KLUNGKUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia has been selected to host the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series for the first time, with Bali set to open the 2026 season from May 20–23.
The international extreme sports competition will feature elite athletes performing acrobatic cliff dives at two iconic locations in Bali: Kroya Waterfall in Buleleng and the T-Rex Cliff at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida.
Seven-time world champion Rhiannan Iffland said Bali offers more than dramatic landscapes.
“Red Bull Cliff Diving has taken us to exotic waters around the world, from beautiful cliffs to hidden natural pools. What makes Indonesia special is not only the stunning scenery, but also its cultural richness, which I believe will enrich our cliff diving experience,” she said in a statement released Wednesday (Feb 25, 2026).
Bali was chosen as the opening venue due to its distinctive natural and cultural landscape. The competition for the King Kahekili Trophy will begin amid the tropical forest surroundings of Kroya Waterfall before culminating at the towering limestone cliffs of Kelingking Beach, where athletes will dive into the waters of the Indian Ocean.
The 2026 series will feature 24 male and female world-class cliff divers representing countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, France, Romania, and Mexico.
Alongside Iffland, prominent athletes competing in Bali include Gary Hunt, a Red Bull Cliff Diving legend with 80 podium finishes in 104 competitions, and Constantin Popovici, holder of the highest score in the competition’s history.
Athletes will perform from heights of 27 meters for men and 21 meters for women—nearly three times the height of Olympic diving platforms—reaching speeds of approximately 85 kilometers per hour during descent.
Klungkung Deputy Regent Tjokorda Gde Surya Putra said hosting the event marks an important milestone for Indonesia and Bali in developing nature-based sports tourism.
“The Island of the Gods is ready to offer an extraordinary experience for athletes and the entire Red Bull Cliff Diving crew coming from around the world,” he said.
Last year’s 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving championship generated more than 3.3 billion views on social media, presenting significant global exposure for host destinations.
Red Bull has partnered with the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) as a strategic partner for the event. The Navy’s support will include technical, operational, and security assistance during both preparation and competition days to ensure readiness as Bali hosts the 2026 season opener.