the local community to meet this standard. Prosperity will follow quickly.”
These plans have sparked heated debates. Suardika’s ambitions to turn Nusa Penida into a modern luxury resort appeal to some, while others are concerned that mass tourism is already overwhelming the island. A prime example is the construction of the glass elevator. Authorities supporting the project argue that it will attract more tourists to the island.
However, Nusa Penida is already one of the most popular attractions in the province. Thousands of visitors arrive daily from Sanur, Padang Bai, or Serangan, and the island grows busier every week.
That’s why many believe that efforts to attract even more tourists and increase investments in development and construction could lead to long-term disaster. The glass elevator may indeed bring tens of thousands of tourists to the picturesque attraction, but it will place additional strain on the island’s resources—from hotels and restaurants to public utilities like water, electricity, roads, internet, and sea transportation. These were all built and designed for local residents and a limited number of tourists.
Meanwhile, Bali itself is actively developing infrastructure that brings it closer to the title of the Indonesian Monaco. The popular Benoa Harbor is set to transform into a luxury yacht marina by 2025, with the entire resort area being developed as an elite tourist destination.
Currently, Benoa is one of Bali’s most beloved and accessible resorts. The new yacht marina, built as part of Bali’s Marine Tourism Center, will significantly enhance the tourism infrastructure in southern Bali.
According to project developers, the construction of the new marina is nearing completion, and it is expected to be operational by 2025. The waterfront will feature 180 docks and accommodate more than 50 superyachts up to 90 meters in length.
After the marina opens, authorities anticipate that Bali will become a hub for marine tourism in the country. Project leaders promise that the new complex will give Indonesia a chance to become a global player in the luxury travel market. The superyacht marina at Bali’s Marine Tourism Center will help attract premium travelers to Indonesia—the very ones the authorities of both the country and the island are so eager to welcome.
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