Adventurer's Guide: 5 Extreme Sports You Can Enjoy in Bali
Best Bali Activities for Adrenaline Junkies
Extreme sports in Bali often please the staunchest of thrill-seeking fans, offering speed, height, and adrenaline. If you like having some extra fun in the water, you can up the ante by strapping on some high-tech gear that’ll give you a gravity-defying ride over the waters of Tanjung Benoa.
Feel the need for more speed? Then hit the special wakeboarding course and try some tricks. You can go deep, freediving in the waters off the eastern coast, or take to the skies and fly high for breathtaking bird’s-eye views over the southern peninsula. We’ve compiled this list of fun sports and activities available on the island, which only the boldest of visitors will be able to enjoy.
1. Flyboarding
Jet-powered adventure awaits
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Flyboarding takes surfing to the next level by propelling you over the water surface. You can ride, or ‘fly’ up to 10 meters high. You strap on a pair of special boots or straddle a specially designed bike. Both use a jet propulsion mechanism from a jet ski. Skilled riders can perform insane maneuvers that include diving and breaching. Your first few attempts can be challenging as good balance is key in flyboarding.
Flyboarding is typically offered at popular beach destinations in Bali, such as Tanjung Benoa, Sanur Beach, and Kuta Beach. Tanjung Benoa is particularly known for its wide range of water sports activities. Go during the dry season (from April to October) when the sea conditions are calmer.
Flyboarding
2. Paragliding and paratriking
Coastal winds and majestic views
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Paragliding and paratriking operators in Bali often lift off at the main base on the southern Bukit peninsula. Piloting requires a special license, but guides can accompany you on tandem flights as you soar up to 150 meters above sea level. Paratriking combines paragliding with a motorized trike, and it’s usually conducted with a pilot, making it accessible for beginners.
Nusa Dua and Timbis Beach are popular for both activities, offering beautiful coastal views and consistent winds that are ideal for flying. They offer a unique way to explore Bali’s landscapes from the air, with the added power of a motor to assist in takeoff and flight. The best time to enjoy paragliding and paratriking is from April to October.
Paragliding and paratriking
3. Canyoning
From waterfalls to wilderness
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Canyoning (or canyoneering) is an exhilarating outdoor activity involves navigating through canyons using techniques such as hiking, climbing, swimming, and rappelling. As you descend under rushing waterfalls within Bali’s highland, jumps of up to 8 meters and natural water slides might part of the course. One of the most popular places for canyoning in Bali is the Maya Dewa canyon. Located in Mengandang Valley, it has 5 vertical rappels of up to 35 meters in height and a 50-meter-long waterfall zipper line.
Canyoning routes in Bali cater to various skill levels, from easy courses suitable for beginners to more challenging routes for those with experience. Professional guides lead tours, ensuring safety and providing instruction on techniques.
Canyoning
4. Freediving
Discovering serenity underwater
Good for: Adventure, Couples
Discover your inner strength and breathing skills by diving without a tank. Freediving (sometimes referred to as apnea) relies on your ability to hold your breath underwater until you resurface again. As you progress, you can achieve greater depths and longer durations and distances on a single breath.
Located on the northeastern coast of Bali, Amed is famous for its calm waters and excellent visibility. It’s an ideal spot for freediving beginners and offers a variety of marine life, including colorful coral gardens and the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck nearby in Tulamben. Bali is home to several freediving schools offering courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers. Courses typically cover breathing techniques, safety procedures, and underwater skills.
Freediving
5. Wakeboarding
Where to catch air and feel the rush
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Wakeboarding in Bali takes place at a specially designed lagoon circuit that lets you thrash out some trick moves with its rig and cable-towing system. You can hone your skills on a series of slides and obstacles throughout the lagoon. It’s a relatively easy sport, so it’s only a matter of time and struggling through a few spectacular fails before you can get to perform some awesome skids and aerials.
Among the most popular wakeboarding spots are Tanjung Benoa, Sanur Beach, Kuta Beach, and Lake Batur.
Wakeboarding
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