Axe Throwing Bali: A Beginner’s Guide to Rules, Safety & Where to Play
Updated: 7 hours ago
When's the last time you did something for the first time?
Axe throwing combines skill, friendly competition and the simple satisfaction of watching an axe stick into a wooden target. And despite how it might look, you don't need to be particularly strong or have any previous experience to give it a try.
Whether you're travelling with friends, looking for a different date-night activity, planning a group event or simply want to try something new, axe throwing can be a fun addition to your time in Ubud.
At The Melting Pot Saloon, you can try axe throwing right here in Ubud, Bali. If you've never thrown an axe before, this beginner's guide covers what to expect, the basic rules, safety, throwing technique and what you should know before your first session.
What Is Axe Throwing?
Axe throwing is a target sport where players throw an axe at a wooden target from a designated throwing area. Much like darts, the aim is to land your throw as close to the centre of the target as possible.
It looks simple, but getting an axe to rotate correctly and stick consistently takes a combination of technique, timing and accuracy. That's also what makes it satisfying.
Your first few throws might bounce off the target or hit at the wrong angle. Then you make a small adjustment, throw again and suddenly hear the unmistakable thud of the axe sticking into the wood. Once that happens, you'll probably want to do it again.
A Brief History of Axe Throwing
Throwing axes have existed for centuries, but recreational axe throwing as we know it today has much more recent roots.
What began as a skill associated with lumberjacks, outdoor competitions and backyard throwing gradually developed into an organised recreational activity. Dedicated axe-throwing venues helped transform it into a social target sport that beginners could try without needing previous experience.
Today, people try axe throwing for many of the same reasons they play darts, pool or other social games: it's easy to understand, difficult to master and much more entertaining when a little friendly competition gets involved.
You can now experience axe throwing in Bali without having to go anywhere near a lumberjack competition.
Do You Need to Be Strong to Throw an Axe?
No.
One of the biggest misconceptions about axe throwing is that you need a huge amount of strength to make the axe stick. Good axe throwing is much more about technique, distance, rotation and consistency than simply throwing as hard as possible.
The axe needs to complete the right amount of rotation so that the blade reaches the target at the correct angle. Throwing harder doesn't necessarily make that happen. For beginners, learning a controlled and repeatable movement is generally much more useful than trying to overpower the target.
That's one reason axe throwing can work well for groups with different experience and ability levels. You don't need to be the strongest person in the room to be the most accurate.
Basic Axe Throwing Rules for Beginners
The exact rules can vary depending on the game or venue, but the basic idea is straightforward.
Players throw from the designated throwing position toward a wooden target. The objective is to land the axe on the target, with throws closer to the centre generally scoring more points. Your first goal is simple:
Get the axe to stick consistently.
Once you become comfortable with your throwing motion, distance and rotation, you can start concentrating more on accuracy and competing against your friends. Most importantly, always follow the instructions and safety rules given by the venue before throwing.
Axe Throwing Safety: What Should Beginners Know?
Axe throwing involves a real axe, so safety needs to be taken seriously.
That doesn't mean beginners should be intimidated by it. It means axe throwing should take place in a properly designated throwing area with clear rules and instructions.
Before your first throw, make sure you understand where you should stand, when you're allowed to throw and when it's safe to retrieve your axe.
A few basic principles are particularly important:
Only throw when the throwing area is clear.
Never walk toward the target while someone is preparing to throw.
Wait until throwing has finished before retrieving axes.
Throw only toward the designated target.
Don't perform trick throws or experiment with unsafe techniques.
Listen to the instructions given before your session.
Never throw an axe while impaired or unable to follow the safety rules properly.
At The Melting Pot Saloon, beginners are given instructions before getting started, so don't worry if you've never held a throwing axe before.
How to Throw an Axe: Beginner Tips
Getting your first axe to stick can take a few attempts, and that's completely normal.
The key is consistency.
1. Start with a comfortable grip
Hold the axe firmly enough that you have control over it, but avoid squeezing the handle unnecessarily hard. You want the throwing motion to feel controlled rather than tense.
2. Use a smooth throwing motion
Trying to launch the axe at the target with maximum force usually isn't the answer. Focus instead on a smooth, repeatable movement.
3. Let the axe rotate naturally
The axe needs enough rotation for the blade to meet the target correctly. If the handle or another part of the axe reaches the target first, your throwing distance or release may need adjusting.
