Claustrophobia typically brings to mind malfunctioning elevators or tiny Hong Kong apartments, but, as it turns out, it isn’t always confined to enclosed spaces. Sometimes, the open air can feel just as suffocating, like on Pandawa Beach Road in Bali, where a narrow sliver of asphalt winds through imposing limestone cliffs whose sheer faces loom overhead.
By: Marivel Ibarra
Date: 20:56 04.03.25
Last Update: 20:56 04.03.25
Among Southeast Asia’s most visited destinations, Bali is famous for its cultural heritage, Hindu temples, and myriad stunning landscapes. Yet, it is the island’s beaches that stand out, drawing visitors from all over the world. While Kuta and Sanur have long been tourist favorites, the southern coast offers a series of lesser-known beaches, one of which is Pandawa Beach.
Once a hidden retreat, Pandawa remained largely inaccessible for years on end due to its surrounding limestone cliffs that concealed it from view. The secluded location kept it off the tourist map, and as such, the place remained known mostly to locals. However, that changed in 2012 when a major infrastructure project carved a road through the cliffs, reshaping the landscape and unveiling the beach to the wider world.
In a twist of irony, the road leading to Pandawa has become an attraction that far eclipses its eponymous beach. Instead of winding through forests or open coastal plains like many of Bali’s beach roads, this one cuts straight through massive, towering limestone walls, creating a surreal corridor flanked by 40-meter-tall cliffs.
These sheer rock faces were not left untouched; arches were chiseled into them, some housing large statues of the Pandawa Lima, the five heroic brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, alongside their mother, Dewi Kunti. Draped in traditional Balinese waistcloths, the sculptures contrast sharply with the limestone’s otherwise white hue.
Since its inauguration, the road has sparked intense debate. Though it provides easy access to a once-hidden paradise, critics argue that slicing through the limestone plateau may have disrupted local wildlife. In fact, some online discussions have raised concerns about the impact on animal migration routes, though others assert that only a few species inhabited the area to begin with. Unsurprisingly, the road itself has also become a social media sensation, with tourists frequently stopping for photos along its dramatic stretch. However, some travelers have pointed out that the enclosed nature of the passage could feel somewhat claustrophobic, particularly in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster.
Regardless of the controversies, the quirky road has transformed the area. What was once a quiet, local beach has turned into a bustling tourist hub, complete with water sports, sunbeds, and seaside cafés. Whether one sees the road as an engineering marvel or an environmental misstep, there is no denying that it has changed the face of Pandawa Beach forever.
photography by: Eveline M/ Flickr
photography by: Okkisafire/ Wikimedia Commons
The beach sign as viewed from the road
photography by: Alex Neman/ Wikimedia Commons
The beach that awaits at the end of the road
photography by: Michellewinardi/ Wikimedia Commons
