Padel in Bali and Lombok: Reasons It’s the Next Big Sports Phenomenon in 2025 and Beyond

Introduction: A New Wave of Island Fitness

In recent years, a new sport has been quietly making waves across tropical destinations—one that blends the social energy of tennis with the accessibility of squash. This sport is padel, and it’s quickly becoming a must-have feature in high-end leisure and resort culture. From beachfront resorts to private villa complexes, padel courts are no longer just an add-on—they’re becoming a central attraction for guests and residents alike.

The rise of Padel in Bali and Lombok has been remarkable. What began as a curiosity among European expats is now a thriving community that includes tourists seeking unique activities and locals eager to try something fresh. The sport’s low barrier to entry—combined with its fun, fast-paced nature—has made it appealing to players of all ages and skill levels.

For investors, this trend is more than just a fleeting holiday activity. The growing appetite for health-conscious, socially engaging leisure experiences positions Padel in Bali and Lombok as a niche with enormous potential. Whether integrated into luxury resorts, beach clubs, or standalone sports centers, padel courts are attracting a steady stream of players and spectators, opening the door to new revenue models in both tourism and real estate.

As this wave of island fitness continues to build, those who act early could ride it toward one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting sports and lifestyle ventures.

Padel’s Global Momentum and Local Boom

Padel has transformed from a niche sport in Spain into a global sensation, now boasting over 25 million players across more than 90 countries. According to international sports reports, it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, surpassing traditional racket sports in participation growth. The appeal is simple: padel is easy to learn, physically engaging, and highly social—qualities that make it perfect for today’s active, experience-driven travelers.

Against this global backdrop, Bali has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s earliest adopters of the sport. As travel media like Coconuts and The Clubhouse highlight, the island is becoming a hub for padel enthusiasts, attracting both seasoned players and curious first-timers. Resorts and private clubs have quickly recognized the marketing advantage of featuring a padel court alongside their wellness and leisure offerings.

One standout success story is Jungle Padel, which has rapidly expanded its presence on the island. In just a few years, it has grown from a single location to multiple venues, offering dozens of courts and catering to thousands of players each month. Its growth is mirrored by a rising number of boutique clubs and hotel-based courts, each contributing to the visibility and appeal of Padel in Bali and Lombok.

Lombok, following closely behind Bali’s lead, is beginning to see its own padel scene take shape—especially in tourist-favored areas near Senggigi and the Gili Islands. Here, developers and hospitality brands are adding courts as part of larger recreational projects, recognizing the sport’s ability to draw both international tourists and the growing community of expats who seek an active island lifestyle.

With global popularity on the rise and local adoption accelerating, the momentum behind Padel in Bali and Lombok shows no signs of slowing. The combination of a vibrant tourist market, an expanding expat base, and a supportive leisure culture positions these islands to become Southeast Asia’s flagship destinations for the sport.

Why Padel Appeals to Tourists & Investors

One of the key reasons Padel in Bali and Lombok is rapidly gaining traction lies in its universal appeal. The sport’s rules are simple enough for beginners to pick up in minutes, yet it offers the intensity and strategy that experienced racket-sport players crave. For tourists with backgrounds in tennis, badminton, or squash, padel becomes an instant connection point—a familiar game in a fresh, tropical setting.

In the tourism landscape, Bali and Lombok are already established hubs for wellness and active travel. Padel fits seamlessly into this trend. Resorts and boutique hotels are starting to position themselves as “active holiday” destinations, offering a mix of yoga, surfing, and now padel. The “padel + wellness” concept is emerging as a unique selling point, where visitors can combine their love of sport with rejuvenating spa treatments, nutritious cuisine, and beachside relaxation.

For investors, this synergy between sport and wellness opens the door to new business models. Imagine a padel retreat package—mornings on the court, afternoons surfing Lombok’s waves, and evenings with guided meditation. These hybrid experiences tap into a growing global market of health-conscious travelers seeking something beyond the typical sightseeing itinerary.

What’s more, Padel in Bali and Lombok benefits from being an “Instagrammable” sport. The compact court design, the backdrop of turquoise waters or lush rice fields, and the community-driven atmosphere create the kind of shareable moments that amplify a brand’s presence online. This organic marketing potential can significantly lower promotional costs while increasing reach.

