Singapore and nearby islands

It’s once again time for us to travel together and discover a new Bucket List somewhere in the world. This time we are heading to Singapore and some of the islands in Indonesia and Malaysia. So if you’re thinking about a trip to Singapore you can also plan a weekend golf trip 😉 And who would guess that Singapore alone has 21 golf courses?

Singapore Skyline

Nirwana Golf, Bali

Designed by Greg Norman and opened in 1997, this golf course is a piece of heaven on Earth. The course is right by the coastline of Tanah Lot and you’ll even be hitting your tee shots over the beautiful temples of Bali.

Some fairways are located along the rice terraces, so you’ll get to experience Balinese culture even during the round. From the signature 7th hole, you can see the Tanah Lot Temple on the left. Depending on whether it’s high or low tide, the temple is either surrounded by water or then the beach surrounds the temple. After the round, I recommend visiting the area of the Tanah Lot Temple, which is one of Bali’s most important landmarks.

Bali has a colorful culture full of vibrant arts. Music and dance play an important role in the Balinese culture. During your stay in Bali, make sure to see a Balinese dance performance or visit a local restaurant to experience the genuine Balinese cousine. If you’re tired after your golf round, then why not relax by the pool before you go out and explore Bali.

Ria Bintan, Indonesia

A short ferry trip away from Singapore is the island of Bintan, where you can find Ria Bintan Golf Club. The course was designed by Gary Player and is located right on the coast. The Ocean Course is an 18-hole award-winning course including the iconic 9th hole par 3 where golfers hit over the ocean and rocks onto the picturesque green.

The signature hole at Ria Bintan.

In addition to the Ocean Course, there is also the Forest Course, which is a 9-hole pleasant course. If you’re interested in spending just a day in Bintan, you can take the ferry from Singapore in the morning and head back in the evening. However, you might also want to consider staying one night at the resort close to the golf course. Then you can even manage to play two rounds at Ria Bintan.

Tioman Island Golf Club, Malaysia

GameBook user Sami’s tee shot at Tioman Island Golf Club.

The island of Tioman is located in Malaysia and is known for its incredible diving and snorkeling locations. If you’re into diving and snorkeling then visiting Tioman is a must. You can also combine golf into the trip, as Tioman Island Golf Club has been called the most scenic golf course in Malaysia.

Tioman Island Golf Club’s signature hole.

The signature 7th hole is a 200 meter par 3 over the ocean onto a rather tight green. The course is very genuine, as it has been built into the jungle and a few holes are right by the coast. So if you’re looking for an adventure in the nature, then Tioman Island Golf Club is the course to play! Oh, and don’t be afraid if some monkeys or big lizzards come to greet you at the tee boxes.

The clubhouse at Tioman Island Golf Club.

The Els Club Teluk Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia

Ernie Els has designed a unique and brilliant golf resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. The Els Club in Langkawi offers 63 holes of golf, so there is plenty to choose from. There are three full 18-hole courses: The Rainforest, The Ocean and The Valley Course.

The Rainforest course of The Els Club in Langkawi is a course like no other. There are NO bunkers on the course, so if you detest sand shots then this is the place for you! But don’t get carried away by the fact that there are no bunkers; the course still offers a challenge. Overall, it’s a very enoyable course and fits the characteristics of a resort-style golf course.

Being a busy person does not count as an excuse to skip out on a golf round… while we were there a group arrived by helicopter. You can even reserve the helicopter ride from the golf club’s website.

Raffles Country Club, Singapore

Raffles Country Club is the home of two golf courses: The Lake Course and The Palm Course. Of the two courses, The Palm course is the more challenging one with interesting fairways that really require good course management. This course is as picturesque as it is challenging 😉

As the name suggests, the Lake Course also has plenty of water hazards. The greens are extremely fast and in great condition. The video below will give you a sneak peek of the layout and the condition of the course.

After your golf round, you might want to enjoy Singapore’s national cocktail, the Singapore Sling. This authentic cocktail is served at the Raffles Hotel.

Marina Bay Golf Course, Singapore

This a a popular golf course located in the Marina Bay region of Singapore and it is actually Singapore’s first and only 18-hole golf course that is open to the public. This course also has the longest and only par 6 hole in Singapore.

From the clubhouse terrace you’ll have a view of Marina Bay Sands.

The location of the course is ideal, as it is a short ride away from downtown and you’ll have great views of Singapore’s skyline throughout the round. During your round you’ll also see the Singapore Flyer, which is Asia’s largest observation wheel that stands 165m from the ground.

After your round, I recommend visiting Marina Bay Sands for a drink or two 😉 The rooftop views will literally take your breath away and you’ll be able to see nearly all of Singapore. If you’re able to time it perfectly, I suggest watching the sunset from the rooftop bar.

Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore

Sentosa Golf Club is without a doubt the finest golf club in Singapore. The golf club includes two spectacular golf courses: The Serapong and The Tanjong course.

The courses offer dramatic views of Singapore’s harbour, the skyline of Singapore and the South China Sea. Sentosa Golf Club has been the host of Barclays Singapore Open. Sentosa Golf Club is also the host of HSBC Women’s Championship. You might want to consider going to Universal Studios after your golf round or traveling around Sentosa island (especially if you have children with you).