Golf in Bintan: The Ultimate Guide to Indonesia’s Island golf Paradise

Bintan is a beautiful island in Indonesia, known as a resort paradise with a peaceful natural landscape, and pristine beaches. In recent years, Bintan has also a popular destination for golf lovers thanks to its world-class golf courses. So, what does golf in Bintan feel like? Let’s find out in this article with us!

An overview of golf in Bintan

Golfing in Bintan, Indonesia, is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top travel experiences, thanks to its beautiful golf courses, which perfectly blend natural scenery and world-class design. Bintan Island is located about an hour from Singapore by speedboat, which is extremely convenient, making it an ideal destination for weekend golf vacations or long holidays.

The perfect blend of natural terrain and innovative designs by world-renowned golf course designers like Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus is the highlight of Bintan’s golf course. The golf courses here not only make the most of the beauty of the rainforest and pristine beaches but also offer interesting challenges for both professional and amateur golfers. Ria Bintan Golf Club, Laguna Golf Bintan, or Bintan Lagoon Resort Golf Club, for example, is always at the top of the most beautiful golf courses in Asia, famous for its spectacular golf holes, and romantic sea view.

Want to make your swing in this spectacular golf course in Bintan?

The mild tropical climate year-round makes Bintan an ideal place to play golf at any time. The lush green golf courses, always meticulously and professionally cared for, give golfers the maximum relaxation when playing golf while watching the blue ocean and the brilliant sunset on the sea. Besides golf, visitors can enjoy luxurious resort services and spas, or discover unique local and international cuisine.

If you are looking for a golf holiday that combines relaxation with beautiful nature, impeccable service, and convenience in transportation, Bintan is definitely the ideal choice. This is not only a place to play golf but also a destination for you to recharge energy, connect with friends, and enjoy memorable moments with your family.

Best golf courses in Bintan

Bintan is famous for stunning golf courses in the middle of spectacular natural landscapes, drawing thousands of golfers from all over the world. If you are looking for a golf holiday here, let us introduce some best golf courses here!

Ria Bintan Golf Club

When it comes to golf in Bintan, the first name you cannot miss is Ria Bintan Golf Club. This golf course was designed by the legendary Gary Player, famous for its 18-hole Ocean Course facing the sea, offering breathtaking views of the blue ocean. In particular, holes 8 and 9 here are considered some of the most beautiful golf holes in Southeast Asia, when players have to overcome challenges from the sea breeze and extremely interesting rocky terrain. Ria Bintan has been honored many times as the best goof course in Indonesia and is among the top golf courses in Asia.

Ria Bintan Golf Club (Ocean Course)

Laguna Golf Bintan

If you want a course that typically changes character as you move through the round, Laguna Golf Bintan is the one to book. Greg Norman did the design work here, layout the holes right where the Indonesian rainforest meets the South China Sea.

The routing transitions through a few distinct environments. You start in a dense tropical jungle packed with massive old trees and rocky outcrops, where the layout follows the nature rise and fall of the terrain. The real draw comes on the back nine, where the course opens up right along the coastline. Playing these holes means dealing with a constant sea breeze that forces you to think about your club selection, especially on the signature par three holes that sit right against the water. The resort amenities around the Banyan Tree property are top tier, but the course holds its own purely on the merits of its layout and views.

Laguna Golf Bintan

Bintan Lagoon Resort Golf Club

Bintan Lagoon Resort Golf Club

For sheer variety on a single trip, Bintan Lagoon Resort Golf Club is the standard choice because it gives you thirty six holes on site via two completely different designers. 

The Jack Nicklaus sea View Course is the more scenic of the two. It plays like a classic coastal resort track, offering wide fairways and dramatic views of the water. The standout spot is the par three twelfth hole, which plays directly toward the ocean and gives you a panoramic view of the beach. 

If you want a pure test of accuracy rather than a scenic stroll, play the Ian Baker Finch Woodlands Course. This layout cuts deep into the native rainforest. The fairways are much tighter here, framed by heavy jungle growth, and the steep changes in elevation mean you cannot just blast your driver off every tee. It requires strategic ball placement and precise approach shots to avoid dense vegetation. Having both options in one spot makes the logistics simple if you want to play multiple rounds moving your base. 

>>> Visit our Best Bintan Golf Courses for more detailed information about these three excellent courses.

What to do after golf in Bintan

After enjoying some fascinating golf rounds, you might want to participate in fascinating activities and relaxation on this tropical island. Here are some suggested activities for you to make your best time in Bintan.

Relax at luxury spas on the island

After playing golf and engaging in vigorous exercise, your body needs to rest and recharge your energy. High-end spas in Bintan, such as Banyan Tree Spa, Angsana Spa, or Aroma River Spa, are famous for their traditional Indonesian massage therapies, using natural ingredients such as herbs, essential oils, and spices. In particular, Banyan Tree Spa is famous for its unique Rainforest Spa therapy, combining hydrotherapy and body care, helping to relieve muscle pain, improve blood circulation, and bring complete relaxation.

