The days are sunny and warm with a refreshing ocean breeze to take the edge off the heat. The scenery is full of palm trees, greenery, colourful flowers, sandy beaches and rice fields. It feels remote and serene, yet it’s highly accessible. It’s not known as the ‘island of the gods’ for no reason. Yes, paragliding in Bali really is that good!
Paragliding in Bali is a popular choice for two types of people. The first type is the young, adventurous traveller, possibly a backpacker. These often travel from Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Europe, and are keen to try something new while they visit Bali and spend time at the bars, beaches and markets. Bali offers many opportunities for these travellers to sample tandem paragliding and enjoy a memorable experience.
The second type is the paragliding enthusiast, particularly someone who appreciates beautiful and relaxing outdoor scenery. Paragliding enthusiasts, even those who have glided in many countries, will appreciate the beauty, tranquility and natural attractions which Bali provides.
Ideally, the most consistently suitable weather conditions are during the dry season which is from April to November. However, suitable conditions can often be found all year round.
In this guide, we discuss the best options for both beginner tandem paragliders and intermediate to experienced pilots.
Tandem Paragliding in Bali
If this is your first time paragliding, or you’ve never flown by yourself before, tandem paragliding is the choice for you. And it’s a pretty good choice too! You can relax and enjoy the stunning views, while the pilot deals with the paraglider preparation, safety checks, launch, flying and landing.
Bali Paragliding provides tandem paragliding all through the year, as long as the weather is suitable. There are two launch sites, depending on the time of year you visit. In most cases, these flights will be scheduled between 1 and 4 in the afternoon, which is usually the most ideal time of day for wind speed.
During November to April, tandem paragliding is conducted at the Uluwatu site, launching at Nyang Nyang Cliff Beach. Launch above a greenery-covered cliff and soar above a long wide beach. The waters as well as the sky are blue, clear and amazing.
From May to October all tandem paragliding flights take off from the Sawangan Cliff site in Nusa Dua, which offers a similar style of scenery.
Bali Paragliding offers these tandem paragliding trips which last for about 10-15 minutes of airtime. Anyone over the age of 5 and weighing less than 100 kilograms can give this a go. You’ll be given a wide-angle digital camera to use; after the flight all photos and videos will be sent to you to show your friends and enjoy.
Prices range from $91 to $110 USD, find out more or book your trip here
Intermediate/Advanced Paragliding Locations
In the past, some pilots have walked up and paraglided off the volcanos of Mount Agung and Mount Batur. However since 2016 there has been volcanic activity and ash clouds from these two volcanos. We don’t recommend using these paragliding locations anymore, especially when Bali has such excellent alternatives.
Ubud
Ubud is typically known as the cultural capital of Bali. The scenery of a lush green cliff above a sandy beach with palm trees is truly majestic. Paragliding enthusiasts will notice that Ubud’s short steep cliff above the coast makes it an excellent place to catch the thermals.
Timbis Beach, Kuta
Timbis Beach is a vast long stretch of white sandy beach on the bottom of Bali, facing the Indian Ocean. It’s a bit more open and exposed and doesn’t have the development and mass tourism which many others areas have. The cliffs offer a great place to launch and when you’re ready to land, the beach offers plenty of room for a safe landing.
Sawangan Cliff, Nusa Dua
Another great south-facing beach, you can soar off the high limestone cliffs and over the blue Indian Ocean. There’s lots of space and greenery here, and you’re only a short hike from some great beach hut accommodation. This is a great place to stay for a few days, enjoy your paragliding and relaxation, and avoid the tourist crowds.
Uluwatu
Paraglide over long, gradual sloping green cliffs and take in views of Nyang Nyang Beach, smaller hidden surf beaches and the Pura Lahur Sea Temple. If your staying in Bali during the wet season, you might still get some good paragliding days here, even a number of the safety-focussed paragliding schools still use this place during wet season (in suitable conditions of course).
