The First Underwater Museum in Bali
In the Karangasem region, as part of the SALT of Virgin Beach project, work has begun on the creation of the first underwater museum in Bali. This initiative brings together art, ecology, and a modern approach to coastal development.
The concept of the project is based on integrating art objects into the natural environment of the ocean. The sculptures are designed as elements that, over time, become part of the marine ecosystem and serve as a foundation for the formation of new coral structures.
In 2025, in collaboration with Coral Triangle Center, a study of coral reef conditions in the region was conducted. The insights gained made it possible to develop an approach that respects natural processes and follows the principle of minimal intervention.
In 2026, a series of educational programs will be launched, focused on marine conservation and fostering a new culture of interaction between people and the ocean. The project is positioned as a platform for conscious travel and a new type of experience.
The core idea is to create a space where travel becomes not only a form of leisure, but also a way to better understand the value of nature. It is designed for people who care about what the future of the planet, the ocean, and the environment will look like.
At the same time, an international selection of artists working at the intersection of art and ecology is underway. Among the potential collaborators are creators of underwater museums in Mexico, Grenada, and the Bahamas. More than 12 strategic meetings with world-class artists have already taken place.
In the near future, the concept of the exhibitions, the number of installations, and the key artistic collaboration will be announced.
The Karangasem region is one of the most promising destinations for diving development in Bali. Its coastline is known for its rich biodiversity. Sea turtles, rays, and other unique marine species can be found here. The underwater museum enhances the natural value of the region and creates a new point of attraction for an international audience.
A key role in the project is played by engineering infrastructure, which ensures long-term environmental stability. The hotel includes its own wastewater treatment plant (IPL) with a capacity of 150 m³ per day. This capacity has been designed with a reserve to accommodate peak loads and future growth.
100% of the treated water is reused for irrigation. The system operates in a closed loop, meaning that not a single drop of wastewater leaves the site.
This is a direct response to a critical concern that is often unspoken but highly relevant for investors. Poor wastewater management can, within a few years, turn even the most beautiful coastline into an экологically degraded area. The project addresses this risk proactively through responsible infrastructure decisions.
Waste management is also built around the 3R principle — reduce, reuse, recycle. The hotel is expected to generate approximately 150 kg of solid waste per day. Organic waste will be processed through an on-site composting system. Non-organic materials such as plastic, glass, and paper will be managed in partnership with a local waste bank, supporting the regional recycling ecosystem.
The project creates value not only for visitors, but also for the ecosystem itself. The integration of art objects supports the development of new habitats for corals and marine organisms, contributing to natural regeneration processes.
An essential idea behind the project is the creation of value by people for people. It is an experience that leaves not only impressions, but also a deeper level of awareness.
This is the first initiative of its scale in Bali to combine environmental responsibility, international art, and an innovative approach to development.
The underwater museum at SALT of Virgin Beach sets a new standard, where development is built on balance. Where development becomes a tool for restoration, not consumption.