10 Awesome Family Sports in Bali – Indonesia Expat


Heading to Bali with sports-mad kids in tow? Fear not, Mums and Dads – there’s no need to get your tummy in a twist, as Bali has plenty of ways to keep your children entertained on holiday.

The action-packed, tropical playground is full of fun sports for families of all ages. Why not enjoy sports such as go-karting, rock-climbing, paintballing and whitewater rafting? To earn some extra “cool parent points” during your trip, we have compiled a list of the top ten most awesome sports in Bali – fun times for the whole family!

Go-Karting
Bali Speed Go-Kart is a specialised racetrack in Tuban where your family can compete for the best lap times. A professional timing system tracks laps and you will have the chance to have your name on their daily, weekly, and monthly scoreboards. All drivers need to be at least 48 inches tall, at least six years of age, and have a parent or guardian sign a Minor Release Liability Form. Their karts are well equipped and safety measures are in place, such as marshals, tyre walls, helmets, and seatbelts. www.balispeedgokart.com

Ten Pin Bowling
Strike it lucky at the latest and greatest, modern ten-pin bowling experience in Bali. Strike at Finns Recreational Club is a fun and family-friendly day out. There are six lanes with automatic pinsetters and a computerised system for scoring, and even bumpers available to keep the balls from going off track for the less experienced bowlers. Tuck into family-sized pizzas at their air-conditioned restaurant. Whether you are three years old or 70 years young, Strike Ten Pin Bowling is a great way to get active whilst having a blast. Let the good times roll. www.strikebali.com

Paintballing
If your kids love competitive, fun-filled sports, while being immersed in nature, then they’ll love Tropical Thunder Paintball Bali. Offering families the most action-packed day on the island, this brand new, jungle warzone is just 15 minutes from Canggu. Equipment is provided, including overalls to protect your clothes, so guests only need to bring shoes. This fun day out requires a minimum age of ten to 12 years, and parental supervision. Friendly, helpful staff contribute to a great experience! www.tropicalthunderpaintballbali.com

Rock Climbing
Let your little ones scale the walls to their heart’s content at Bali Climbing, the only climbing and bouldering gym in Canggu. This open-air climbing facility prides itself on the professional climbers and certified instructors who can help your family get fit in a kid-friendly, safe, and supportive environment. The cool, walk-in gym is situated close to the beach and accommodates all climbing levels with rock climbing shoes provided as well as professional supervision on hand. Kids classes are available daily, 4pm–5pm. www.bali-climbing.com

Mixed Martial Arts
Bali MMA is Asia’s premier, mixed martial arts gym. Their talented coaches are always striving to provide guests with the best instruction and a tough workout within a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. At Bali MMA you can let the kids loose at their Kids Jiu-Jitsu classes. Designed for children between seven and 14 years, Bali MMA believes that all youngsters should know how to defend themselves in the event of an altercation. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also teaches children how to conduct themselves in a group setting and instills confidence, discipline, teamwork skills, and the importance of respect. www.balimma.com

Climbing Mount Batur
Take this mountain hike and your family can witness one of Bali’s best views, above the clouds on Mount Batur! The island’s favourite volcano hike only takes a few hours, and is not too challenging (no proper hiking boots needed), so most active children of any age can do it. You’ll need to get up early though, as the package includes a mountaintop breakfast at sunrise to beat all the other hikers. Pickup, transport, entrance fees, flashlights, experienced guides, and breakfast are all included with Bali Sunrise Tours. www.balisunrisetours.com

Learn to Wakeboard
Bali Wake Park is the island’s first and only cable park venue for wakeboarding, skiing and kneeboarding, spread over a five-hectare lake that can accommodate up to eight riders at one time. Suitable for all levels (there are beginner boards and jumps and rails for pros), it’s a fab day out for families, with a bar, pool, and restaurant overlooking the lake. The wake park is located 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport making it an easy day out without being stuck in a car for too long! www.baliwakepark.com

Quad Bike on the Beach
Designed for families with young kids, Aussie Bali Adventures is the only ATV company permitted on the beach in Bali where you can ride along countless miles of remote black sand beaches, up through scenic rice fields, across jungle tracks, and down through traditional local villages. Many say it’s the best 2 hours they spent in Bali, with amazing scenery and so much diversity. Kids can ride with their parents from 2 years and above, or by themselves from ten to 12 years and above, depending on experience. www.aussiebaliadventures.com

Rip Curl Water Sports
Not only a surfing mecca for little groms, Rip Curl School of Surf, Jl Arjuna (Double Six Beach), offers a whole host of family lessons and courses in kite surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, foiling, paddle boarding, diving, and more. All the necessary equipment is provided and the instructors are all highly trained. Kids have the opportunity to ride new boards, score fun waves and explore unspoiled reefs. Your ultimate family experience is bound to happen at the island’s favourite School of Surf. www.ripcurlschoolofsurf.com

Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting with Mason Adventures offers the longest, wet and wild ride and thrilling scenic journey along the enigmatic Ayung River. Top quality equipment and facilities are provided, including air-conditioned transfers, insurance, changing rooms, and even a gourmet buffet lunch. The Ayung River in Ubud has small rapids with a river difficulty classification of grade 2-3, which means it’s very suitable for children and beginners who want to participate in the Bali rafting experience. www.masonadventures.com