Paragliding in Bali feels like switching off gravity. I love how certified pilots run the show and how the FAI/European-standard gear and insurance coverage make the whole experience feel controlled. One thing to factor in: the actual flight time is about 15 minutes, so it is thrilling, but not long.

You start at Riug Paragliding near Benoa, then head to Gunung Riug for a briefing and gear fitting before you launch. From there, you glide over Bali’s eastern coastline with ocean views, and you get the included GoPro HERO9 footage afterward to keep the moment.

Key things to know before you go

• Certified pilot, final say in flight decisions based on weather and passenger weight
• Safety gear meets FAI and European standards, plus first-aid support and insurance up to IDR 250 million
• Coastline views with a ~15-minute tandem flight from around 225 feet above sea level
• GoPro HERO9 included, with footage provided afterward
• On-site comfort with Wi-Fi, charging ports, lockers, and clean toilets in the lobby area

Flying Tandem at Gunung Riug: What the Setup Feels Like

This is a tandem flight, so you do not need paragliding experience. Your job is basically to show up, get fitted, listen, and enjoy the ride. The vibe is practical, not performative.

I like that the whole process starts with a safety briefing before you get in the air. You meet your certified pilot at Riug Paragliding (near Benoa), and then you move to the take-off area on Gunung Riug. Gear comes next: helmet, harness, and the glider setup designed to meet FAI and European standards.

If you’re nervous, that briefing matters more than most people expect. It helps you understand what happens next, what you’ll feel, and what your pilot will do while you focus on staying comfortable. And because this is tandem, you’re not juggling controls or timing.

The Safety System: Certified Pilots and Built-In Protections

Safety is not treated like a slogan here. The operation uses modern gear, and the flights are run with certified pilots who have the final say based on weather and passenger weight.

On top of that, there’s real support on the ground. You get first aid kit access and emergency medicine availability, and the experience includes insurance coverage up to IDR 250 million. That combo is what makes the experience feel like an activity you can trust, not just a thrill you hope works out.

One practical note: your pilot can decide not to fly depending on conditions. That can feel like a letdown if you came with big expectations, but it’s the responsible move. If weather isn’t right, your safest option is to reschedule or choose another day.

You’ll also want to follow the rules exactly: no alcohol and no drugs. They are explicit about it, and they’re right to be.

Your 15-Minute Route Over Bali’s Eastern Coastline

Once you’re ready, the take-off is the start of the real wow factor. The flight time is about 15 minutes, and you’ll reach around 225 feet above sea level. That number helps you picture it: you’re not just hopping off a hill, you’re genuinely soaring with space to look around.

The big selling point is the view. You glide over Bali’s eastern coastline, looking out toward beaches and the ocean from above. With the sea breeze, you get that mix of cool air and open sightlines that makes paragliding feel different from most Bali activities.

During the flight, your pilot handles the navigation and the key movements. You just experience. Expect a smooth, peaceful glide, with a few moments that add a bit of adrenaline (in a controlled way). It’s a good blend if you want something that feels exciting without being chaotic.

From a comfort standpoint, tandem flying is also nice because the pilot can adjust to the conditions. Your experience should feel tailored, even though the setup is standardized.

And yes, you get a GoPro angle too. The operation provides a GoPro HERO9 so you can capture the full experience from take-off through the flight and back down.

GoPro HERO9 Footage: A Souvenir You Can Actually Use

This is one of the most-liked parts of the experience for a simple reason: it gives you a souvenir you can keep without arranging anything yourself. You borrow a GoPro HERO9 to record your flight, and afterward you receive the footage to take home.

One detail to plan for: the footage is about 15 minutes long. That means it can take up space if you plan to save it on your phone right away. If your phone storage is already tight, make room before you go, or be ready to transfer the file afterward.

I also like that you’re not expected to be a photographer in the air. A lot of tours give you photos, but they often feel generic. Here, you’re capturing your own perspective of the coastline and the sky, which makes the video feel more personal and less like a canned postcard.

If you like to review your trips later, this is worth it. A video is also better than a single photo for showing how smooth the ride really is.

Before and After: Lobby Wi-Fi, Lockers, and a Clean Place to Reset

The experience does not stop at the landing. When you land, you relax back at the Riug site lobby area, which is designed for comfort while you wait for your post-flight moment.

They provide a spacious lobby with Wi-Fi and charging ports, plus bamboo benches where you can sit without feeling rushed. You also get lockers for your belongings, so you do not have to keep your valuables loose around the seating area.

