4 Reasons Why Indonesia is The Golfer’s Exotic Destination
Indonesia is a massive archipelago that hits almost every vacation cliché, from world-class surf to active volcanoes and postcard-perfect beaches. But lately, it’s also become a top-tier destination for golf, and the appeal goes far beyond Bali.
The draw is simple: you get high-end course designs for a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe or the US. While China used to be the main pick for golf in Asia, the weather there is a gamble depending on the season. Indonesia stays tropical year-round, making it much easier to plan a trip. With straightforward visa policies and green fees that are actually affordable, it’s a lot more accessible than most luxury golf spots.
Why Golf in Indonesia
Beautiful Golf Courses
Indonesia’s abundant offerings and its rich and gentle culture are sure to satisfy all types of travelers. It truly is a paradise on Earth. For golfers, Indonesia is equally heavenly, boasting nearly 150 golf courses to choose from. Many of these courses are part of luxurious resorts, with Bali being a favorite destination for foreign golfers. This island features numerous exceptional 9-hole and 18-hole layouts, including the renowned Bali National Golf Resort.
Bali National Golf Resort
However, if you happen to find yourself in Papua, in the western half of New Guinea, make sure to explore Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s extraordinary design nestled in the heart of a rainforest jungle. Other highly-recommended golf courses in Indonesia can be named Bali National Golf Resort, New Kuta Golf Course, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Damai Indah Golf Course, Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, etc.
Visa-friendly Policies
Currently, visitors from approximately 170 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia for stays of up to 30 days. This Indonesian visa exemption covers various purposes, such as tourism, cultural activities, business engagements, visiting relatives or friends, as well as transit through the country.
If you are from Canada, Brazil, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Polan, Qatar, Switzerland, United States, United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, Australia, etc., you can enjoy the visa exemption policies to golf in Indonesia.
Competitive Price
There is no true ceiling on the cost of a golf holiday in Indonesia, ranging from $2,200 to $25,000 or more, depending on your choice of lodging and transportation. International flights to Indonesia may account for from $1,500 to $4,000 for the first class. Domestic transportation and food can take from $50 to $150 for solo travelers. If you go with your family, $400 per day is enough for you to experience the most luxurious service. Accommodation takes around $150 per night for 4 – 5 star hotels.
Green fees at Indonesia golf courses are also the cheapest in the world, ranging from $30 – $50 (IDR 400,000 – IDR 700,000) on weekdays to $60 – $140 (IDR 900,000 – IDR 2,000,000) on weekends. It is even cheaper than those of some golf courses in Vietnam.
Stunning Landscapes
With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a paradise for lovers of the beach and links-style golf courses. Whether you are looking to snorkel amongst the most beautiful coral reefs in the world or bronze on beautiful beaches, Indonesia has something to offer.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali – the most picturesque island in Indonesia is a perfect destination for golf and beach relaxation, while Jakarta is backdroped by active volcanoes and lush greens for amazing adventurous activities out of course. You can also choose Bintan golf packages for a full experience of the sun, fun, and golf in Indonesia.
Where to Play Golf in Indonesia?
Suppose you’re seeking a golf holiday in Indonesia to indulge your passion for the sport, improve your skills, and enjoy a relaxing time. In that case, Jakarta, Bali, and Bintan are the ultimate golf destinations. These locations offer a perfect blend of exceptional golfing experiences and a memorable holiday, without any compromises.
Jakarta
Jakarta is a chaotic, high-energy city, but it’s actually one of the better golf hubs in Southeast Asia. There are around 35 courses within an hour or two of the center, including several world-class layouts by designers like Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr. As you get away from the skyscrapers and head toward Bogor or Tangerang, the concrete gives way to jungle and views of the Salak and Gede volcanoes.
The best time to play is during the dry season, roughly April through October, when you aren’t constantly dodging tropical downpours. One thing to keep in mind is the logistics, Jakarta’s legendary traffic means a 7:00 AM tee time usually requires leaving your hotel by 5:30 AM. However, the quality of the caddies here is some of the best in the world, and most clubhouses have excellent Indonesian food that makes the early start worth it. It’s a intense place to play, but the contrast between the city’s madness and the quiet of the courses is a big part of the appeal.
