Mysterious Abandoned Boeing 737: Bali’s Enigmatic Tourist Attraction
Bali, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, harbors a peculiar tourist attraction that has captured the curiosity of visitors. An abandoned Boeing 737 sits beside the Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Highway, nestled in a limestone quarry. What makes this spectacle even more intriguing is the uncertainty surrounding its origins. No one can definitively explain how this mammoth aircraft ended up here.
An Entrepreneurial Endeavor Gone Astray
Local residents speculate about the plane’s origin, suggesting it might be the brainchild of an ambitious entrepreneur. The prevailing theory is that the plane was transported in parts and subsequently assembled on this secluded patch of land, possibly with the intent of creating a unique restaurant. Unfortunately, financial constraints likely led to the project’s abandonment, leaving the massive aircraft as a testament to a dream unfulfilled.
Interestingly, this is not the only instance of an abandoned Boeing 737 in Bali. Another rests adjacent to a Dunkin’ Donuts outlet, providing another peculiar tourist spot. However, locating the one by the highway proves a bit challenging; it’s described simply as being near a cluster of shipping containers.
A Plane Shrouded in Mystery
Strikingly, the aircraft lacks any clear branding or identification. While notions of repurposing it as a restaurant circulate, some conjecture that it may have served as a residence in the past. Reports suggest that the plane arrived on the island in 2007 and has since become a draw for tourists, enhancing the region’s allure.
Expanding the Aerial Enigma
Adding to the intrigue, another abandoned plane surfaced atop a cliff at Nyang-Nyang beach in 2021. This addition seems to be an initiative by entrepreneur Felix Demin. Amid Indonesia’s pandemic-induced tourism slump, Demin envisioned this peculiar Boeing 737 as a magnet for inquisitive minds and photography enthusiasts. With aspirations to convert the plane into unique lodging, he aims to inject vitality into Bali’s tourism industry.
A Russian Entrepreneur’s Unconventional Vision
Hailing from Russia and now a Bali resident, Demin recounted his intervention in rescuing the plane from being sold as scrap to China. Overcoming logistical challenges, he oversaw the week-long endeavor of transporting the entire plane. Views on this endeavor are divergent: Demin holds optimism about its tourism-boosting potential, while skeptics worry about the plane obstructing scenic ocean vistas.
Seeking the Abandoned Marvel
For intrepid travelers keen on exploring the original Boeing 737, Tony Dunnell, the spokesperson for Atlas Obscura, offers guidance. Dunnell advises that although the plane’s view is concealed from the highway, it can be located with careful attention. He suggests, “When you come across a wall of sea containers on the side of the road, you have arrived. You can see the plane by climbing up onto the containers that surround it.” For an even more captivating view, a short distance away, a pathway leads to an elevated spot above the plane. However, keep in mind that a nominal entrance fee applies, as the plane is situated on private property.
Unraveling Bali’s Aerial Enigma
Bali’s enigmatic abandoned Boeing 737s remain a testament to unconventional dreams and ventures. These silent aircraft serve as both mysterious landmarks and reminders of ambitious undertakings. Whether they become the backdrop for a photographer’s vision or continue to puzzle passersby, these planes are a testament to the unexpected stories hidden within Bali’s landscapes.