The tropical island of Bali is a popular location on the bucket lists of all kinds of adventurers. From mountain climbers to snorkelers and surfers, Bali is well known for raising the bar. And yet, you’ve probably never considered adding golfers to that list. But that’s right, the secret’s out; among the breathtaking volcanoes, luscious rice fields and sandy beaches of blue-bordered Bali are some of the most stunning golf courses around.
In fact, Bali is blessed with many things that make it a golfer’s paradise. Picture this: beautiful, balmy weather with little wind, offering the ideal conditions to tee off any time. Amazingly scenic, yet challenging, championship-standard courses with first-class facilities, on a par with some of the world’s best. And finally, some of the most charming golf resorts you’ve ever set your eyes on, all set against the spectacular backdrop of Bali Island. And that’s where we come in…
Whether you want a golf-only trip, or just to get out on the fairways to break up a full Bali travel itinerary, we’ve got you covered. With plenty of options across all trip types, we’re bringing you the best golf resorts in Bali (including on-site golf resorts and those set just outside). So sit back, relax, and get ready to play golf in paradise.
Bali Handara Golf & Resort
If you’re after serene beauty away from the hustle and bustle of busier Bali, then the Handara Golf & Resort is especially for you. Sat on the hills of Desa Pancasara and set against the mountainous landscapes of Bedugul and Lake Buyan, let yourself settle in for a stay in tranquility. Choose from cozy chalets, luxury suites, and garden-view villas, all modern throughout with traditional Indonesian accented decor. Bask in wellness facilities including yoga classes, full body Bali-style massages, saunas and more. And when the evening comes, set your sights on worldly cuisine with a spot of Japanese dinner at Soyokaze’s Restaurant, or a broader choice at the Breeze Terrace complete with 180-degree panoramic views. Alone, on a couples trip, or taking the whole family, you’ll find plenty of nature-filled activities at the resort, from barbeque bonfires to tennis tournaments and green bike tours.
Step through the traditional Hindu Handara Gate, and you’ll be within one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 50 Best Golf Courses in the World, designed by five-time Open Champion Peter Thompson. Sat within the crater of an extinct volcano, make your way around the natural wonderland of Handara Golf Club’s ‘standard to difficult’ golf course with 18 holes of fresh green and rocky panoramas. Another advantage is the cooler temperatures up here compared to other courses in Bali, bringing you away from the heat so you can truly concentrate on your game alongside fully-trained caddies. The golf doesn’t come free, but in-house guests will get special rates at around $70 per full round.
Where can I go?
Handara is a place of natural beauty. If you’re looking for things to see nearby, you’ll find the Ulun Danu Temple and the Begedul Botanical Gardens only a 10 minute drive away, as well as the stunning Gitgit Waterfall 20 minutes’ drive away.
Address: Desa Pancasari, Sukasada, 81162 Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Single, couples, families
Rating: 8.3
Bali National Golf Villas
If you want to complete the luxury golfing experience, look no further than Bali National Golf Villas. Set in Nusa Dua overlooking the Bali National Golf Club, the resort comprises of seven two-story opulent villas, accommodating up to 6 people and featuring a private beach and pools. For the single or couple traveler, why not try the golf bungalow instead? What it lacks in a private pool, it makes up for with its scenic patio views. What makes this a truly special stay, however, is the exclusive butlers appointed to attend to your every desire. They’ll organize anything you could want, from your drinks to transport, to everything in between. Enjoy the Continental breakfast each morning delivered to your room, or dine out in style at the Indonesian and international restaurant. As Bali National Villas say themselves: ‘It is very private, very personal, and we are proud to say, a very different experience from the rest.’ We couldn’t have put it any better.
The award-winning Bali National Golf Club course is a sight to behold for any golfer, from beginners to the best players, with the majestic backdrop of Gunung Agung and the Indian Ocean beyond. Over 18 holes, there are three distinct sections for golfers to swing their way through, with bunkers, tropical scenery, lavish gardens and artificial lakes throughout the course. You’ll get tee to tee on latest model golf carts fully stocked with water and other beverages, as well as an assigned golf caddie per player. Other features include a Pro golf shop, modern lockers and changing facilities, as well as a restaurant and bar where you can refresh yourself on your way around the course. When staying in the Bali National Golf Villas, you’ll get discounted rates, but one round of golf generally costs around $163.
Where can I go?
From here, you’re in a prime location to enjoy the likes of Geger, Muia and Nusa Dua beach, all within 1km of the resort. And if lounging in the sunshine isn’t your thing, there are plenty of restaurants, Discovery Shopping Mall and Pasifika Museum nearby.
Address: Kawasan Wisata Lot S-5, 80363 Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Couples, friends, corporate trips
Rating: 8.9
The St Regis Bali Resort
With only seven villas set within the prestigious Bali National Golf Club ground, you’re going to want backup — and where better than The St Regis Bali Resort? Sitting just on the outskirts of the Bali National Golf Club and right on the beachfront, is the truly breathtaking 5-star Nusa Dua resort hotel. Each suite has state-of-the-art rooms kitted out with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and more, with balconies and terraces looking towards the tropical gardens, glistening pools or ocean views.
