Tropical Golf in Bali

Golf on the Indonesian island of Bali includes a superb 18-hole course set in an extinct volcano and one of the best par-3 courses in Asia.

One of the many provinces that forms Indonesia, the mountainous island of Bali has become a tourist hotspot, blessed with white sandy beaches, tropical jungles and historic temples. The golf here is unique and memorable, as is the stunning scenery.

Balibeach Golf Course

This is a great 9-hole course set within the grounds of the Inna Bali Beach Hotel, a charming 4-star hotel surrounded by tropical palm groves on Sanur Beach in the south coast town of Sanur. Built in the 1970s, it underwent an upgrade in 2004 and is well worth a round. It plays to a par 36 with seven par-4’s, one par-5 and one par-3 and is set among tall trees and lakes. Just 5km from Denpasar City and 15km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this is perfect for those who want to play a testing but quick round of golf in a beautiful environment.

Bali National Golf Club

Only 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport in the south of Bali, this picturesque 18-hole course is located in the middle of the Nusa Dua tourism complex which sits alongside over three miles of white sandy beaches. The opening nine holes are testing and played along tropical ravines with views of Mount Agung and the Indian Ocean.

The back nine features contoured fairways fringed with palms with the ocean lapping either side of the 17th fairway giving way to a large pond by the clubhouse on the 18th. The course is in immaculate condition. The Bali National Golf Villas are located within the complex and boasts luxurious villas overlooking the final holes. Each villa can accommodate up to six guests, with a private beach and a swimming pool.

Bali Handara Golf & Country Club

Travelling inland, this course is an hour or so drive from the resort complex of Nusa Dua while Ngurah Rai Airport is a two hour drive away. It’s part of Handara Golf Resort and sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano at an altitude of more than 1,500 metres above sea level. The scenery here is spectacular and the course has great views over the surrounding mountains, lush green vegetation and Lake Buyan in the distance. There’s plenty of doglegs and elevation changes and the jungle runs to the edge of most fairways and circles several greens.

Handara also offers a peaceful experience as an eco-friendly resort surrounded by mountains and verdant meadows with golf view rooms, chalets and villas. This championship course and resort as a whole will leave you awe-inspired by its natural beauty and unique setting.

New Kuta Golf Resort

New Kuta Golf is a championship standard course and the first links-style layout in Indonesia. With five sets of tees, there’s enough variety to ensure an entertaining round for all skill levels. It’s set on the southwestern rim of the island’s Bukit Peninsula, within the grounds of the Pecatu Indah Resort complex. It’s got a gorgeous location, perched above a limestone cliff overlooking New Kuta Beach. It’s also just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport.

The landscape is one of desert-like vegetation with native trees and Scottish-like rough of shrubs and long grass. The best holes are arguably on the back nine, the stretch from 14 through 16 near the cliff edge, while the ocean views are fantastic. Pecatu Indah is a resort development area with hotels, resorts and luxury villas. There’s almost endless world-class places to stay close to this course.

Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club

Set on a limestone cliff overlooking the surf breaks of Bukit Peninsula, this beautiful venue offers 18 championship-level par-3 holes with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, while the clubhouse is inspired by the grand temples Bali is famous for. There’s dramatic rocky outcrops, terraced paddy fields and it weaves its way from elevated ridges to ocean cliff edges. There’s a plethora of bunkers and strategic waterfalls too. There’s three tee boxes and the course plays just over 3000 yards. There’s a caddie service and carts included in the green fee.

Opened for play in 2016, this is anything but a humdrum ‘pitch & putt’ course. It has been built and and is maintained to a very high standard and there’s panoramic views all over the course. It’s a par-54 layout and most people can get around in about two hours. You’ll encounter plenty of challenges and even the best players will not be disappointed. The signature hole is the 13th which measures just under 150 yards and is surrounded by bunkers with curved stone walls in front and an ornate tower and the ocean behind it.

Just as a side note, currently closed for renovation is Nirwana Bali Golf Club. Touted to have Phil Mickelson on board, it’s on hold but was one of Asia’s best courses and is one to keep an eye on.