Bali
Bali is obviously better known for its surf and beach clubs, but the golf scene is actually one of the most diverse in Southeast Asia. The island is small enough that you can stay in a resort in Nusa Dua or a villa in Uluwatu and still be within striking distance of four or five completely different types of courses.
The variety is the main draw. You have Bukit Pandawa and New Kuta Golf right on the limestone cliffs overlooking the ocean, where the wind is a constant factor. Then, if you drive north toward Bedugul, you hit Bali Handara. It’s set inside a volcanic crater at a much higher altitude, so the air is actually crisp and you’re playing surrounded by rainforest and mist. It’s a total 180 from the humidity down at coast level.
The logistics are pretty straightforward, though you have to time your tee times around Bali’s traffic, which can be a nightmare if you’re crossing from one side of the island to the other. Most of the clubs have great caddies, usually local women who know the breaks on the greens better than any GPS, and the clubhouses generally serve better Indonesian food than the tourist traps in Seminyak. It’s an easy place to put together a trip where you play in the morning and still have the afternoon for the beach.
Bintan
Laguna Golf Bintan
Bintan is part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands, and because it’s just a short ferry ride from Singapore, it’s become one of the busiest golf hubs in the region. The island is basically set up for tourism, with most of the best courses attached to the big beachfront resorts on the northern coast.
It’s a different vibe than Bali, it feels a bit more manicured and purpose-built for weekend trips. You have high-end layouts like Ria Bintan, which was designed by Gary Player and has some famous holes right along the ocean cliffs, and Laguna Bintan, which is a bit more inland and rugged. If you’re looking for a place where you can get off a boat, be on the first tee in twenty minutes, and spend the rest of the day at a resort pool, Bintan is probably the easiest logistics-wise. It’s a solid alternative to the more crowded tourist spots if you just want a few days of golf and beach without much travel hassle.
>>> For a more detailed breakdown of top layouts across the country, explore this curated list of the best golf courses in Indonesia
Conclusion
Indonesia has some of the best golf courses in the world right now. It really is a great spot if you’re into the sport, regardless of whether you’re looking for a quick nine holes or a full championship layout. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth booking a tour to see these courses firsthand and get a feel for the local scenery.
Read more:
- Is Malaysia a Perfect Golf Destination?
- 6 Important Reasons to Visit and Golf in Thailand
- Top 5 Reasons to Play Golf in the Philippines
FAQs
When is the best time of day to play golf in Indonesia?
Early morning (before 9AM) or late afternoon (after 3PM) í ideal. Midday rounds can be extremely hot and humid, especially in coastal areas like Bali or Bintan. Morning tee times also tend to have less crowding and smoother pace of play.
How long should a golf trip in Indonesia be?
A typical trips lasts 4 to 7 days. This gives you enough time to play multiple courses, rest between rounds, and explore nearby attractions. Longer trips are ideal if you plan to visit more than one destination like Bali or Bintan.
Is it easy to combine multiple golf destinations in one trip?
It’s possible, but not always seamless. Flights between islands are frequent, but you’ll need to plan connections carefully. Many travelers prefer to focus on one main destination to avoid travel fatigue.
Are there night golf options in Indonesia?
A few courses, particularly near big cities, offer night under floodlights. It’s a great way to avoid the daytime heat and try something different.
Hi, great article! I’m planning to visit Yogyakarta soon — I didn’t see it mentioned in the post. Do you know if there are any good golf courses in or near Yogyakarta?
Hi, thank you for reaching us! Yogyakarta does have some great golf options even though it wasn’t mentioned in the article. One of the top choices is Merapi Golf Yogyakarta, located about 20 minutes from the city. It’s an 18-hole course with spectacular views of Mount Merapi, making it a truly scenic place to play. You can also visit the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta Golf Course, a beautifully maintained 9-hole course that’s perfect for a relaxed round, especially if you are staying at the resort. Hope this helps! If you need help, like booking a tee time, please contact us for dedicated assistance!
Best regards,
GolfLux Team.