Bali’s Success As A Watersports Destination Proves Island’s Versatility To Travelers

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Bali is really proving itself as a world-class sporting destination in 2026. This year so far, the island has hosted major international sports events, including this weekend, the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series.

As the island looks towards the second half of the year, more major sports and sports tourism events are in the calendar, and it looks like the success is set to continue. 

From 22nd to 23rd May 2026, the Red Bull Cliff Diving series was hosted on Nusa Penida. The event was a resounding success, and even though diving venues had to be swapped at short notice due to conditions, the competition went without a hitch.

Speaking to reporters, Gusti Lanang Oka, Head of Sompang Traditional Village, Nusa Penida, said that the Red Bull Cliff Diving event had been an important opportunity to introduce Nusa Penida’s tourism potential to the international community.

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Oka told reporters “This is a great opportunity for us in the region, especially Nusa Penida, Bali, and Indonesia in general, to introduce this tourist attraction to the international community.”

He added, “Our hope is that in the future, supporting facilities in the tourist area will receive greater attention. As Nusa Penida becomes more well-known, it is hoped that this will lead to increased tourist visits and economic growth for the community.”

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“Thankfully, all activities proceeded smoothly until completion, without any significant obstacles and in line with everyone’s expectations.”

With a successful Red Bull Cliff Diving Series now in the bag, Bali is looking ahead to the next major sporting event on the calendar. From 19th – 21st June, the island will host the Oceanman open water swimming competition. 

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The open water swimming endurance event is open to serious athletes and the general public. The event will be hosted on Kedonganan Beach in Jimbaran, with the event hub hosted at the Platinum Hotel Jimbaran Beach Bali. The Oceanman series takes place across the world, with races having just taken place in Tabarca in Spain, and a race series set to be hosted in Lago d’Orta in Italy just days before the event comes to Bali. 

In true Oceanman form, there will be a Full Oceanman race (10km swim), a Half Oceanman (5km), and a 2km Sprint. Oceanteams races will cover the 3 x 500m swimming relay, and there will be 500m OceanKids races too.

Oceanman Bali 2026 is being hosted in partnership with the national tourism board, Wonderful Indonesia, and the Bali Tourism Authority, who have shared, “Get ready to experience the excitement of one of the world’s most iconic open water swimming events in paradise.”

“Join swimmers from around the globe and challenge yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Jimbaran while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Bali.”

The Bali Tourism Authority adds, “Three days filled with registration, expo, course trials, race day excitement, celebration, and unforgettable ocean experiences. Whether you come to compete, support, or enjoy the atmosphere, Bali is ready to welcome you. Swim the ocean. Feel the energy. Experience Bali.”

The event is popular with both Indonesian and international competitors, and registration is now open. Event registration includes accident insurance for all swimmers; however, private insurance is highly recommended. All finishers receive a medical, and there will be trophies for first, second, and third-place winners in all categories. 

If swimming is not your thing, then maybe you can get in on the sport tourism buzz in Bali by joining one of the many fun runs and community run club events that are being hosted this high season.

Bali’s Penglipuran Village will be hosting the Penglipuran-Run 2026 on 7th June, and Culture Run Bali will take place in Nusa Dua on 26th July 2026, to name but a few!