There are clean toilets next to the lobby, which sounds basic, but in real life it makes a difference. After any outdoor activity, you want a spot that feels practical, not improvised.

A small but useful extra: they provide sports shoes for people who show up without trainers or sneakers. That can save your day if you planned badly and arrived in sandals. Still, it’s smart to bring comfortable shoes if you have them.

Price and Value: What $57 Buys in Bali

At about $57 per person, this tandem paragliding option can feel like a bargain if you compare what’s included to what you often pay separately.

You’re getting:

• a tandem flight with a certified pilot
• safety gear designed to meet FAI and European standards
• GoPro HERO9 recording
• insurance coverage up to IDR 250 million
• first aid kit and emergency medicine availability
• on-site conveniences like Wi-Fi, charging ports, lockers, and toilets

In other words, you’re not paying just for the adrenaline. You’re paying for the safety framework, the equipment, and the comfort so you can focus on the experience instead of logistics.

Could you find cheaper flights in Bali? Possibly. But cheaper often means less clarity on standards or fewer built-in protections. Here, the combination of certified pilots and standardized equipment helps justify the price, especially if you’re doing this as a first-timer and want things to feel controlled.

If you want a one-time sky experience without turning it into a big project, this is good value.

Who This Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you’re:

• looking for a first paragliding experience (tandem means you do not control the glider)
• excited by coastal scenery and want a view most people do not get
• comfortable following instructions and letting your pilot make the calls
• okay with a short flight duration in exchange for a full safety-first setup

It is not suitable for:

• children under 5
• pregnant women
• people with heart problems
• people with epilepsy
• people over 65 years
• people over 260 lbs (118 kg)
• people with kidney problems

That list is not meant to scare you. It’s there because aviation-like activities require extra caution with certain medical conditions. If any of those categories apply to you, it’s best to choose another activity and keep the day stress-free.

When to Go: Dry Season Winds April to October

Timing matters for paragliding. The best time to fly is during Bali’s dry season, from April to October, when winds generally favor paragliding. That season detail is useful because it affects whether your flight runs smoothly (and whether weather conditions allow take-off).

If you’re traveling in the wet season, you might find more day-to-day variation. Since the pilot has the final say based on weather and weight, it’s smart to schedule with some flexibility.

Getting Ready: Simple Tips That Make the Flight Easier

You do not need special training, but a few small choices help everything go better.

Bring comfortable shoes. Even though sports shoes may be provided if you do not have trainers, comfortable footwear helps you feel steady while waiting and moving around the site.

Keep your electronics and storage in mind for later. Since you’ll have GoPro footage and it can be about 15 minutes long, it can take up space when you want to save it right away.

Also, be ready to follow the rules around alcohol and drugs. It is a clear requirement, and it helps keep the entire operation safe and smooth.

Finally, show up with a calm mindset. Paragliding is fast-paced right before launch, but once you’re in the air it becomes peaceful. You’ll enjoy it more if you’re not fighting the nerves.

Should You Book Riug Tandem Paragliding with Riug Paragliding?

I’d book it if you want a safety-first tandem flight with certified pilots, modern standardized gear, and a real souvenir in the form of included GoPro HERO9 footage. It’s also a strong choice if you care about coastal views and want something short, focused, and memorable rather than a whole-day tour.

Skip it (or choose another plan) if you’re in any of the stated “not suitable” categories, or if you’re expecting a long airtime session. You’re getting about 15 minutes in the sky, which is plenty for a first-timer, but it’s not a full afternoon.

If you want a simple Bali thrill that’s run like a professional operation, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the tandem paragliding flight?

The tandem paragliding flight is approximately 15 minutes.

Where is the meeting point, and where does it end?

You meet at Riug Paragliding, Jl. Villa Shanti Br. Sawangan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.

What safety gear is included?

Safety gear including a helmet, harness, and glider is provided, and it is compatible with FAI and European standards.

Do I get GoPro footage included?

Yes. They provide a GoPro HERO9 to record your adventure from start to finish, and you receive the footage afterward.

What time of year is best for paragliding?

The best time to fly is during the dry season from April to October, when winds favor paragliding.

Are there any people who cannot do this experience?

Yes. It is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with epilepsy, people over 65, people over 260 lbs (118 kg), and people with kidney problems.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation to and from the flying site is not included.