The Runner’s Guide to Bali: Beaches, Trails & Crews Worth Knowing

Between motorbike traffic, narrow sidewalks and seasonal rains, many routes can feel challenging or unsafe. That said, with a little planning, you’ll discover some truly rewarding runs, from beach promenades at dawn to serene rice-field loops and welcoming run communities. Here are your ideal spots and clubs to plug into.

Beaches & Scenic Spots

Seminyak Beach: The stretch of sand and promenade in Seminyak offers a longer beach run potential. According to running guides, the Seminyak beachfront can extend up to 7 km one-way towards Kuta or Segara Beach, mixing sand and paved sections. The key is to start early when traffic and crowds are light, choose the firmer sand or the paved boardwalk, and enjoy a run with a coastal view.

Sanur Beach: If you’re after something flatter, calmer and reliable, Sanur is hard to beat. There is a well-maintained seaside promenade stretching roughly 5-7 km from Mertasari Beach to Padang Galak. It’s ideal for early-morning runs when the sea breeze is cool and the sunrise is soft. While it lacks the drama of hills, it offers ease and beauty.

Nusa Dua Beach: This resort zone on Bali’s southern coast offers pedestrian paths along the coast and well-landscaped roads. People mark it as a good choice for running thanks to its relative safety and smooth surface. It’s particularly helpful if you’re staying in a resort around Nusa Dua and want a hassle-free morning run.

Kuta Beach: The iconic Kuta Beach extends along the coast and includes a boardwalk path of around 2.5 km to Jerman Beach. It’s convenient (especially if you’re staying nearby), but you’ll need to be alert for crowds, early-morning congestion and mixed paving underfoot.

Petitenget Beach: Petitenget (in Seminyak) can serve as a good pre-dawn run along the beachfront in a slightly quieter zone. Because the infrastructure is mixed (sand, pathways, surf-tourist traffic), approach it with awareness: aim for early hours, stick to the paved or firmer sand if available, and plan your turn-back before traffic picks up.

Seseh rice-fields: West of Canggu lies Seseh (and nearby Cemagi) with rice-field roads and quieter, scenic paths. A recent guide recommends Seseh & Cemagi for early-morning runners wanting to escape the paved-coast hustle. Expect semi-paved or narrow village roads, fewer pushbikes and more nature, but also less lighting and fewer amenities, so bring your gear accordingly.

Campuhan Ridge Walk Ubud: For a decidedly different kind of run, this Ubud trail is beautifully framed by ridge views, rice paddies and lush nature. While primarily known as a walk, it’s runner-friendly and paved, with gentle elevation. Best done early to avoid heat and other walkers, and realise that it may feel more relaxed-paced than a standard road run.

Run Clubs & Communities

Joining a local running club is one of the best ways to keep your mileage safe, social and well-paced in Bali’s unpredictable infrastructure. Here are clubs worth checking out:

Rise & Run (Canggu): This welcoming community run club invites runners of all levels. Weekly schedule shows runs on Tuesday at 6:15 am (4 km or 8 km loop), Thursday at 6:15 am (speed/sprint session) and Saturday at 7:00 am. Perfect if you’re staying in or near Canggu and want to join a group, grab coffee afterwards and stay connected.

Shuffle & Strides (Kuta): While the club has a strong mental-health awareness mission as a non-profit in Bali and Australia, it also engages with walking/running events and the community. Worth exploring if you’re looking for a community component beyond pure training. The club meets twice a week, Thursday at 5:30 PM and Saturday at 7:30 AM, with free breakfast provided on Saturday. 

IndoRunners Bali (Sanur): One of Indonesia’s larger running communities; their infamous Barong Morning Run is scheduled at 6:00 am every morning. Follow their social pages to check out their recent meet-up details.

Flowerboy Run Club (Seseh): A smaller but tight-knit evening-/morning-run crew based in Seseh, Bali. Routes typically 5 km or 10 km, twice weekly. If you’re based in or around the Seseh/Cemagi area, this is a community-driven option.

Continuum Athletics (Canggu): Continuum Athletics is where Bali’s runners push their limits together, blending science-backed programming with community spirit. Join the weekly sessions: Speed Tuesdays at Tatu Tatu Ink Club, Threshold Thursdays at Le Bajo, and the iconic Sunday Long Run at Body Factory Bali.

Riot (Kuta): With the motto “In RIOT We Run. In RIOT We Family.”, Riot unites runners through shared energy, community spirit, and purpose. From pacing the Maybank Marathon to hosting local runs like the Rock ’N’ Run 5K, RIOT keeps Bali’s running culture alive and inclusive.

Running in Bali may come with its quirks, but by choosing your route thoughtfully, running early and tapping into local communities, you’ll discover excellent options. From beachfront loops to rice-field escapes and club-social runs, there’s a pace and place here for almost every runner. Put on your shoes, plan your start time, and embrace Bali’s rhythm, one step at a time.