Padel Takes Over Bali: Court Guide, Communities, and Investment Potential
Padel Takes Over Bali: Top Courts, Vibrant Communities, and Investment Potential
Padel is a fast-paced racquet sport combining elements of tennis and squash. In Bali, it is rapidly evolving from a tourist pastime into a thriving activity with an active community, solid infrastructure, and exciting opportunities for investors and developers. This article explores why padel is becoming a key part of Bali’s sporting and investment landscape, the best places to play, how to join the local scene, and what prospects it offers property owners.
What Is Padel and Why It's Gaining Popularity in Bali
Padel, originating from the Spanish Padel, is a doubles game played on a compact, enclosed court. It uses solid, stringless paddles and has a gameplay reminiscent of a mix between tennis and squash. While immensely popular in Europe and Latin America, it has been rapidly expanding across Southeast Asia — including Indonesia — since 2021.
Bali’s mild climate, high concentration of international residents, and active lifestyle culture make it the perfect host for this sport.
Why Padel Has Become a Hit Among Expats and Tourists
- Low barrier to entry: easy to start even without serious athletic background
- Social nature: all games are doubles, which encourages interaction
- Club format: padel venues serve as both sports and community hubs
- Range of events: from open training sessions to mixed-level tournaments
Bali’s Best Padel Courts: Canggu, Umalas, Sanur
As of December 2025, Bali boasts 10+ fully equipped padel clubs. These venues aim to offer more than court rentals — they often build tight-knit communities, provide coaching, offer loyalty perks for residents, and include leisure zones. Here's a comparison of the most popular spots:
| Club | Location | Features | Price (IDR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravity Padel Club | Canggu | 4 courts, café, Argentinian coaches, open tournaments | from 400,000 per session |
| Umalas Padel Club | Umalas | New equipment, fitness zone, resident subscriptions | from 350,000 |
| Bali Padel Center | Sanur | Focus on family programs and children's classes | 300,000–500,000 |
Many clubs also offer individual or group lessons with licensed coaches from Spain, Argentina, or Italy.
Padel as a Growth Tool for Developers and Investors
Since 2023, there's been a noticeable trend on Bali: villa owners and developers are increasingly integrating padel courts into high-end real estate projects. This is especially prominent in Berawa and Pererenan — areas with strong demand among expats and international investors.
Why a Padel Court Boosts a Property’s Investment Appeal
- Compact size: a court takes up around 200 m², easily integrated into most plots
- Attractive to renters: especially for long-term stays or high-season visitors
- Higher daily rates: courts can increase short-term rental income by 10–15%
- Community building: shared sport spaces enhance client loyalty
Actual returns vary based on location, infrastructure quality, and management strategy. According to Bali Property Forum, villas with a padel court in the Umalas area yield 12–17% more revenue than similar properties lacking sports amenities.
Community and Social Life Around Padel
Padel in Bali is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle that connects locals, digital nomads, and seasonal travelers alike.
How Padel Communities Work:
- Regular tournaments and “mixers” (where players of all levels partner randomly)
- Chats and match schedules shared via Telegram and WhatsApp
- Registration on Padelist.net — a matchmaking and global league signup platform
- Guest passes and club discounts for regular participants
Even if you’ve just arrived, you can start playing within days. Many clubs offer “intro sessions” where a coach explains the rules and helps match your skill level to other players.
How to Open a Court or Club: Legal Framework and Permits
Building and operating a padel court in Indonesia is a regulated and viable process — even for foreign investors.
Legal Structure and Licensing:
- SIUP (Surat Izin Usaha Perdagangan): commercial business license
- Land zoning: permitted in zones designated as Pariwisata (Tourism) or Olahraga (Sports)
- Hygiene regulations apply if there are locker rooms, showers, or food/beverage areas
Foreign Investment:
- Foreign investors must establish a PT PMA — an Indonesian legal entity with foreign capital
- Operations subject to standard corporate tax (PPh)
- Building a court costs between $25,000 and $60,000 depending on surfacing and supplier
How to Start Playing Padel in Bali
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for beginners looking to join the padel scene in Bali:
- Find the nearest court via Google Maps or Padelist
- Register for an open match or group session
- Get basic gear (many clubs also offer rental)
- Connect with other players, join club chats, and follow tournament schedules
No need to be a pro — most players on the island are recreational or intermediate. Yet, opportunities for improvement and tournament play are widely available from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a padel court in Bali?
On average, between 300,000 and 600,000 IDR per session (60–90 minutes). Some clubs offer memberships or multi-session discounts.
Is a license required to build a padel court?
Not for individuals, but for commercial clubs, you’ll need a SIUP license and proper land zoning compliance.
Can I invest in a padel court?
Yes, through a PT PMA structure. Operations can be managed by a local partner or management company, earning revenue via rentals or memberships.
Can you play solo or only doubles?
Padel is strictly a doubles sport, but many clubs organize mixers and matches that help pair players of different levels.
Conclusion: Padel Is More Than a Leisure Sport
The rise of padel in Bali is more than just a passing trend — it’s an established movement blending sport, community, and investment. For tourists and newcomers, it’s an accessible and social entry point; for residents, a structured lifestyle; for investors, a compact, high-yield opportunity.
Whether you're here for a season or building long-term infrastructure, padel could be the perfect addition to your lifestyle or investment strategy.
