The best golf courses in Indonesia are scattered across Jakarta, Surabaya, Bintan and Bali. However, if you were to pick one location for golf in Indonesia, it should be Jakarta for the concentration of quality golf courses. In fact, in and around the capital region of Jakarta, there are about 35 courses, most designed by the best. Jakarta notwithstanding, here’s a look at 5 must play golf courses spread across the archipelago, aimed at those truly desirous of exploring the Indonesia golf scene.
1. Royale Jakarta, Jakarta
Royale Jakarta comprising the South, North and West loops of 9 holes each is the premier golf course in the bustling metropolis. It is hard to recall any mediocre hole at Royale Jakarta. The wide open appearance is deceptive, given the strategically placed fairway bunkers and lurking water bodies. As does the rough and the tall red grass, which you will never forget, once you have found yourself there. Staying on the fairway is paramount, especially as the approach shots need a fair amount of precision. Most greens are elevated and surrounded by bunkers, leaving little room for error. The course is always in great condition and offers incredible value, especially for weekday golf. The course operations, the facilities including the clubhouse and restaurant and caddies are first rate. It may well be the defining experience for golf in Indonesia.
2. Damai Indah BSD Course, Jakarta
The Damai Indah Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) is an expansive layout, a Jack Nicklaus classic design. The course while no walk in the park as is to be expected with a Nicklaus design, is eminently playable. The bunkering is superb, just in the right places and several water bodies also come into play. And, in true Jack Nicklaus style there are plenty of long stretches of waste bunkers as well. The greens give plenty to think about given their undulating nature, but regular golfers shouldn’t find themselves too off the mark in their reads. The surroundings while spectacular give an almost surrealistic sense of quiet for its location in Jakarta. The driving range is one of the highlights as is the superb restaurant. There is virtually nothing to complain about. It is no surprise then that many visitors consider it amongst the best golf courses in Indonesia.
3. Taman Dayu, Surabaya
It’s a pity that the Jack Nicklaus designed Taman Dayu is not in Bali or Jakarta. But, then it wouldn’t quite be the course that it is, given its location in the wooded and mountainous Pasuruan, 50 km from Surbaya. The setting is a key feature of the incredible layout, one of the best you would find playing golf in Indonesia. The design is an extension of the landscape, incorporating the forest, ridges, ravines, precipices and even paddy fields as key elements. They are all in play providing a thrilling shot making experience, replete with challenges to be overcome. Those who have played here, consider it the best offering of golf in Indonesia. The fact that it doesn’t quite get the traffic of a Jakarta golf course could be a blessing towards an enjoyable outing.
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4. Ria Bintan, Bintan
The Gary Player designed Ria Bintan is a tropical island beauty and one of the best golf courses in Indonesia. It’s a different matter that most players are residents of nearby Singapore. Cutting through native rainforest alongside the South China Sea has facilitated an exhilarating 27 golf holes. While Bintan Island has a total of 81 holes, it has to be said that Ria Bintan is home to the best 18. The most talked about holes are the par 5, 7th, where the sea first reveals itself, the 8th and the picture perfect signature par 3, 9th. The thrills though by no means start or end with the sea-side holes. Challenges and excitement abound through the round. The heavily wooded and hilly terrain, elevation changes, curves and bends and water bodies place a demand on precise shotmaking. If you are a golfer living in Singapore, it will be a crime to miss this one.
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5. Bali National
With Nirwana Bali yet to reopen, there is no doubt that Bali National is the best golf course on the island. However it has to be conceded that this course makes it on to this list for its location rather than its offering. Originally the Bali golf and country club, the management went for a massive renovation to allow for more villa and hotel space. Consequently some of the excitement and the spectacles have been lost. That said, there is no denying that the playing surface is top class. There are also some interesting shot making challenges especially in the hilly front 9. Probably the most stand out element about the course is likely to be the treacherous par 3, 17th. By no means easy, it comes at the end of the round. Be mentally strong and commit to your swing to avoid a scorecard wreckage late in the round.