Banyan Tree Spa body massage in Bintan

Experience exciting water sports

Bintan Beach is ideal for water sports thanks to its clear blue water and fine white sand. You can experience activities such as kayaking or SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). These activities allow everyone to enjoy the sea, including beginners. For those who love thrills, and speed and want to challenge themselves in the vast ocean, they can take part in jet skiing or water skiing. Moreover, visitors can try snorkeling and diving in White Sands Island and Crystal Lagoon, two famous diving spots, to explore colorful coral reefs, where hundreds of species of marine fish inhabit. These activities will make your holiday much more memorable.

Snorkeling in Crystal Lagoon

>>> Are you a risk taker and find these water sports exciting? Visit our Ria Bintan Golf Club Stay Play 3 Days 2 Nights Golf Package to make your dream comes true!

Enjoy and explore Bintan’s unique cuisine

Exploring local culture through cuisine is an essential experience for Bintan. The ideal location is the Sebung fishing village, known for its famous restaurants that offer fresh seafood. You should try black pepper crab, Indonesian steamed grouper, or delicious grilled seafood. In addition, don’t miss traditional dishes, such as Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice), Sate Ayam (peanut butter grilled chicken kebabs), or Gado Gado (peanut butter salad).

Bintan’s unique cuisine

Watch the beautiful sunset at famous beaches

Watching the sunset in Bintan at the end of the day is definitely an indispensable experience. Lagoi Beach, Trikora Beach, and Nirwana Gardens are all ideal places to enjoy spectacular sunsets. You can enjoy tropical cocktails, relax on the sofa, or stroll on the smooth white sand beach, feel the breeze, and enjoy unforgettable sunset moments.

Watch sunset at Lagoi Beach

Some helpful tips

Book your tee time in advance

Popular golf courses in Bintan, such as Ria Bintan, Laguna Golf, or Bintan Lagoon Resort, are usually overcrowded on weekends or during peak seasons (May to September). You should contact the server at least 1-2 weeks in advance to book the serving time, in order to ensure the best match time and avoid the court being closed during crowded times.

Bring appropriate clothing and accessories

The climate in Bintan is hot and humid all year round, so you should choose comfortable and breathable golf clothes, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and good anti-slip golf shoes. Carrying a thin coat or windbreaker is also useful when playing in the early morning or evening.

Choose a resort near golf courses

Choosing a luxury resort located within or near the golf course, such as the Bindan Lagoon Resort, Bindan Banyan Tree Resort, or San Ye Hotel, can save you travel time while allowing you to relax and enjoy comprehensive facilities from spa centers, swimming pools, restaurants to leisure activities.

Combine sightseeing and exploring local culture

Besides playing golf, you should take some time to explore the culture and nature of Bintan. Exploring traditional fishing villages, visiting ancient temples, or boating in mangrove forests will bring new beneficial experiences beyond the golf course.

You should also explore local cuisine. At the end of each round of golf, take some time to enjoy Bintan’s signature cuisine. Fresh seafood, nasi goreng rice, or traditional Indonesian cuisine are always great choices to provide you with a more local culinary experience.

Conclusion

If you are trying to map out an itinerary, decide between the different course layouts, or figure out ferry connections from Singapore, it helps to look at the practice details before booking. You can reach out to our team if you want an honest breakdown of the current course condition or need a hand setting up tee times and resort transfer. 

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FAQs

How do I get to Bintan from Singapore?

Ferries run from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani terminal in Bintan. The crossing takes about 55 minutes. Most Bintan golf packages include the ferry and resort tranfers.

When is the best time of year to play golf in Bintan?

March through September is generally the driest ad mot consistent period. Bintan is playable year-round, but October and November bring more frequent afternoon air. Morning tee times are less affected regardless of season.

Are Bintan golf courses suitable for high-handicap golfers?

Yes. Laguna Golf Bintan and the Binta Lagoon Woodlands Courses are both accessible for higher handicappers. Ria Bintan’s Ocean Course is more demanding, particularly on the coastal holes, but it’s still playable at any level. The courses have multiple tee options.

What does a Bintan golf package typically include?

Most packages include the ferry crossing from Singapore, resort accommodation, green fees for the nominated round, and transfers between the terminal and the resort. Caddies, equipment rental, and meals are usually separate unless specified. Check the package details before booking, as inclusions vary between operators and properties.

Linh Chi

I am an avid traveler who loves to play golf and have experience in tourism golf in Vietnam and Asia countries. I'm here to provide you with useful information and help to plan a perfect golf holiday in Southeast Asia.

View Comments

    • Yes, absolutely!
      1: Book your ferry tickets (from Singapore's Tanah Merah Terminal to Bintan’s Bandar Bentan Telani) well in advance, especially for weekend travel.
      2: Always opt for the resort's pre-arranged land transfer package. This ensures someone is waiting for you immediately at the ferry terminal exit, making the final leg to the course seamless and stress-free!

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