NUSA PENIDA, Bali — The notoriously steep descent to Kelingking Beach is set to become safer, with the Klungkung Regency Government planning a permanent stairway leading down the cliff toward the shoreline.

The project is valued at around Rp3.2 billion and will be funded through corporate social responsibility support from PT Ctrip International Indonesia, part of Trip.com Group, rather than through Klungkung’s regional budget.

The planned stairway is intended to improve a route that authorities acknowledge carries significant risks for visitors. Tourists attempting the descent have previously slipped, suffered injuries or become severely exhausted, with some incidents requiring assistance from search and rescue teams.

Acting Klungkung Regional Secretary and Tourism Office head I Gusti Agung Gede Putra Mahajaya said improving access at Kelingking had become a priority.

“Access down to the beach has been quite dangerous and high-risk,” Putra Mahajaya said, adding that the project is intended to improve safety and comfort for both domestic and international tourists.

The stairway forms part of a wider partnership between the Klungkung government and Ctrip to improve tourism infrastructure at destinations managed by the regency.

Other facilities already handed over under the cooperation include a new ticketing post and pergola at Kelingking Beach, additional pergolas at several tourist attractions, and supporting equipment for Balawista water-rescue personnel.

Klungkung Regent I Made Satria said improvements to tourism facilities across Nusa Penida should balance visitor safety and comfort with benefits for the local economy, environmental protection and the preservation of local culture.

Kelingking Beach draws visitors for its dramatic clifftop views and secluded shoreline, but reaching the sand below requires navigating a steep and physically demanding route.

The permanent stairway is expected to provide a more structured and safer way down, particularly for visitors who choose to make the descent rather than view the beach from the top of the cliff.