Bali may be recognized as the number one travel destination in the world for 2026 according to TripAdvisor, but the island is increasingly making headlines for a complex mix of success and systemic failure.
Growing concerns over trash and traffic congestion are now impacting both local residents and tourists, leading many holidaymakers to question whether these issues will disrupt their vacations. Local leaders are increasingly acknowledging the severity of these problems, with many calling for urgent action to resolve them.
Sports Tourism as a Catalyst for Change
As Bali shifts its focus toward promoting sports tourism in 2026, these infrastructure and environmental challenges have taken center stage. This week, the province will host the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series from May 20th to 23rd. The event will be live-streamed online and will take place across various cliff diving locations in Nusa Penida.
Nyoman Sujantara, a Bali-based sports tourism expert, suggests that while these issues are a hurdle, the sports niche provides a critical opportunity to address them. Sujantara warns that traffic jams are the “main enemy of sports tourism,” noting that major events require fast mobility for spectators, officials and athletes.
“If athletes are delayed due to traffic, it will certainly impact the event,” Sujantara told reporters.
The Divide in Readiness
According to Sujantara, Bali possesses a “two faces” reality. On one hand, the island is well-prepared in terms of hospitality, culture, and branding. Existing assets include the Bali United Training Center, world-class running tracks, and beaches suitable for beach games.
However, a significant gap exists between controlled events and large-scale competitions. Sujantara believes Bali is ready for international-level sporting events in areas with mature infrastructure, such as Nusa Dua. Conversely, he asserts that the province is not yet fully prepared for multi-sport events like the Southeast Asian Games or the National Games (PON) under current conditions.
“We’re ready, with notes,” Sujantara explained. “We’re ready for controlled-scale events in locations with established infrastructure. But we’re not ready for multi-sport events like the PON or SEA Games in the current situation.”
The Environmental Imperative
The success of Bali’s sports tourism ambitions is closely tied to the health of its natural landscape. Because sports such as surfing, triathlons, trail running, and cliff diving interact directly with the environment, a “clean and green image” is considered essential.
Sujantara highlighted that waste in landfills and on beaches remains a persistent challenge that could threaten the public image of the island and the well-being of athletes.
Future Outlook
The trajectory of Bali’s sports sector may depend on the province’s ability to manage its fundamental infrastructure. If issues regarding venue management, waste, and traffic congestion can be seriously addressed, Bali could potentially establish itself as a leading sports tourism hub in Southeast Asia.
According to Sujantara, resolving these core issues would provide a “strong foundation” for the Island of the Gods to consistently bring world-class events to its shores.