Sports & Golf Fanatics Guide to Bali: Sports, Activities & Adventure

For some people, Bali is all about relaxation; for others, it’s all about the active holidays! The diversity of Bali as a tourist destination creates a wide variety of things to do and sports enthusiasts will be able to find their scene with ease. With luxurious golf resorts, world-class surf and exceptional scuba conditions, active visitors will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy themselves. Let’s take a look at the most popular sports on the island and where to find the best golf courses and resorts.

Key Sports in Bali

Surfing in Bali

Bali is famous for its surf, as strong and consistent swells around the southern coast create perfect conditions for the sport. The strength of the surf varies depending on where you are along the coast and conditions range from beginner-friendly to expert-only. Whether you’re a novice surfer or a world-class pro, finding somewhere to challenge yourself in Bali is easy. But where are the most popular surf spots on the island and what surfing level are they suitable for?

Bali's best-known sport is surfing. — Bali’s best-known sport is surfing.

Kuta and Seminyak

Best for : Beginner surfers If you just learned to surf, or you’re an absolute beginner, head to Kuta or Seminyak for some gentle waves and expert instruction. There are numerous surf schools in the area, all offering professionally guided instruction to all levels of surfer. Master the basics and pick up some new skills on the small but surfable waves of Seminyak and Kuta beach!

Kuta Beach is the perfect place for beginner surfers.

Canggu

Best for : Intermediate surfers Canggu is one of Bali’s most popular surf spots and is favoured for its strong yet manageable waves. Intermediate surfers can easily find swells to challenge their skills around the Berawa surf spot and Echo Beach. For beginners with a little more experience, Old Man’s is the best place to practice, as the waves are a little smaller here. Want to kick back and relax after a long day on the waves? Check out Canggu’s wide range of luxury villas, for the perfect mix of adventure and rest in Bali.

Uluwatu

Best for: Expert and pro surfers

If you’re a surfing pro, it can be tough finding waves big enough to pose a challenge. Fortunately for you, there’s Uluwatu! Bali’s best-known surf spot is located on the island’s Bukit Peninsula and has the strongest swell of anywhere on the island. For powerful waves and big barrels, check out the Suluban and Uluwatu Beach surf spots. If you’re an intermediate surfer, go to Padang Padang beach and head for the right reef break. The long, unbroken waves here are gentler, making it easier to practice.

Scuba Diving in Bali

Bali’s location in the Coral Triangle means that the island is surrounded by a spectacular abundance of marine life. Home to over 75% of all known coral species, the area is also inhabited hundreds upon hundreds of species of tropical fish. Divers also have the chance to see sea turtles, reef sharks and mantas off the coast of Bali. Bali is, therefore, a divers paradise and attracts scuba enthusiasts from around the world.

There are several excellent scuba diving spots around Bali.

Nusa Lembongan

Best for: Intermediate and advanced divers Just 10 miles off the coast of Bali lies Nusa Lembongan, a small island with exceptional scuba opportunities. Most diving expeditions from Lembongan visit sites around the neighbouring islands of Penida and Ceningan, which have vibrant coral reefs. One of the most popular diving sites is Crystal Bay, where you have the chance to swim among rays, sharks, tuna and mola mola. Currents in this area are common and some sites are best suited for more experienced divers.

Candidasa

Best for : Advanced divers Candidasa is located on Bali’s eastern coast and is widely considered to have some of the island’s best dive sites. The three lesser-known Gili Islands (Mimpang, Tepekong and Biaha) are nearby and all are home to a rich biodiversity of marine life.

Currents in this area can be strong and challenging, so these sites are best suited for experienced divers. This who do get the chance to visit the healthy coral reefs in this area, however, will be rewarded with the breathtaking underwater scenery. The marine habitats around here house an abundance of incredible species. Divers in this area may see mola mola, barracuda, turtles, reef sharks, octopi, nudibranch and many, many tropical fish.

Amed

Best for: Beginner and intermediate divers The quiet town of Amed is located on Bali’s northeastern coast and is gaining popularity as a dive site. Gentle currents and calm waters make this spot ideal for beginners and there are many fascinating underwater habitats to see. From the spectacular Jemeluk drop off to colourful coral gardens, the underwater world surrounding Amed houses a thousand wonders. For a truly memorable experience, taking a diving expedition to the USAT Liberty wreck near Tulamben.

This world-famous wreck has become a thriving aquatic environment over the years and is a great place to spot groupers, bumphead parrotfish and Spanish dancer nudibranch.

Menjangan Island

Best for : Beginner divers Off the northwestern tip of Bali’s coastline lies Menjangan Island, the first internationally-known diving location in the province. Today, the site is just as popular as ever due to its excellent underwater visibility and shipwreck habitats. There are a number of excellent dive sites in the area, which house species range from seahorses to whale sharks and everything in between. Currents here are mild or nonexistent, so it’s the perfect place for beginner divers to start out.

Golf in Bali

For golf enthusiasts, Bali has a range of luxurious and courses where you can play in perfect, sunny conditions. The best golf clubs in Bali are mostly located in the southern region of the island and are easily accessible from Bali’s most popular travel destinations.

Bali is the perfect destination for a golfing getaway.

Best golf courses and retreats in Bali

Bali Beach Golf Course

Where? Sanur If you’re staying in Sanur, check out the hugely popular Bali Beach Golf Course. This perfectly maintained golf course is possibly one of the prettiest on the island. The beautiful greens are carefully designed and fringed by tall trees, creating a pleasantly shady environment for play. For beginner golfers, the Bali Beach Golf Curse also offer golf lessons and club rental, so it’s the perfect place to learn.

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Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club

Where? Badung Regency, near Uluwatu

Located on the Bukit Peninsula, the Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club is a golf-lovers dream. The immaculate course has 18 championship caliber par-3 holes and is the first of its kind in Bali. When you’re not enjoying a game on the intuitively designed and perfectly manicured courses, you can relax in their sumptuous clubhouse. The cliff top location of this divine golf club puts the finishing touches on the whole experience, with panoramic views of the ocean visible from many of the courses.

Handara Golf Resort

Where? Buleleng Regency For the ultimate golfing getaway, book yourself into the Handara Golf Resort in Bali’s Buleleng Regency. With luxurious accommodation, high-end dining opportunities and immaculate golf courses, this resort is one of the most popular on the island. Their famous gate is one of the most Instagrammed places in Bali and the rest of the course certainly measures up in terms of aesthetic appeal. Nestled in the middle of Bali’s forests and with the mountains rising up over the distant horizon, this retreat is situated in the most peaceful of settings.

New Kuta Golf

Where? Uluwatu The 18-hole course at New Kuta Golf is a spectacular place to play. Perched atop the limestone cliffs of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, the club has incredible views of Uluwatu’s rugged coastline. Whether you’re a long-time player or a complete novice, this is a great place to head for a round of golf. New Kuta also has a Golf Academy, so it’s the perfect place to get some expert pointers on your technique and gameplay.

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Bali National Golf Club

Where? Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is famously home to pristine beaches and luxurious accommodation, but it’s also a great place for golf. The Bali National Golf Club is the highest rated on the whole island and they offer a wide range of services and facilities. Take a class at the Golf Academy, relax in the clubhouse, or get in some practice on the driving range. The Bali National Golf Club also offers a ‘stay and play’ package, so you can stay overnight in their luxurious on-site accommodation.