Bali Prepares To Host Massive International Sports Event In Top Tourism Hotspot

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Bali is low-key becoming a sports tourism destination…who’d have thought it! From gyms to yoga, MMA to running, Bali is a hive of activity when it comes to sporty folks, both local residents and tourists alike. This month, the island is set to host a fun run for 20,000 eager participants in a very exciting destination indeed.

The run will be hosted in celebration of the ‘Road To 100 Years of Bali Tourism’ celebration that will be held this year. The 20,000-strong run will take place at the UNESCO World Heritage Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and is one of a series of events designed to promote local destinations in a sustainable and community-oriented way. 

Details of the event were revealed this week when the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, received an audience with the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA).  The Chairman of ASITA Bali, Putu Winastra, explained that the fun run will cover 5 and 10 kilometers options, starting at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces area. 

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Winastra explained, “Our theme is ‘begin the journey from Jatiluwih.’ Going forward, this event will be held in rotation in each regency in Bali as an effort to expand destination promotion.” More details will be revealed soon, but the fun run and the project have got the seal of approval from Governor Koster. 

The Governor explained, “I certainly fully support it. Bali tourism contributes significantly, accounting for around 53 percent of national tourism revenue and 45 percent of total international tourist visits.” 

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Sports tourism is really coming into its own in Bali, both in terms of organised sporting events and the provision of sports facilities within the tourism sector.

Take Canggu, for example. This resort area has more gyms than any other top tourism destination we here at The Bali Sun have ever visited; wouldn’t you agree?

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Fitness, wellness, and sports are becoming the key areas of focus for tourists who are opting for more active vacations and travel experiences than ever before. 

Bali is certainly levelling up to demand, and is even throwing its hat into the ring as hosting major sporting events, too. Alongside the upcoming run funs, Bali will also be hosting the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Nusa Penida from the 20th to the 23rd of May. 

The event will see 12 men and 12 women take to the diving board in one of the most iconic destinations in the world.

Red Bull Cliff Diving has shared, “For the first event of the year, we are traveling to a brand-new location in Bali!”

“Kicking things off at Kroya waterfall with a first-ever tree take-off point in a World Series competition for the final rounds, we’re heading to the iconic Kelingking Beach at Nusa Penida, two iconic and natural Bali spots, one unforgettable season opener awaits.”

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is a major international sporting event, and the stop off in Bali gives tourists and locals a chance to watch world-class athletes perform in the most extreme circumstances.

Red Bull explains,  “From heights of 27 metres for men and 21 metres for women, athletes perform complex, high-difficulty acrobatic and artistic manoeuvres, judged by an expert panel on execution, form, and entry.”

“At season’s end, the top-scoring men’s and women’s divers are crowned world champions and awarded the iconic King Kahekili Trophy along with the winner’s prize fund.” 

Final details about how to attend the competition at both Kroya Waterfall and Kelingking Beach will be confirmed nearer the time.

Red Bull have confirmed that a live stream will be available on Red Bull TV, with coverage starting on 24th May at 8pm local time.