Sports and fitness in Bali
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 $20 per lesson (surfboard rental included). And if you want to be guided by an experienced instructor, you'll pay between $40 and $60 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. 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 there's 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 attaches great significance to its practice. 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 Yoga Barn 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. Udara Bali in Canggu offers more active forms of yoga, including aerial acrobatics with acroyoga, hatha or vinyasa. The cost per class generally starts at $10 per class.
Some yoga shalas, such as Power of Now Oasis in Sanur or Yoga Rescue in Ungasan, 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 Bali MMA 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.
Dee Muay Thai 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 $500 annually, although some gyms offer monthly and daily memberships, but at higher prices.
Joining a community club, such as Klub Jimbaran 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.
Finns Recreation Club in Canggu offers a more upscale setting with its Splash Waterpark as well as Bali's only indoor trampoline center, Bounce. Families can also enjoy a bowling alley, a state-of-the-art gym, a tennis court and a 25-meter pool with sauna and steam room. Daily passes start at $50 for adults. The club also offers the Super Fun Pass, which provides free one-day access to Splash Water Park, Strike Ten Pinling bowling alley, Bounce Trampoline Center and the famous Finns Beach Club.
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