Bali to Host Red Bull Cliff Diving Series Opener 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia will open the 2026 global cliff diving season by hosting the first stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Bali on May 20–23, marking the country’s debut as a venue for the elite extreme sports circuit.

According to an official statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 24, the competition will launch the 2026 season with athletes competing for the King Kahekili Trophy.

Bali was selected for its dramatic natural landscapes and cultural backdrop, which organizers said reflect the character of the sport.

Two iconic locations have been prepared as competition sites: Kroya Waterfall in Buleleng regency and the T-Rex cliff at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Klungkung regency. Athletes will perform acrobatic dives into the waters of the Indian Ocean from extreme heights.

Seven-time consecutive world champion Rhiannan Iffland said Indonesia offers a distinctive experience compared to previous tour stops. “Red Bull Cliff Diving has taken us to many exotic waters around the world. Indonesia not only has stunning scenery, but also a culture that will enrich our experience,” Iffland said in the official release, as quoted by Antara.

A total of 24 male and female athletes from countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, France, Romania, and Mexico are scheduled to compete in Bali.

Alongside Iffland, the event will feature cliff diving legend Gary Hunt and record-holder Constantin Popovici, who holds the highest single-dive score in the competition’s history.

In the Bali leg, male divers will leap from a height of 27 meters, while female divers will jump from 21 meters, nearly three times higher than Olympic platform diving. Athletes can reach speeds of about 85 kilometers per hour during descent.

Klungkung Deputy Regent Tjokorda Gde Surya Putra said hosting the event provides momentum to further develop nature-based sports tourism in Bali. He added that the local administration is prepared to support the competition to ensure the best possible experience for athletes and crews arriving from around the world.

The 2026 Bali edition will also involve the Indonesian Navy as a strategic partner, supporting technical, operational, and security aspects throughout the event's preparation and staging. ***