Thinking of planning a golf trip? Consider Indonesia as your next destination! You will find stunning courses and experiences in the archipelago.

This guide will provide essential information to play golf in Indonesia, ensuring you make the most of your visit. We will cover various aspects, from the best courses to the cultural nuances that can enhance your journey.

Let’s dive into the details and get you ready for an unforgettable golfing adventure.

Why Is Indonesia a Golfer’s Paradise?

Indonesia offers a unique blend of exceptional golf courses and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts. The country boasts a variety of courses, from those situated among lush rainforests to those overlooking stunning coastlines.

You’ll find that many courses are designed by renowned architects, ensuring a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels who decide to play golf in Indonesia.

Beyond the courses, Indonesia’s rich culture and warm hospitality enhance your golfing trip. Imagine finishing a round of golf and then exploring ancient temples, relaxing on pristine beaches or hitting some of Asia’s top 100 bars.

Plus, the favourable climate means you can enjoy golfing year-round. It’s not just about the sport; it’s the entire experience that makes Indonesia a golfer’s paradise.

Indonesia’s Must-Play Golf Regions

Here are some of the top regions in Indonesia where you can find fantastic golf courses:

6 Key Locations

• Jakarta
• Batam
• Bogor
• Bali
• Surabaya
• Bandung

Jakarta

Jakarta offers a mix of urban and resort-style courses. You will find some top-notch clubs here, often with city views. It’s a great place if you want golf close to the action and enjoy the buzz of a big city. Many consider it a prime location to play golf in Indonesia due to its accessibility and high-quality facilities.

Jakarta traffic is infamous but if you tee off early, most courses can be reached in less than 45 minutes. You can find some amazing deals midweek (championship golf courses for US$60) but weekend prices are usually around $150 for Saturday morning, but if you tee off after 11am, the price can drop significantly to around $80.

Courses are friendly, caddies are great (something for everyone), and we guarantee you’ll have a great time. It’s one of the most relaxed places to play top quality golf.

Batam

Batam is known for its accessible location near Singapore and Malaysia. The courses are beautiful and well-maintained. It’s a popular weekend getaway for golfers looking for a quick and easy trip.

A mere 30-45 minute ferry away from Singapore, Batam is one of the best golfing opportunities in SE Asia. Great for a day trip but also plenty of golf course if you want to spend a few days exploring Batam’s 6 top quality courses. Prices vary from US$60 to US$120 on weekends and better deals can be found midweek.

Expect great caddies, cheap beers, ocean views and top quality golf!

Bogor

Bogor has courses set amidst lush, green hills. The weather is cooler, making for a pleasant golfing experience. Expect stunning scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.

45-60 minutes south of Jakarta, the cooler temperatures and cleaner air make Bogor immensely popular with Jakarta golfers. Stunning mountain views, winding courses with epic elevation changes and warm hospitality. There are 8 fantastic courses to choose from. An easy day trip from Jakarta, but there are some great hotels to accommodate a multi-day trip if you desire!

Bali

Bali is a dream destination for many, and it’s also great for golf. Courses often boast spectacular views of the ocean or rice paddies. You can combine golf with exploring the island’s famous beaches and culture.

Due to the closure of Bali National, there are now only 3 golf courses to choose from: New Kuta, Bukit Pandawa (Par 3 Course), and Handara. They each offer vastly different experiences and are each worth exploring in their own right. Typically around US$100 per round, golf isn’t the cheapest but you can get a decent stay and play deal with some of the associated resorts.

Handara is 2.5-3 hour drive away from the south coast, so it’s not easy to put together a weekend trip that encompasses them all.

Surabaya

Surabaya offers quality courses and a local feel. You’ll find a range of options, from established clubs to newer developments. It’s a good place to experience the city’s unique charm while playing golf.

Surbaya has some amazing city courses (not that you will feel like you’re in the city) but also offers amazing mountain courses just an hours drive away. Significantly cheaper than the rest of Indonesia for top quality golf, you play Saturday morning for US$100 and less than half that on a weekday.

Ciputra has 27 holes of pristine fairways and greens within the city boundary. But the real gem is Taman Dayu, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course on the slopes of the Arjuna (dormant) volcano. Not a course for beginners, it has some of the best designed holes in Indonesia. One of the courses we could happily play every day and find a new way to play it.

A notable hidden gem near Taman Dayu and Finna Golf is Donna Clara Brazilian restaurant where you can find some of the best Brazilian barbecue and Pão de queijo outside of Brazil!

Surabaya really is a great golf destination, there’s even a perfect par 3 course (Pakuwon) that offers night golf and is ideal to refine your short game ready for the full size course.

Bandung

Bandung is situated in the highlands, so you get fantastic weather and views. The courses here often feature rolling terrain and beautiful landscapes. It’s a nice escape from the heat and a treat for nature lovers.

With the newly completed high-speed rail link from Jakarta (Whoosh!) you can be at Parahyangan Golf in less than an hour. There are some other fantastic golf courses where you have everything from old school fiddly hill tracks to wide open mountain fairways.

