Rock climbing is a relatively new sport on Bali but the island is quickly making up for lost time.
We sent out our team to find the best climbing gyms and climbing spots on the island so that you can get out and explore the exciting routes that this paradise island has to offer.
Where To Find A Bali Climbing Gym
Bali has several places with climbing equipment and certified instructors for you to learn the basics of climbing before you go outdoors.
You can also practice on a climbing wall or two, if you’re worried that your skills have atrophied a little since you last climbed or if you want to test your ropes or climb at night when there’s no light in the natural world for you to start climbing in.
Bouldering Gym, Canggu (Bali Climbing Gym)
This Bali Climbing Gym is very small and it’s not that easy to find. However, it’s the only climbing gym in Canggu and Bouldering Gym is a very solid, reliable set-up for learning rock climbing.
The walls here are set up inside a sort of garage-like structure and they offer private coaching from fully certified instructors.
They don’t offer many outdoor events but if you contact them in advance they can take you on some popular climbing routes and ensure you have the right equipment for a small fee.
Our only complaint with Bouldering Gym is that it’s a bit limited and once you’ve mastered what they have on offer, you’re likely to get a bit bored.
We’d recommend you visit and try a session on their routes and then decide if you want to commit to anything longer-term.
Where Is It? Bouldering Gym, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Bali Climbing
Badung Climbing Gym
This gym has a simple setup outdoors for rock climbing and that means they have 6 boulder blocks, 1 speed climbing wall and a lead climbing wall.
So, if you want to do a lot of rock climbing in a gym environment, you might find this is a bit too limiting for regular use.
One thing we’ve noticed about this place is that the opening hours are almost random and you can’t just turn up and expect to use the facilities – you need to call in advance and ensure that somebody will be there.
There aren’t that many locations worth visiting in Badung for climbing mind you, so if you’re in that area this might be the only way to go.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll be sure to learn a thing or two and make some progress in the pleasant Bali sun.
Where Is It? Gg. Anggrek Jl. Pemelisan Agung No.7, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: N/A – Call +62 (0) 819 1625 9079
Eiger Flagship Store, Seminyak
This place has two walls. An outdoor climbing wall. This is huge but it sits in direct sunlight for much of the day and frankly, it gets unpleasantly hot at certain points.
Inside, you will find a decent bouldering wall at the top of the stairs and it’s very cheap to book a 2-hour session.
In our experience, there are very few people climbing in this part of Bali and that means you can get the whole place to yourself most of the time.
Eiger is also a great place to buy your climbing equipment and you’ll find that their staff has the expertise necessary to give you good advice on what you’ll need to go out into the great Balinese outdoors and tackle some real-world routes.
Where Is It? Jl. Sunset Road No.104, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Eiger
Monk Climbing Gym, Ubud
This small gym in Ubud is all about ensuring you have the basic skills to climb on the routes around the island.
They organize regular trips out to enjoy the scenery and cliffs of Bali and group climbs with this gym are a ton of fun.
The walls won’t keep you busy here forever, but they’re enough to get you started and to socialize with your fellow climbers before you move on to climb more interesting routes together on a trip.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Andong No.89, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
The Most Popular Climbing Spots In Bali
Mount Batur
Mount Batur is probably the most popular place with climbers in Bali and that’s because mountains are often more exciting than a challenging crag adventure.
You’ll need warm clothes and running shoes to climb in this part of Bali and you’ll want to start your trip in the early morning as the fun really comes when a climber gets a glimpse of the sunrise over the mountain as they test their skills.
Where Is It? South Batur, Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Mount Agung
Mount Agung is rather more challenging than Mt Batur and you’ll want to try your skills on the smaller easier mountain before tackling the slippery trails of the biggest volcano in Bali.
Be aware that climbing on Mount Agung is also dependent on the time of year as this mountain is sacred to the Balinese people and is often closed off to visitors for a month or more to allow for sacred rituals to take place.
Where Is It? Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Kintamani
Kintamani is a highland region and there are many extinct volcanoes in the area which allow for some exciting climbing opportunities.
You’ll get the best range of climbing experiences in Kintamani of any part of Bali.
Where Is It? Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Jimbaran
The cliffs at Jimbaran are also a very popular climbing spot and you should find it easy to find some space for you and your friends to tackle the routes here.
The good news is that because climbing is a relatively new sport here, none of the best spots tend to be too crowded.
Where Is It? Kedonganan, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Some Secret Unknown Climbing Spots?
There aren’t any secret unknown climbing spots in Bali but there are quite a few routes in places that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find them and these include the following spots:
Songan Village
Songan Village has two excellent crags and it’s one of the best places to climb here in Bali. Not many people know about it, so you may find that you can enjoy climbing here in complete peace.
Where Is It? Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Padang Padang Beach
This is a very popular beach and you will certainly see big crowds on the sand but you’ll find that it doesn’t matter when it comes to climbing.
In fact, you should have the rock climbing here all to yourself, so make sure you bring the right climbing equipment for your visit (don’t forget as you can’t hire any from the locals on this beach).
Then, it’s a question of choosing a time when the local monkeys aren’t running up and down the rock and following the routes up the cliff.
Be careful, though, as the bolts here aren’t exactly ideal and you want to go easy the first time you follow each route.
Where Is It? Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
Tebing Pondok Pemuda
This crag in Badung Regency is hard to find but it’s worth the effort you get an amazing view as you climb through the air as you head to the summit of this crag.
Where Is It? Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Balangan Beach
There are several routes up the cliffs on this beach and you should find that they’re never very busy, despite this being a popular place to enjoy the sea and sand.
Where Is It? Tibubeneng, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Samabe Beach
The entrance to Samabe Beach is through the Samabe Hotel, so you’ll want to arrange access with them but if you can get it, climbing in this ocean-side location is truly spectacular.
Where Is It? Sawangan, Nusa Dua Selatan 80363, Bali – Indonesia
FAQs
Can You Rock Climb In Bali?
Climbing in Bali is easy! You’ll find there are quite a few fellow climbers around and plenty of people who can teach climbing if you want to learn during your Bali trip.
However, while tackling various routes on the island can be a lot of fun. You need to approach each crag with caution as there’s no official body carrying out maintenance or safety checks.
Part of the adventure is taking responsibility for your own safety.
Which Island Has The Best Rock Climbing In Indonesia?
Bali has some great opportunities for climbers but so do many of the other islands here in Indonesia and perhaps the best route in the archipelago is on Mount Merapi in Java near Yogyakarta.
Many climbers come to Bali to get in some practice and pick up equipment before trying some of the more challenging locations around Indonesia.
After all, you don’t want to jump into something you’re not ready to handle, right?
We always recommend that you book your holidays in Bali through the Bali Res Centre. That’s a specialist local travel service that can ensure you get your needs as a climber met.
They can arrange flights, accommodation, transport, etc. and do so at a competitive price so that your trip is great value for money as well as great fun.
Final Thoughts On Bali Climbing
As you can see there are plenty of rock climbing opportunities here in Bali. You can enjoy a climb in many parts of the island and usually, you won’t have to drive too far to crack out the ropes and harness and get climbing.
However, you do need to be aware that you’re responsible for your own safety in Bali and that you should always approach routes with caution until you’re certain of what they are about.
