Typically speaking, when you think of Bali, you don’t immediately think of sports, right?
The idea of Bali conjures up images of dense jungles, amazing restaurants and mountains of fresh coconuts, stunning beaches, and quiet traditional villages.
That said, Bali is one of the best surfing destinations in the world.
This year Bali is leaning into its competitive edge and hosting a number of really cool sporting events.
From the Olympic World Beach Games to an epic Ultra-Marathon Trail Run to the Football World Cup (yes, you read that right!) And, of course, the annual surf competitions.
If you’re a lover of all things sports, then 2023 is the year for you to visit Bali.
The first big sporting event coming up in Bali is the BTR Bali Ultra 2023. The event is an incredible endurance race open for athletes and amateur trail runners. Arguably one of the most unique locations in the world, the race trail leads right up to the summit of Bali’s sacred Mount Batur.
The race will take place on 21st May, 2023, and registration closes on 20th April. Don’t fancy an ultra-marathon? No worries, the BTR Bali Ultra is an awesome opportunity to dip your toes into the exceptionally welcoming trail running community.
Naturally, the ultra-marathon itself covers 55km around Mount Batur and to the summit.
For those not quite feeling the ultra-endurance, there is a 30km trail run, and ideal for those testing their legs, there is a 15km and 7km trial. All finishers get a jersey, hoodie, and medal to commemorate their achievement.
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While many tourists head to Bali to explore, party, and chill on the beach, taking part in a trail run on one of the island’s most significant geological and cultural landmarks is surely a bucket list experience not to be missed.
Heading into August (giving you heaps of time to plan ahead), the sports offering in Bali gets even bigger. This time though, it’s strictly a spectator sport, but these performances will have you on the edge of your seat!
The tentative dates have been announced for the world-famous Rip Curl Padang Padang Surf Competition, from the 1st-31st of August.
Exact dates for preliminary, qualifying, and finals rounds will be announced nearer the time when the tides can be more accurately forecast.
This is the best way to see world-champion surfers in action. The competition is electric and inspires even the most aquaphobic of us to consider jumping on a board.
Padang Padang Beach is located in Bali’s up-and-coming tourist destination, Uluwatu. A small surfing town about to level up into a full tourist resort, Uluwatu is a must-visit in Bali in 2023. Check out Green Bowl Beach and Thomas Beach while you’re there too.
Staying with beach sports, leaders in Bali are super excited to host the second-ever World Beach Games in August 2023.
Tickets are on sale soon, so be sure to keep an eye on the ANOC World Beach Games website.
There will be over fifteen sports on show, with athletes from all around the world. Sports include the aquathon, beach soccer, beach wrestling, water polo, and of course, beach volleyball.
So far, over 1,500 international athletes have qualified for the competitions, and over the course of the games, there are 45 medals events up for grabs.
The ANOC World Beach Games in Bali 2023 will take place from the 5th – 12th of August, and after the success of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua in November 2023, Bali is committed to continuing to raise their game when it comes to hosting global events.
From the 20th of May to the 11th of June, 2023, Indonesia will host the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
While the finals will be held in Jakarta, qualifying rounds will be hosted across provinces in Indonesia, including Bali.
Registration for tickets is now open on the FIFA website, and the games promise to be electric. It’s an awesome chance to see the world’s best up-and-coming players before they truly hit the big time.
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Eduardo Costa
Sunday 19th of March 2023
You forgot to add the Fourthbyear of Functional Fitness competition "The Barong Games on November 2023 in Nusa Dua
Wayan Bo
Friday 17th of March 2023
Perhaps also Olympic Games in the future❗️❓