Impact of Bali’s Proposed Offshore Gas Terminal on Sanur and Serangan’s Tourism Industry

Published on November 13, 2025

The tranquil shores and the traditional fishing villages of Sanur and Serangan on the island of Bali, which have for many years now been adored by visitors for their ability to relax while taking in the local culture, are now the subject of attention for the controversial development of the Floating Storage Re-gasification Unit (FSRU) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal. The terminal, which is to be constructed about 3.5 kilometres from Sidakarya Beach, will be visible from Sanur and Serangan beaches and from boats going to the famous Nusa and Gili Islands. This has prompted a mixed response from the community, especially since the possible consequences of the terminal on the environment, tourism, and the local fishing community are most important.

Sanur Tourism

Tourism has been one of the most important sectors of Bali’s economy for many years and continues to be one of the most important to this day. The island receives millions of visitors every year, thanks to its unique culture and breathtaking views, in addition to its wide range of activities by the coast. The ability of the Sanur and Serangan region to offer a calm escape from the overcrowded and busy areas of Kuta and Seminyak makes its beaches and the beautiful Serangan village a frequent destination for international and local travellers.

Regrettably, the proposed terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is aimed at constructing offshore terminals to meet the energy requirements of Indonesia. residents and the tourism industr both have various opinions for or against the offshore terminals. Regasification of liquefied natural gas and provision of gas to power the grid of the island would be possible due to this project. Despite the claims of the project being very beneficial towards the energy requirements of the island of Bali, the terminal would have a very negative effect on the surroundings and the region’s tourism.

The area of Sanur does have a distinct advantage as the beach is lined with palm, which makes the beach very scenic and beautiful, which does appeal a lot to the family of tourists that may be wanting a pristine beach. For the regasification terminal to be operational, the development of the regasification terminal will have to be built. Keeping the terminal and beach to be as clean and devoid of any dusty or rusty structures will improve the capability of the terminal along with the beach. The LNG terminal which has been proposed will be erected just 3.5 kilometers from Sidakarya beach.

From the perspective of travelers, the newly proposed LNG terminal could jeopardise the beautiful panoramic views that make the Balinese southeastern coastline so appealing. The terminal was likely designed to be observed from several vantage points, including the Sanur waterfront promenade, the fishing village of Serangan, and vessels bound for neighbouring islands, all of which could diminish the area’s aesthetic value. The peaceful, pristine beauty of the surroundings is a major selling point to visitors of the region. There is now a rising concern that the terminal’s construction would undermine that selling point.

Sanur, specifically, has been leveraging the beauty of eco-tourism. The presence of several hotels, dumbstruck tremendously restaurants, and various other eco-attractions have all made concerted efforts to sustainable. The balance of supportive and eco-industrial facilities, such as the LNG terminal, could undermine the overall intention. The region’s overall tourism balance and eco-sustainability could be at stake, especially for those hoping to discover the authentic and natural beauty that Bali has to offer.

Economic Considerations and Community Reactions

Residents of Sanur and Serangan, some of who use fishing as their primary source of income, still find themselves split over the contentious development of the LNG terminal and it’s accompanying infrastructure. From one perspective, the terminal would act as an economic boon to the area, alongside the the construction of an LNG terminal and LNG vessels. Proponents of the terminal argue that it will create stable employment and boost the the local economy. Additional support terminals will be logical, maintenance, and enhanced security.

Hopwever, fishermen as well as the owners of the tourism-related businesses are worried about the terminal’s impact on marine life, as well as the impacts of the terminal on the animal as well as tourism, the marine environment, and tourism on both the local environment and the long term impacts of the terminal on the marine environment. In the region of Sanur and the beaches of Serangan, local businesses are highly dependent on foot traffic to support their operations, and hence fishermen in the region are much concerned.

Many fishermen and local businesses are worried about the terminal’s impacts on construction, the marine ecosystem, water quality, and the fishing in the region, which many local families rely on and depend on traditional fishing methods. The environmentalists are also more concerned to the issue of pollution, as the terminal may be one of the main sources of pollution in the area, and which could be devastating to the coral reefs, highly important to the marine tourism and also to the biodiversity of the island.

There is also the issue of industrial traffic when combined with the new energy construction, which is highly likely to disturb the long tranquility of Sanur as well as Serangan. These places are well known for their peaceful and natural atmosphere, unlike many places across the globe. This would, in turn, would modify the impression the tourists would form about that area and their willingness to come back or suggest the place to others.

The Future of Bali’s Tourism and Energy Needs

The ever-increasing degree of dependence on Bali’s tourism makes sure that Indonesia’s economy continues to thrive. They need to make sure that their future developmental activities take into consideration the local cultural and ecological factors. As the need to ensure Bali’s attractiveness for tourists prevails the ever-increasing need for energy security will need to be addressed.

The debate directly centers on the productive activities and the need to protect the tourist appeal of Bali. The LNG terminal is considered a vital link to guarantee secure energy to a fast-growing population and economy. The possible consequences on the tourism sector, and the surrounding areas of Sanur and Serangan are equally important.

The necessary resources to incorporate Bali’s rich civilisation and its energy future will need Bali’s, and the rest of the world, cultural assets to be well preserved. As the consultation deepens and previous phases of an energy resources system become outdated, adaptability will become increasingly vital.