Heartbreaking scenes as iconic Bingin Beach surf spot in Bali is destroyed

Daily Mail​

22-07-2025

Aussies heading to Bali have been left in limbo as an iconic attraction is demolished, sparking an outpouring of anger and devastation from locals.
For decades, thousands of international tourists have flocked to Bingin Beach, an idyllic and laid-back surfing spot on the Indonesian holiday island.
Almost 50 local businesses were recently served demolition notices, after a government investigation ruled the developments were illegal due to a violation of planning laws and building regulations.
Business owners have spent weeks fighting for survival after the Badung Regency Government announced the demolition orders would proceed within days.
Authorities have been true to their word, with multiple videos on Monday showing dozens of officials in high-vis gear and hard hats storming into businesses.
One clip showed Bali Governor Wayan Koster proudly smashing down a door with a hammer while surrounded by media crews and delighted officials.
Other videos showed distraught locals fighting back tears as they watched their beloved businesses and livelihoods be destroyed.
Aussies staying in Bingin Beach have been left scrambling to book alternative accommodation, with villas and homestays among the businesses impacted.
'We have received a warrant for the demolition of the violating building at Bingin Beach,' Badung PP Police head Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara said.
'We immediately sent a notification letter to the owners of the building in question, stating that the demolition will begin on July 21 and continue until it is completed.
'Our community in Pecatu is very aware that they carry out activities on the land. So I hope no one comes to say this and that, pretending to be a saviour, to be a hero.
'People are aware when building on land that does not belong to them, so it is natural for them to leave the land.'
Authorities have deployed 500 officers to undertake the demolition, which will ramp up in the coming weeks, the Bali Sun reported.
Eleven-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater was among the many Aussies devastated by the news of the demolition works.
'Awful to hear and see that the beachfront at Bingin in Bali has been bought up and all the local (eateries) and other businesses will be demolished to make room for some kind of beach club and not sure what else?' he wrote on social media.
'Bali has been completely mishandled and ruined by foreign interests in recent years. I hope something can be done to retain the culture and beauty of what attracted everyone there in the first place.'
The close-knit community has launched legal action and vowed the fight was far from over.
'Our hearts are breaking watching this happen to such a magical place,' community group Save Bingin Beach posted on Monday.
'It's not fair to the local people, who now have to watch their businesses and livelihoods being smashed and torn down. We can't stay silent – we must keep fighting. We must save Bingin.'
A change.org petition against the demolitions has received almost 14,000 signatures.
'If this demolition proceeds, hundreds of Balinese families face the risk of losing everything, from their businesses and homes to their sole source of income,' it states.
'What's at stake isn't just the physical structure, but the future of a destination that has grown and developed organically by the local community over more than 40 years, becoming the globally recognised Bingin Beach.'
The Bingin beachfront remains open, along with businesses that haven't been impacted by the demolition orders.
Locals have urged overseas tourists not to make matters worse by getting involved in the community protest.
Foreigners caught protesting against the government can be slapped with an automatic two-week jail term, followed by immediate deportation.