Bali, that famed Indonesian isle, known across the globe for vibrant culture and spiritual allure, finds itself amidst a bold project, yet a controversial one: a fresh international airport, to rise from a 900-hectare artificial island along the shore. Designed in the shape of a sea turtle—an animal considered sacred in Balinese culture—this ambitious project has sparked both excitement and opposition due to concerns of overtourism.
With ambitions for a toll road, a rail line, and a vision for film projects dubbed “Baliwood,” the undertaking is anything but modest. However, questions linger: can Bali sustain such ambition, considering existing concerns around mass tourism, degradation, and cultural preservation?
A Grand Vision for Bali’s Future
The proposed Buleleng airport, situated in the island’s northern reaches, is the focal point of a comprehensive development strategy. Estimates suggest the project will generate approximately 200,000 jobs, bringing hope to a region grappling with poverty. Plans incorporate a toll road and a railway for connectivity, addressing the current three-to-four-hour journey from Denpasar to Buleleng. Beyond tourism, there are also aspirations to transform the area into a film industry hub—referred to as “Baliwood”.
With the sea turtle design, the terminal aims to blend Balinese tradition with contemporary style. The estimated $3 billion cost, most likely funded by a Chinese consortium, has prompted scrutiny of its financial and environmental implications. Discussions are ongoing about the prospect of expanding the already existing Bandara International Airport in the south, with plans to accommodate 32 million passengers by 2031. As of now, the southern airport struggles to keep up with current demand, marked by up to 400 daily landings and departures, with some tourists walking miles with luggage at peak hours.
Environmental and Social Concerns
While the promise of jobs is appealing, the project faces opposition. Bali’s appeal lies in its natural beauty, but this beauty is at risk. The creation of an artificial island could negatively impact local ecosystems, including marine life. WWF voiced worries in 2007 that unplanned tourism had caused “serious damage” to Bali’s environment, and those worries remain. In 2024, Bali received nearly 24 million visitors, a number that may grow even more, adding to overtourism problems.
Waste management is a challenge, as Bali deals with 33,000 tons of waste annually, polluting the natural environment. Fodor’s Travel Guide listed Bali at the top of its 2025 list of places to avoid, urging people to reconsider visiting due to this crisis. Additionally, water scarcity is of concern, as water needed for irrigation is increasingly diverted to tourist facilities, impacting local farmers. There are fears that the new airport will become a “billion-dollar grave” if persistent connectivity issues continue, isolating the region.
The Social Cost of Progress
Social factors need to be considered, in addition to environmental ones. In Bali’s south, increasing real estate prices have displaced people as overtourism has grown. In Buleleng, this could happen again, displacing locals as properties cater to richer visitors. There are questions regarding whether Bali can, or should, handle more tourists. Bali’s identity, rooted in Hindu traditions, is also at stake, and rapid tourism threatens this identity.
A Problematic Solution
Tourism accounts for a large amount of Bali’s GDP, making it key to the economy. The allure of employment and advancement in Buleleng is quite strong, especially given the region’s pervasive poverty. Even so, it’s impossible to overlook the environmental and cultural consequences of this ambitious project. The proposed airport presents Bali with a crucial decision point: harmonizing the pursuit of economic advancement with the imperative to safeguard its distinctive natural and cultural legacy. This infrastructural project risks exacerbating existing challenges, like waste management and water scarcity, that the island already faces.
The airport’s sea turtle-shaped design is meant to echo respect for tradition, even if its construction could strain Bali’s ecological equilibrium. There’s a mix of optimism and growing resistance, which means that the question persists: Can Bali truly integrate this ambitious development without surrendering its very essence?