For the first time, Bali has been selected to host the opening event of the 2026 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, the world’s most prestigious cliff diving competition.
The event, which will see athletes compete for the King Kahekili Trophy, is scheduled to take place from the 20th to the 23rd of May, 2026. Organisers have prepared two locations that simultaneously showcase Bali’s natural splendour: Kroya Waterfall in Buleleng Regency and the T-Rex Cliff in Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida.
Bali was chosen as the host destination for its combination of natural landscapes and cultural heritage, which is considered an ideal setting for a cliff diving competition.
A total of 24 athletes, consisting of 12 men and 12 women, from various countries will take part. The men will dive from a height of 27 metres, while the women will dive from 21 metres, reaching speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour during descent. These heights are nearly three times those seen in Olympic diving events, with athletes hitting the water at speeds approaching 85 kilometres per hour. At the end of the season, the competitor with the highest overall score will be crowned world champion and awarded the King Kahekili Trophy.
The 2026 series will feature some of the biggest names in cliff diving. Seven-time world champion Rhiannan Iffland is set to compete alongside legendary diver Gary Hunt and record-breaking scorer Constantin Popovici.
“Red Bull Cliff Diving has taken us to exotic waters around the world, from dramatic cliffs to hidden natural pools. What makes Indonesia special is that, beyond its stunning scenery, the country also offers a rich cultural heritage that I believe will enrich our cliff diving experience,” Iffland said in an official statement on Tuesday, the 24th of February.
The Deputy Regent of Klungkung, Tjokorda Gde Surya Putra, expressed his full support for the competition, welcoming it as a significant milestone in the development of nature-based sports tourism in Bali.
“The Island of the Gods is ready to provide an extraordinary experience for the athletes and the entire Red Bull Cliff Diving team, who come from all over the world,” Putra told the press as well.
In addition, to ensure the smooth delivery of the event, Red Bull will also collaborate with the Indonesian Navy as a strategic partner in technical, operational and security matters.