
Bali is surrounded by beaches and beautiful coral reefs, so it comes as no surprise that surfing is the number one sport among expats on the island. From waves for novices in Kuta to the tubes and barrels of Uluwatu for seasoned surfers, Bali offers a wide array of sporting activities for expats of every age and level.
Surfing in Bali
If you've never surfed in your life but want to take the plunge, here's some good news for you! There are surf schools on just about every beach in Bali where you can learn to master the waves in a laid-back style for about USD 20 (IDR 330,000) per lesson (surfboard rental included). And if you want to be guided by an experienced instructor, you'll pay between USD 40 (IDR 680,000) and USD 60 (IDR 1,000,000) per lesson. Some surf schools, such as Odyssey Surf School in Kuta, provide certified multilingual guides (English, Japanese, German, etc.) and offer private, group and kids' lessons.
For more experienced surfers, a surf camp is a worthy option. True to its name, this type of surf resort includes a dormitory and also offers the option of renting a private room with services in addition to surf lessons, as well as transportation around the island to enjoy the best spots. Some of the most popular include , and , also in Canggu.
Here's another one for surfers: Bali hosts a number of competitions, most of which are open to the public. Some of the most famous are the Hurley Bingin Open, which takes place on Bingin beach every October, the Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge, and the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang. In recent years, Bali has also hosted the prestigious World Surf League, which tours the world each season to some of the best surfing spots to hold professional competitions and crowns a world champion each year.
Doing yoga in Bali
As the yoga capital of Asia, Bali places great significance on yoga. From the southern shores of Uluwatu to the hilly forests of Ubud, there is always something for the yoga enthusiast.
Some yoga centers go beyond the traditional yoga shala by offering integrated holistic healing services. The renowned in central Ubud offers a complete experience that includes 100 yoga, meditation and dance classes per week, as well as healing and Ayurvedic treatments, astrology sessions, acrobatic yoga, ecstatic dances and kirtan (Hindu devotional chanting) concerts. in Canggu offers more active forms of yoga, including aerial acrobatics with acroyoga, hatha or vinyasa. The cost per class generally starts at USD 10 (IDR 170,000) per class.
Some yoga shalas, such as in Sanur or , offer a 10-class membership. Check out their social media as well, as free or giveaway classes are offered occasionally.
Martial arts and combat sports in Bali
Should you prefer more action sports, you will be pleased to also find several martial arts and extreme sports courses in Bali that include the renowned in Canggu, one of the most famous dojos on the island. There you can practice a wide variety of martial arts classes, from Thai boxing to kickboxing to Brazilian jujitsu. Classes are generally open to all levels.
in Kerobokan also offers a training camp dedicated to those who want to specialize in Muay Thai. The center has accommodations, facilities and a restaurant.
Sports clubs in Bali
And if you don't know where to start, you can join a gym or health club. Memberships usually start at USD 500 (IDR 8,500,000) annually, though some gyms offer monthly and daily memberships at higher prices.
Various sports are incredibly popular across the island – alongside plenty of gyms, you'll be able to find courts for futsal, badminton and padel in any urban location.
Joining a community club, such as in Jimbaran, can be a viable and cost-effective solution for families. The club houses a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, futsal courts, a basketball court, and offers Zumba, aerobics, yoga, Pilates, Balinese dance classes, as well as martial arts for all levels. Children can also sign up for swimming lessons.
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