Abandoned Boeing 737 – Bali’s mysterious tourist attraction
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Bali, where pristine beaches meet lush jungles, the unusual attraction piques the curiosity of tourists and locals alike. It’s a Boeing 737, a massive commercial airliner that was abandoned in the most unlikely place – a limestone quarry next to the Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Highway. What makes this sight even more interesting is the mystery surrounding its origin and the mysterious circumstances that brought it here.
Bali Boeing Enigma
The presence of this giant plane in Bali remains shrouded in mystery. No one knows for sure how it got there, and it is this mystery that adds to its appeal. Locals and visitors alike have come up with their own theories and speculations, trying to unravel the mystery of this grounded monster.
One popular local theory suggests that an ambitious entrepreneur may have undertaken the colossal task of transporting the plane to its current location. According to this theory, the plane could have been taken apart and taken to a limestone quarry where it was carefully assembled. The motive behind this ambitious endeavor could have been to build a unique restaurant in the spacious interior of the plane. However, the grand plan seems to have remained unfinished, probably due to financial constraints that prevented the business owner from realizing this lofty dream.
The massive Boeing 737 missing from Bali
Notably, there were other derelict Boeing 737s in the vicinity. Another derelict aircraft is located next to a Dunkin’ Donuts. Like the one mentioned above, this one is also a popular tourist destination. But it can be a bit difficult to find one lying abandoned by the roadside. All the travel book says is that it is next to a group of cargo containers.
There is no marking or identification of any kind on the aircraft. Besides the claim that it was once a restaurant, other people think it was once a house. According to reports, the plane was supposed to “land” on this island in 2007. It has been a tourist destination since 2018.
However, it is not the only abandoned plane in the region!
In 2021, there were reports of another mysterious jet sighting perched on a cliff at Nyang-Nyang Beach. Felix Demin most likely invested in a plane standing on a cliff. With the COVID procedures causing Indonesia’s tourism industry to stagnate, Demin thought people would be curious about the abandoned Boeing 737. At this point, he predicts the site will become popular with both amateur and professional photographers. In addition, he intends to turn the abandoned plane into a hotel.
The jet’s former owners were exporting it to China for scrap when this Russian businessman, now a Balinese citizen, decided to take the plunge. It took them a week to hijack the entire plane due to some logistical problems. Different opinions have been expressed about the location of the aircraft.
While Demin thinks the initiative could help the struggling tourism industry expand, others don’t think so. Social media users expressed concern that the plane would obstruct the view of the sea.
Tony Dunnell offers a recommendation for anyone looking to get a quick look at an original Boeing 737. If you know where to look, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find, according to an Atlas Obscura representative. He went on to say, “You have to keep your eyes open or you could easily miss it because the view of the plane is blocked from the highway.” You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a wall of shipping containers by the side of the road. By reducing the size of the containers that surround it, you can see the plane better. Alternatively, take the path that rises above the plain a little further up the road for even more views. As the aircraft is on private property, there will be a nominal fee to enter.”[/2]
In a world where travel often leads to predictable tourist destinations and over-exposed landmarks, the presence of these mysterious and abandoned Boeing 737s in Bali adds a refreshing touch of intrigue and curiosity to the travel experience. While tourists and locals alike still ponder their origins and purpose, these grounded giants stand as enigmatic symbols of human ambition, creativity, and the enduring appeal of the unknown.
The allure of these planes goes beyond their physical presence. It’s the stories, speculation, and theories that surround them that make them fascinating. The entrepreneurial spirit that drives people to transport and transform such massive machines for unconventional purposes adds a layer of mystique to these already enigmatic tourist attractions.
Perhaps it’s the unquenchable human thirst for adventure, the desire to experience something truly unique, or the thrill of stumbling across a hidden gem that draws people to these mysterious planes. Whatever the reason, it serves as a reminder that travel isn’t just about checking off destinations, it’s about uncovering the unexpected and finding beauty and fascination in the most unlikely of places.
As these Balinese Boeing 737s continue to unsettle and fascinate visitors, their legacy grows as a testament to the human spirit of exploration and the enduring appeal of the unknown. Whether future travelers come to solve a mystery or simply marvel at these grounded giants, they will undoubtedly leave with a story to tell, adding to the continuing mystique that surrounds these unexpected treasures of Bali.