7 Places to Skate When You Visit Bali (With Kids)
- Frances Maia
- Mar 26, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 2, 2019
There’s a chapter in the book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, that’s titled:
Do Not Bother Your Children if They Are Skateboarding
In it, the author, Jordan Peterson; talks about how he used to love watching teenagers skateboard on the street near his work. He admired the bold risks they took attempting tricks; even though they could be badly hurt if they went wrong.
He complained when the local University banned skateboarding in the area. He reasoned that even though the faculty saw the kids as crazy and reckless; they were actually incredibly brave. They were striving to become competent at mastering their skill. And, above all; they were facing danger. In our risk-averse society, this is priceless.
He believes that instead of telling off kids who are skateboarding - leave them alone; as they are…practicing being courageous!
Isn’t that awesome?
Where to let your kids ‘practice being courageous’ in Bali:
Last year I took my son on a three week holiday; where he skated his way around Bali. The roads are often filled with cracked concrete or potholes; making street skating almost impossible. But to make up for it, the country has an array of over 15 skateparks, bowls and halfpipes to choose from.
Here are 7 kid-friendly spots to visit, to get a taste of the thriving Bali skate scene:
1. Amplitude Skatepark
This park is divided into two main areas. On one side; there’s a massive bowl (the deepest in Indonesia!), which is surrounded by a dual slalom pump track. And on the other side; there’s a street course, with a mini fun bowl/ramp, ledges, rails, quarter pipes, stairs and more. This is all set around a great little cafe; so you can enjoy coffee or a snack while the kids master tricks and make friends with locals.
Amplitude School of Skate and Bike Kav 1-5, Gang Nata, Kerobokan, Bali, Kerobokan Kelod Kabupaten Badung, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
2. Donkey Skatepark
This is an indoor park that has banks, flat bars, ledges and mini ramps. There are super cool murals all over the walls, and it’s worth a visit just to see them. The park is a lot of fun, however, it is extremely hot! Get there early if you want to escape the midday heat, and bring lots of water. There is a little shop onsite if you need it. The Donkey Enterprise store is right next door, which is awesome. My son got a skateboard bag and some knee pads there; that were good quality and a good price.
Donkey Skatepark
Sunset Road No.11, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
3. Bukit Bowl
Bukit Bowl is a skatepark with basic hostel-style accommodation. The bowl itself is around 7 to 8 foot deep, and they have a little pool onsite for when you need a cool down. This was a fabulous place, which is very well used by locals and travellers alike, including professional skateboarders. By the way, the local groms are INSANELY good - it’s pretty mind-blowing! The quiet village setting makes this spot really special, and the staff will take good care of you. Recommended for a day visit. Click Here to Visit Bukit Bowl FB Page
Bukit Bowl Badung Regency, South Kuta, Jimbaran, Bali 80361
4. ESS Bali | Eat, Sleep and Skate
This was one of the places that my son enjoyed skating at most. It is a skate park with accommodation onsite, and it was fabulous! We stayed in a gorgeous poolside bungalow, and my son could skate 24/7 while I lounged and relaxed. ESS is located in Sanur, with an amazing bowl and great community. They have a good restaurant situated right next to the bowl; so you can literally just eat, sleep, and skate!
Click Here to Visit Eat, Sleep, Skate Website ESS Bali | Eat, Sleep and Skate Jl.Sedap Malam, Gg. Kwangen No.13, Banjar Bhuana Anyar, Sumerta Kelod, East Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali 80237
5. Deus Ex Machina - Temple of Enthusiasm
Deus Ex Machina is a shop, bike workshop, board factory, art gallery and cafe; set in a patch of rice fields in Canggu. It is nicknamed the ‘Temple of Enthusiam’, and they have a 1.5m concrete mini-ramp out the back; which is perfect for the kids to have a quick jam on. You can enjoy fresh smoothies, shade and some music while you let them skate it out.
Deus Ex Machina - Temple of Enthusiasm Jl. Batu Mejan No.8, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
6. Blue Bear Skatepark
Blue Bear’s mission is to be Ubud’s first safe and secure skate park and play-area for kids of all ages. This was a really beautiful place, with the cafe and seating areas crafted out of stunning bamboo. There were hanging chairs and coffee for the adults; and a great skating area and shop for the kids. This was a very family-friendly spot, with a chilled vibe. It felt particularly magical as night fell; as the place came alive with with string-lights and music.
Blue Bear Skatepark Jl. Raya Sayan Ubud, 80571 Gianyar, Bali
7. Fruit Bowl Bali
The Fruit Bowl is a colourfully painted snake-run bowl within Komune Resort & Beach Club. It is a private skatepark for guests only, but the resort is so beautiful that it’s worth staying one or two nights. The resort overlooks the world famous Keramas surf break, and has poolside restaurants, an onsite spa, and an entire kids play area. They even floodlight the ocean when it gets dark, to let guests watch a bit of night surfing!
Kommune Resort and Beach Club
Pantai Keramas Street, Medahan, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Bali 80361
If you have skateboard-mad kids, hopefully this list will help you to plan out your next trip to Bali.
If you know of any other cool spots that we have missed, please comment below!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!
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