Balangan’s Beauty at Risk: Another Hill Cleared for Development

Hi, I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista, and I’ll be unpacking the latest insights from Bali Business Review. This edition takes us to Balangan, where a shocking new development caught our attention — quite literally. A once lush hill, standing confidently in front of the Renaissance Hotel, has been stripped of its greenery and primed for another round of fast-paced construction.

The Scene Unfolds: A Hill Vanishes in Balangan Development

From an elevated vantage point, the transformation is stark: where trees once towered, there’s now heaps of dirt and machinery. What was once a lush vantage point contributing to the serene landscape of Balangan is now a bare skeleton of land in the early throes of development. Bulldozers move across the terrain with purpose, signaling another potential luxury project — but at what cost?

This isn’t just another plot being cleared; it’s a snapshot of a broader trend in Bali’s southwestern peninsula: rapid tourism-driven expansion without a clear environmental preservation strategy. The video footage is raw and unfiltered, showcasing the dramatic change from untouched hill to concrete ambition within days.

Environmental Consequences Looming in Balangan Development

Cutting down a major section of forest doesn’t just mean fewer trees. There are cascading effects that impact the area’s ecological balance:

• Soil Erosion: Hillside vegetation prevents landslides and erosion. With the trees now removed, heavy rainfall could wash the soil down, potentially endangering properties and roads below.
• Loss of Biodiversity: The cleared area was home to various native flora and fauna now displaced or destroyed.
• Microclimate Changes: Large-scale deforestation can alter local temperature, moisture levels, and even wind patterns.
• Visual Pollution: Beyond science, there’s an emotional toll. Locals and travelers alike are seeing the scenic natural views they’ve loved being replaced with steel and cement.

Balangan’s Development Crossroads

Balangan is a hotspot for surf tourism and hospitality investments, and understandably so — it offers breathtaking ocean views, proximity to iconic beaches, and untapped beauty. But now, it’s at a crossroads: should progress come at the expense of sustainability?

Local communities are beginning to raise their voices. Environmentalists warn that once the green canopy is removed, it’s nearly impossible to bring it back. Despite this, developments continue, often with little transparency around permits, master plans, or environmental protection rules.

So, What Can You Do?

The first step is awareness. Change begins with informed conversations, and this video brings those conversations to life with real, on-ground footage and insider commentary.

If you care about Bali’s future — whether you’re a resident, expatriate, or travel enthusiast — we encourage you to watch the full video for a deeper understanding of what’s taking place in Balangan.

Let’s challenge unchecked development and ask the hard questions: Who benefits? Who decides? And what legacy are we leaving behind?

Jason,
Business Journalist at Bukit Vista