Trump tower fated not to rise in Indonesian isle of the gods
TANAH LOT, Indonesia — Thousands of people flock daily to the centuries-old, sacred Hindu temple at Tanah Lot, a rock formation that juts into the Indian Ocean. An island at high tide and flanked by sheer cliffs, it’s among Bali’s most photographed sites, particularly for the mesmerizing sunsets that transform the waters into a shimmering orange vista.
It’s getting a new neighbour, described as “Trump International Hotel and Tower” in the Trump Organization’s promotions for what will be its first resort in Asia. They promise breathtaking views, a super-sized golf course overlooking the temple and an “enchanting and unrivaled getaway from the current luxury hotels” in Bali. For those weary of mere five-star opulence, it offers six.
Nothing that one might consider a tower is going to fly on Bali, where height restrictions prohibit structures higher than the island’s plentiful coconut palms — about 15 metres (49 feet).
Locals welcome new investment in the popular Indonesian resort island but are determined to preserve their unique traditions. Neighbors are resisting efforts to expand the Trump site.