It may be a little off the average golfer’s radar, but the Indonesian island paradise of Bali is in fact home to some of the world’s most scenic golf courses.
(Photo: Handara Golf & Resort)
Delivering exceptional playing conditions, luxurious clubhouses, picture-perfect scenery and word-class hospitality, Bali’s sprinkling of golf courses may not be the most affordable way to enjoy a round, but the rewards are ample. A popular recreational activity for those seeking some respite from the island’s magical beaches and rich culture, playing golf in Bali will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Here are 4 of the most charming courses that the island has to offer.
Handara Golf & Resort
It’s not often in life you’ll have the chance to play a round of golf inside the crater of an extinct volcano, but that’s exactly what’s on offer at the Handara Golf & Resort. Perched in the mountain lake resort area of Bedugul in Bali’s central highlands, the resort’s dramatic setting affords stunning views of the surrounding mountains, crater lakes, and equatorial rain forests, providing a memorable backdrop for a game of golf on the par-72 championship course. Even better, Bali’s tropical climate is lent respite by the cool winds that are granted by the course’s elevated position high above sea level. There’s also a driving range, a practice pitching area, and two practice putting greens to warm up before your round.
Bedugul Bali
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Bali National Golf Club
(Photo: Bali National Golf Club)
Located inside the Nusa Dua tourism complex, the Hawaiian-style course at Bali National Golf Club boasts three distinct playing environments that make for a varied and challenging round for golfers of all abilities. Redesigned in 2013, the course features hand-laid local stone walls built alongside the fairways and tee boxes that give the impression of being in a typical rice field terrace so common of the Indonesian countryside. Creeks, canyons, native vegetation filled with tropical birds, and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean add to the course’s character and charm.
Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua
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New Kuta Golf
(Photo: New Kuta Golf)
Situated on an 85-hectare plot of prime coastal land in Bali’s southwestern region of Pecatu, this championship course has gained widespread acclaim since its unveiling in 2007. Course highlights include the 14th hole which descends downhill, accompanied by the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean’s blue waters, with the sound of crashing waves below the green adding to the drama, while other holes are surrounded by verdant scenery including an abundance of tropical Kapuk trees. At the grand finale of the 18th, you’re just a few yards from the course’s upscale clubhouse where you’ll find a shaded patio and, inside, a restaurant and bar to relax and re-enegerise after your round.
Pecatu, Bukit Peninsula
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Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club
(Photo: Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club)
Perched on a limestone cliff-top overlooking the world-famous surf breaks of Bukit Peninsula, this is the most recent addition to Bali’s growing golfing landscape, having launched in 2016. Featuring a unique par-54 layout, the 18-hole championship course is the first of its kind anywhere in Southeast Asia and draws golfers of all calibres seeking a fun and challenging game in captivating surroundings. The course’s most notable hole is the stunning 13th, where stone walls, rustic architectural ruins, and the jaw-dropping backdrop of the peninsula make for a magical golfing setting. Meanwhile, a sprinkling of waterfalls inject the serenity of Balinese culture into the course design.
Badung, Bukit Peninsula