4. Follow guidance on your throwing distance
Your distance from the target affects how the axe rotates before it reaches the wood. Start from the position shown by the team and stay within the designated throwing area. If the axe keeps landing handle-first or bouncing off, ask for help adjusting your position or release rather than moving closer to the target on your own.
5. Don't get frustrated by bounced throws
Almost every beginner has throws that bounce off the target. Instead of immediately throwing harder, pay attention to how the axe reached the target and make a small adjustment. Once you find a motion that works, try to repeat it.
Why Axe Throwing Is Such a Good Group Activity
Part of the appeal of axe throwing is that it's not just about hitting a target.
It's social.
There's plenty of time for friends to compete, celebrate good throws and laugh about the terrible ones. Because beginners can understand the basic objective almost immediately, a group doesn't need hours of practice before everyone can get involved.
That makes axe throwing particularly well suited for group activities in Ubud:
Groups of friends
Birthday celebrations
Bachelor and bachelorette parties
Team-building and corporate groups
Couples looking for a different date activity
Travellers looking to meet people and try something unusual
It can also be combined with other games, food, drinks and live sports rather than needing to be the only activity you do that evening.
Axe Throwing in Ubud, Bali
Try axe throwing at The Melting Pot Saloon on Jalan Raya Pengosekan (Hanoman) No. 22X, Ubud. Beginners are welcome, and our team explains the basic technique and safety rules before you start.
Sessions cost IDR 175,000 per person for 30 minutes or IDR 310,000 per person for one hour. Walk-ins are welcome.
Visit our Games & Activities page for current prices and the other games available. You can combine your session with pool, darts, shuffleboard or other activities during the same visit.
What to Expect From Your First Axe Throwing Session
If you've never tried axe throwing before, you don't need to arrive knowing what you're doing.
You'll first need to understand the throwing area and the basic safety rules. From there, you can learn the basic throwing motion and begin working out the correct distance and rotation for your throw.
Don't expect every axe to stick immediately. For most beginners, part of the experience is figuring it out. You'll gradually start recognising why one throw bounced while another landed correctly. Once you begin sticking the axe consistently, you can concentrate more on accuracy and start competing properly with the people you're playing with.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, and make sure you follow any footwear or other safety requirements provided by the venue.
If you're unsure about anything, ask before throwing.
More Things to Do in Ubud
Axe throwing is only one option if you're looking for something interactive to do while you're in Ubud.
At The Melting Pot Saloon, you'll also find pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, arcade-style games and more.
We also show live sports across multiple screens and run our weekly Quiz Night every Monday at 8 PM.
So whether you're looking specifically for axe throwing in Bali or simply searching for fun things to do in Ubud, there's plenty to keep a group entertained.
Try Axe Throwing at The Melting Pot Saloon in Ubud
Axe throwing might look intimidating the first time you see someone do it, but you don't need previous experience or exceptional strength to give it a go. The challenge comes from learning the technique, controlling the rotation and gradually becoming more accurate. And when you finally get that first axe to stick, you'll understand why people keep coming back for another throw.
If you're looking for axe throwing in Ubud, Bali, come and give it a try at The Melting Pot Saloon. Bring some friends, learn the basics and see who can hit the target when the competition starts.
Axe Throwing Bali: Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners try axe throwing?
Yes. You don't need previous axe-throwing experience to get started. Beginners should receive instructions on basic technique and safety before throwing.
Do you need to be strong to throw an axe?
No. Technique, timing, distance and getting the correct axe rotation are more important than simply throwing with as much force as possible.
Is axe throwing safe?
Axe throwing should always take place in a designated throwing area and with appropriate safety rules. Players should follow the venue's instructions, wait until the throwing area is clear and never retrieve axes while someone is preparing to throw.
What should I wear for axe throwing?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Before visiting, contact The Melting Pot to check footwear requirements and any participation restrictions, especially if children will be joining your group.
Where can I try axe throwing in Ubud?
Axe throwing is available at The Melting Pot Saloon in Ubud, Bali, alongside other games and activities.
How much does axe throwing cost at The Melting Pot?
Axe throwing costs IDR 175,000 per person for a 30-minute session or IDR 310,000 per person for one hour. Check our Games & Activities page for current rates before visiting.
Is axe throwing good for groups?
Yes. Axe throwing works particularly well as a social activity because beginners can learn the basic concept quickly and compete against each other. It can be an option for groups of friends, birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties and corporate or team-building groups.
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