Best Time to Tee Off in Indonesia

Figuring out the best time to hit the course in Indonesia really depends on where you are and what kind of weather you like. Since Indonesia is so large, you get different vibes across the islands. All year round, you will find cheaper deals in the afternoon (particularly on the weekend).

Generally, the dry season is from April to October. This is when you’ll find sunny days and less rain, which is great for golfing. But keep in mind that during these months, it can get pretty hot, especially in places like Jakarta. So, if you’re not a fan of the heat, early morning or late afternoon tee times might be your best bet when you play golf in Indonesia.

Now, if you’re heading to Bogor or Bandung, places up in the hills, things are a bit different. These areas tend to be cooler year-round because of their elevation. So, even in the dry season, you’ll have more comfortable temperatures for playing. But beware of rainy season, as it can hit especially hard in these places (often in the afternoon).

Bali has its own charm. While the dry season is still a good time to go, Bali is popular all year. You might get some showers in the wet season (November to March), but they usually don’t last all day. Plus, you’ll find fewer crowds and maybe even some better deals.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Region	Best Time to Play	Weather Notes
Jakarta	May to September (Dry Season)	Hot, consider early/late tee times
Batam	May to October (Dry Season)	Warm and sunny
Bogor	May to September (Dry Season)	Cooler temperatures due to elevation
Bali	April to October (Dry Season)	Popular all year, some rain in wet season
Surabaya	May to September (Dry Season)	Warm and sunny
Bandung	June to September (Dry Season)	Cooler temperatures due to elevation

Basically, if you want to dodge the rain and get plenty of sunshine, aim for the dry season. But don’t rule out the wet season entirely, especially if you’re okay with a bit of drizzle and you’re looking for fewer tourists. Just check the local forecast before you go and pack accordingly!

Etiquette and Practical Tips When You Play Golf in Indonesia

Alright, let’s talk about some things you’ll want to keep in mind while you’re golfing in Indonesia. It’s not just about showing up and hitting the ball. There are a few customs and practicalities you’ll want to know to make things smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

Green Fees Idea

Golf green fees in Indonesia range from as low as $6 to as high as $250 USD, depending on the course’s location, exclusivity, and amenities. From affordable local courses to luxury resort-style fairways, there’s a golfing experience to match every budget and preference. The nice thing is, nearly all green fees in Indonesia do include the caddie fees, cart fees and taxes, so you know exactly what you’re paying for! No hidden fees!

Local Caddies Are the Real Deal

First off, caddies are pretty common in Indonesia, and it’s often obligatory that you take one. They’re not just there to carry your bag, either. Many caddies have a solid understanding of the course, and they can give you tips on the best way to play each hole. Plus, they can help with the local language if needed and give you insights into the culture (but they might not speak much of your language!). It’s expected to tip your caddie, the base rate as of 2025 is Rp250,000 but Rp300,000 is more typical for the more premium courses.

This is effectively a fixed cost to consider (unless your caddie really underperforms) so factor that in. Their base pay is not very much so please do consider that when playing.

Gear Talk

Whether or not you bring your own clubs really depends on how much you want to travel with them. Most decent golf courses in Indonesia will have rental clubs available. Now, they might not be top-of-the-line, but they’ll definitely do the job. If you’re super particular about your gear, you’ll probably want to bring your own. But if you’re trying to keep things light and simple, renting is a perfectly fine option. Just maybe give the club a call beforehand to check on the quality and availability. We do try to offer some idea of rental options, but bes to check in advance.

Be Cool and Considerate

Indonesia is a super-friendly place, and generally, people are pretty laid-back. But showing respect for local customs is always appreciated. Dress modestly, both on and off the course. While golf attire is typically fine, avoid anything too revealing. Also, it’s common to greet people warmly and with a smile. A simple “hello” or “good morning” in the local language (like “Selamat pagi” for good morning) can go a long way. When it comes to golfing etiquette, just follow the usual rules – be mindful of other players, keep your pace of play up, and respect the course. And hey, just be friendly and enjoy yourself. That’s what it’s all about.

Enjoy the Experience

At the end of the day, it’s about having fun. Golfing in Indonesia is a unique experience. You’re in a beautiful place, you’re meeting new people, and you’re playing a game you love. So, relax, enjoy the scenery, and soak it all in. That’s what it’s really about.

Your Final Thoughts on Deciding to Play Golf in Indonesia

So there you have it! Planning to play golf in Indonesia is more than just booking a tee time. It’s about jumping into a whole experience—amazing courses, beautiful scenery, and a culture that’s as warm as the sunshine.

Honestly, it’s one of those trips that stick with you long after you’ve packed your bags. Indonesia offers diverse experiences for every golfer, from ocean views in Bali to mountain breezes in Bogor and city scenes in Jakarta..

And it’s not just for the golf fanatics, either. Think about it, you get to explore ancient temples, chill on awesome beaches, and try some of the tastiest food you’ve ever had. It’s like a vacation with a side of your favorite sport.

Plus, you meet some really cool people—local caddies with stories, fellow golfers from all over, and just generally friendly folks. You might even pick up a few Indonesian words along the way, which is always fun.

So, if you’re tossing around ideas for your next golf trip, seriously consider Indonesia. It’s got the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and of course, great golfing. You won’t regret it!