Bali is officially a sporty place. As an island best known for sun, sea, and sand, the holiday hotspot is really making a name for itself in the world of sports and fitness.
From run clubs to the Canggu gym boom, through to the airy yoga studios of Ubud and the world-class surf hub of Uluwatu, Bali is an increasingly active island.
Believe it or not, Bali is about to host the World Championships for the US’s fastest-growing sport. No, it’s not padel. It’s Pickleball. In September 2026, Bali will host the World Pickleball Championships for the fifth time.
The event has been slowly making more traction and picking up more attention over the last few years, and September’s event is set to be the biggest Pickleball competition the island has ever seen.
The World Pickleball Championship series shares, “Pickleball isn’t just a sport — it’s a movement that can unite people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. It’s a game built on community, passion, and the simple joy of playing.” But for those unfamiliar, what is Pickleball?
The game is often described as the meeting of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. Played as singles or doubles, on a court the third of the size of a tennis court, players cannot volley the ball over the net within a 7-foot area, and therefore the ball must be allowed to bounce on the serve. Since the game has a quick learning curve, is highly sociable, and is considered less intense than padel, the game has grown massively in the last few years.
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the US for the last five years, and across Indonesia, too. Sport in Indonesia is growing massively, with Pickleball, Esports, Padel, Cricket, and Running amongst the top five fastest-growing sports nationwide.
In Bali, padel and running are the most popular sports and are bringing together local communities, tourists, and international residents all across the island.
Speaking to a reporter earlier this year, the Indonesian Minister for Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, explained how he and his teams will be supporting the rise of Pickleball in Indonesia.
He shared, “The court size is also similar to badminton. I believe this sport has the potential for massive growth. With the rise of pickleball and many potential athletes, we will definitely step in and fully support it so that we achieve success.”
Tourists who want to play pickleball while on vacation in Bali are in luck, as there are plenty of spots to get involved. The Bali Pickleball Club is the best starting point, as well as the Mourtoglou Tennis Center in Uluwatu and Daly Pickleball in Ubud.
In Denpasar, INDOPADEL has both padel and pickleball courts, and over in Canggu, Bali Padel Academy and ISC Bali also both offer pickleball options.
Staying fit, active, and playful while on vacation in Bali has never been easier. Over the next few months, Bali will be hosting a series of community-based sports events and major international championships for sports lovers to get involved with.
Culture Run Bali 2026 will be hosted on the stunning Peninsula Island in Nusa Dua, on the 26th July 2026, as a celebration of culture, environmental awareness, and sport. The event is open for local residents and visitors to Bali, and registration opens soon.
With 5km, 10km, and half-marathon routes available, the Culture Run Bali team has shared “Not just about pace. Not just about distance. This is where energy meets connection. Where every step brings people, stories, and moments together. Get ready for something bigger than just a run. This is your journey.”
Those seeking something a little more adrenaline-fuelled should check out the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which will be hosted in Nusa Penida from the 20th to the 23rd of May. Strictly a spectator sport, the championships will see 24 world-class divers compete at Kroya Waterfall and Kelingking Beach.
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