Early adopters stand to benefit most. With relatively few high-quality facilities currently available, investors entering the market now can secure prime locations and establish brand dominance before the scene becomes crowded. From boutique sports clubs to partnerships with luxury resorts, Padel in Bali and Lombok offers a rare combination of lifestyle appeal, market growth, and early-mover advantage—making it one of the most exciting niche sports investments in Southeast Asia today.

Investment Realities: Court Setup & Business Models

For entrepreneurs considering sports-related ventures, Padel in Bali and Lombok offers an enticing blend of lifestyle appeal and solid revenue potential. Setting up a padel court, however, requires careful budgeting and strategic decision-making. Based on market insights, the cost of building one court can range between IDR 600 million and 1.2 billion, depending on materials, land conditions, and whether the design is indoor or outdoor (BFI Finance).

Indoor padel courts often require higher initial investment due to roofing, lighting, and ventilation needs. They offer the advantage of year-round play unaffected by Bali and Lombok’s tropical rains, which can be crucial during the wet season. Outdoor courts, while more affordable to build, demand ongoing maintenance and weatherproofing strategies. Investors must weigh the balance between upfront costs and long-term usability when entering the Padel in Bali and Lombok market (fortunepadel.com).

The location strategy is equally vital. Resorts and high-end hotels are increasingly integrating padel courts into their facilities to attract active travelers. For instance, the Hyatt Samara Lombok includes padel courts as part of its wellness and sports offering (Hyatt Newsroom). These partnerships can significantly boost occupancy rates and guest satisfaction while opening avenues for additional income streams.

Business models for Padel in Bali and Lombok are diverse:

• Hourly rentals for casual players and visiting tourists.
• Coaching programs targeting beginners, children, and competitive players.
• Community memberships that encourage repeat play and foster social engagement.
• Tournaments and events to attract regional players and sponsors.

Combining padel courts with cafés, sports bars, or co-working spaces can increase dwell time and spending per visitor. As the sport continues to grow in the region, early investors who blend premium facilities with strong community engagement are poised to secure long-term profitability and brand loyalty in the Padel in Bali and Lombok ecosystem.

Licensing, Land, and Community Dynamics

One of the key factors for success in Padel in Bali and Lombok is securing the right location and meeting the legal requirements. In Lombok, investors benefit from comparatively lower land acquisition or lease costs compared to Bali, as well as potential incentives in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) designed to attract tourism and sports-related developments. This makes Lombok a particularly attractive option for those seeking early-mover advantages in the emerging padel scene.

From a legal standpoint, licensing involves more than just setting up a business. Investors must navigate Indonesia’s OSS (Online Single Submission) system, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and the classification of sports facilities under local laws. Correct permits, from building approval to operational licenses, are essential to avoid costly delays or shutdowns.

In Bali, beyond the paperwork, the cultural element is crucial. Engaging with the Banjar—the traditional community council—can significantly impact the project’s acceptance. Successful investors often approach these relationships with respect, transparency, and community benefit in mind, such as hosting local tournaments or offering free youth training sessions.

For both islands, building brand trust early matters. Aligning your project with local tourism boards, resort partners, or sports associations can strengthen credibility. As the popularity of Padel in Bali and Lombok grows, those who establish strong community ties now are likely to hold a competitive edge in brand recognition and customer loyalty.

Case Studies: Success Stories & Community Impact

The rapid rise of Padel in Bali and Lombok is best illustrated by the success stories already shaping the sport’s identity in Indonesia. Jungle Padel, for example, has expanded from a single location to multiple venues across Bali in just a few years. Its combination of high-quality courts, coaching programs, and community tournaments has attracted both resident players and visiting tourists, with some locations seeing daily foot traffic in the hundreds. This kind of growth demonstrates the scalability potential for investors entering the market early.

Sanur Padel Club has taken a different but equally effective approach—integrating padel into a broader lifestyle experience. Alongside professional courts, the club offers a café, a pro shop, and social spaces where players can relax and network. This model positions Padel in Bali and Lombok not just as a sport but as a social and wellness-driven activity, appealing to the island’s active-lifestyle demographic.

At the national level, the Persatuan Besar Padel Indonesia (PBPI) has been advocating for greater recognition of padel, including its inclusion in multi-sport events such as PON 2024. This push has created a sense of momentum and legitimacy, further boosting investor confidence.

