There are few settings quite as unexpected for a serious turntablism session as a tropical waterpark. Yet that contrast is precisely what gave the final 2026 edition of Waterbom & Friends its character. Held on Saturday, 26 September, the recurring series transformed Waterbom Bali’s Oasis Gardens into a laid-back afternoon gathering where music, food, friends and the island’s tropical atmosphere came together by the pool.
For its closing edition of the year, the programme brought together two DJs with distinctly different approaches to the decks. DJ Nu-Mark, best known as part of the legendary hip-hop collective Jurassic 5, joined three-time DMC World Champion DJ Craze, with local selectors Mikey Moran and Sayan completing the line-up.
Rather than following the familiar rhythm of a conventional club night, Waterbom & Friends has established itself around the idea of an afternoon spent at leisure. Guests could arrive from 2pm, making the most of Waterbom’s slides and pools before gradually gravitating towards the Oasis Gardens as the afternoon progressed and the music carried towards sunset.
The musical programme moved through hip-hop, funk, breaks and turntablism, with Nu-Mark bringing decades of experience across hip-hop, funk, soul and turntablism, while Craze brought his energetic approach to scratching, breaks and bass. The result was less about a formal dancefloor and more about creating a soundtrack to an afternoon outdoors, surrounded by water, gardens and good company.
Away from the decks, the event leaned into its backyard-party spirit. Backyard BBQ-style food, tropical cocktails and lawn games kept guests fuelled and entertained, while a complimentary Botanical Salon offered hair and face-paint glow-ups. A photobooth added another playful touch, giving the afternoon plenty of opportunities for guests to capture the occasion.
At the heart of the experience was the Oasis Gardens itself. With the music positioned poolside, the space provided an easy-going backdrop for the series’ signature blend of community and music. Guests could grab a drink, catch up with friends, take a break from the water or simply settle into the atmosphere as the afternoon unfolded.
The event also reflected the broader appeal of Waterbom Bali, where the experience extends beyond its 28 slides to include landscaped gardens, pools and dining spaces across its 5.1-hectare grounds. Four dining outlets offer freshly prepared food using locally sourced ingredients, while two swim-up pool bars and private gazebos provide further places to pause between adventures.
For Waterbom & Friends, however, the appeal lies in the combination. The series was created to bring interesting music and people together in a setting that feels relaxed, social and distinctly Waterbom – a formula that turns the traditional idea of a music event on its head. Instead of waiting for nightfall, the party begins in the afternoon, with slides, swimming and tropical surroundings forming part of the experience.
As the final Waterbom & Friends gathering of 2026, the September edition brought the series’ ethos neatly into focus: good music does not necessarily require a dark room or a late-night timetable. Sometimes, all it needs is a pool, a few friends, an open-air setting and the right selectors behind the decks.
With its combination of international DJs, local talent, food, cocktails and playful daytime energy, Waterbom & Friends offered a different way to spend an afternoon in Bali where the soundtrack was just as much a part of the experience as the waterpark itself.
For more information and reservations, visit waterbom-bali.com.