For many investors, Bali is already considered a “padel paradise” in Asia thanks to its tourism appeal, expat community, and growing sports infrastructure. Lombok, while less saturated, is emerging as the next frontier, offering room for innovation and long-term brand establishment. Together, these success stories highlight that Padel in Bali and Lombok is more than a passing trend—it’s a sustainable growth opportunity with deep community impact.

Challenges to Prepare For

While the potential for Padel in Bali and Lombok is undeniable, investors must also prepare for challenges that could impact profitability and growth. One key factor is seasonality. Tourist arrivals in these islands can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with high seasons boosting court bookings and low seasons requiring creative marketing to maintain steady revenue. Successful operators often counter this by engaging local communities through leagues, school programs, and discounted packages during quieter months.

Maintenance and staffing are another consideration. Padel courts, especially outdoor ones, require regular upkeep to ensure top-quality play surfaces. Weather conditions in tropical climates—intense sun, humidity, and occasional heavy rain—can shorten the lifespan of court materials if not managed properly. Alongside this, there’s the need for trained local staff, from court managers to certified coaches. Investing in skill development not only improves service quality but also fosters community buy-in.

Reaching beyond the expat community is crucial for long-term sustainability. While many foreign residents and visitors already embrace padel, capturing the interest of local players is key. This often means lowering price barriers and positioning the sport competitively against more familiar activities like badminton or futsal. Offering introductory clinics, school partnerships, and youth programs can help widen the sport’s appeal.

Finally, the administrative side can pose hurdles. Licensing or permit delays—especially when navigating zoning laws, OSS regulations, or Banjar agreements in Bali—can slow project timelines. Investors should plan for these potential setbacks in their financial and operational projections.

With careful preparation for these factors, entrepreneurs can ensure that their Padel in Bali and Lombok ventures are resilient, inclusive, and positioned for steady growth—even in the face of inevitable challenges.

Practical Growth Tactics for Investors

For those looking to establish a competitive edge, choosing the right location is one of the most powerful levers. Early adopters who secure space in Lombok’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or within luxury resort complexes can benefit from built-in customer traffic and premium pricing opportunities. These areas are already targeting affluent tourists and wellness travelers—audiences likely to appreciate the novelty and social aspects of padel. In Bali, prime locations near popular beach clubs or integrated within mixed-use developments can ensure year-round visibility and access to both locals and visitors.

On the marketing side, investors can position Padel in Bali and Lombok as part of the broader wellness and lifestyle movement. Bundling court access with spa treatments, yoga classes, or healthy dining packages appeals to both health-conscious travelers and residents. Collaborating with influencers—particularly those in the fitness, travel, or luxury lifestyle niches—can quickly amplify awareness. Hosting tournaments or charity matches not only brings publicity but also builds a sense of community around the sport.

Thinking beyond the launch phase, scalability should be baked into the business model from day one. A successful initial venue can serve as the prototype for franchising, either under a single brand identity or through partnerships with hotels and resorts. Expansion into other islands like Sumbawa, Flores, or even the Riau Archipelago offers opportunities to tap into emerging tourism markets while spreading operational risk.

In short, the right blend of strategic placement, creative marketing, and long-term growth planning can transform a single court investment into a regional sports brand. For investors who recognize the rising popularity of Padel in Bali and Lombok, the path to profitability lies in pairing early-mover advantage with sustainable, scalable execution.

Conclusion: Why Now Is the Time for Padel in Bali and Lombok

The momentum is undeniable. Globally, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports, and the tourism-driven landscapes of Bali and Lombok are perfectly positioned to embrace it. Here, the mix of high visitor traffic, affordable operational costs compared to other resort destinations, and a growing appetite for active, social experiences creates a unique investment climate. Add to this the increasing adoption by local communities and recent clarity around licensing and permits, and the case for entering the market becomes even stronger.

For resort owners, adding Padel in Bali and Lombok is more than just a new amenity—it’s a differentiator that can attract high-value guests, extend their length of stay, and boost ancillary spending. For private investors, the opportunity lies in securing prime locations and building brand recognition before the sport becomes saturated.

The window to be an early mover is open now. By acting quickly, investors can secure the advantages of first-choice sites, strategic partnerships, and market buzz. Those who establish Padel in Bali and Lombok today will be well-positioned to lead tomorrow’s leisure and sports tourism wave in Indonesia.

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