For villa living, you can expect private hot tubs, plunge pools and cabanas, as well as direct access to the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua and the saltwater lagoons. In fact, wander on down to the world-class Lagoon Spa and pick anything from body scrubs to foot baths and couples’ massages. At mealtimes, discover authentic international cuisine at award-winning restaurants Boneka Restaurant and Kayuputi Restaurant, or sip on a premium cocktail at the King Cole Bar. Trust us, the St Regis is an all-round special experience for anyone seeking a truly over-the-top stay on the island of Bali. Alternatively, if you’re looking for somewhere similarly close to the golf course, but a little cheaper and still spectacularly lovely, you may want to check out The Laguna Resort.
Where can I go?
Much like the Bali National Golf Villas, you’ll be situated right by Nusa Dua, Geger and Muia beach, with restaurants and shopping centers just a short drive away. You’ll only be 500m from the golf course itself.
Rating: 9.5
Address: Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot S6 PO.BOX 44, 80363 Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Family, couples
Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel
If you’re looking to switch it up between golfing and time spent lounging on sandy shores, the beachfront Grand Inna Bali Beach in Sanur may suit you to a tee. The Grand Inna Bali Beach is a ten-story tower building, with rooms ranging from deluxe to Presidential Suite, and designed with Balinese modern contemporary decor and direct access to Sanur beach. Soak up the sun from the swimming pool or the sand, or indulge in massages and many other treatments from the in-house spa facilities. Sit down every night to varied menus of international and Indonesian cuisine, or do dinner by the ocean with Mediterranean style seafood specialties at B. Baruna Beach Restaurant, or the pizzeria. While the hotel itself is slightly more dated than some of the others on this list, it has the brilliant benefit of hosting the impressive Bali Beach Golf Course within its grounds.
The Bali Beach Golf Course offers up picturesque features and an all-round private country club feel. The course has only 9 holes, but will give golfers enough challenges regardless of their skill level. Perhaps best of all, the Bali Beach Golf Course has all the facilities you could ever need for a great round of golf: luxury locker rooms, well-trained caddies, as well as the Sector Bar, Restaurant and Lounge with gorgeous views over the fairways, lying right on the flanks of the golf course. It also features the only nighttime driving range in Bali, where you can practice all aspects of your golf, as well as being available for private and exclusive events. Prices are around $70 for 9 holes.
Where can I go?
In the original seaside town of Sanur, but only 5km from the main city of Densapar, you’re well placed to immerse yourself in the rest of Bali (and take the ferries to other remote islands). Places only a walk away include Sindhu beach, Sindhu market, and dining options on Danau Tamblingan.
Address: Jalan Hang Tuah, 80227 Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Friends, family
Rating: 7.4
Le Grande Bali Uluwatu
Le Grande Bali Uluwatu can be found within the southwestern region of Pecatu Indah Resort complex in the heart of New Kuta Golf Course. Surrounded by romantic Balinese garden landscapes, enjoy luxurious accommodation just a 15 minute drive from Jimbaran Beach. This may best suit those who simply want to enjoy some golfing and chill time by the hotel as most attractions are around a 20 minutes shuttle bus ride away. Regardless, all rooms are contemporary Balinese style with spacious balconies to take in the scenery and a private pool. Enjoy nights eating at Chinese restaurant Little Nanyang, and drinking at the likes of S’bar, offering live music, premium drinks and cocktails, as well as innovative specialties from the a la carte menu. You’ll also find a gym, three pools, and lavish spa treatments.
You’ll be in the very heart of New Kuta Golf Club, which is 85 hectares of championship-standard course. With 18 holes, its five sets of tees and links-style features will ensure even the most experienced golfers will feel satisfied. The landscape you’ll play golf on is a desert-like destination, with native trees, shrubs, long grass and creepers. Look up from your golf swing however, and you’ll see stunning limestone cliffs, as well as the surfers down on Dreamland and Balangan beach. The clubhouse boasts many grand offerings to keep you entertained throughout, including a restaurant, bar, spa and function rooms with views across the rolling fairways and sea. Similarly to the Bali National Golf Club, costs are around $163 per round.
Where can I go?
Not only is the famous Uluwatu Temple only 12.4 miles away, but the resort provides scheduled shuttle services to some of Bali’s top surf spots of Uluwatu such as Dreamland and Balangan beach. You can also drive 40 minutes to Seminyak, for more of Bali’s nightlife.
Address: Jalan Uluwatu Complex Pecatu Graha Block 5, Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Family, couples
Rating: 7.4
AYANA Resort and Spa
Set your sights high at the AYANA Resort and Spa. Sat atop cliff-top land that looks down onto Jimbaran Bay, the award-winning AYANA Resort offers rooms, suites and villas with ocean views, paired with the most extensive on-site facilities of any hotels in Bali. For those choosing the villas, you can expect elegant wooden furnishings, marbled bathrooms and a private plunge pool. It’s only 5 miles from Central Jimbaran, but with 19 restaurants, pool cafes and bars, such as the open-air Padi Restaurant surrounded by lotus ponds, you’d never have to leave. You’ll also find the famed Rock Bar at AYANA — globally known as one of the most popular places to set your eyes on a Bali sunset, surrounded by the sea. You’ll also benefit from the exclusivity of Kuba beach, 12 swimming pools, a world-class spa and a fitness center.
AYANA itself offers an 18 hole putting green, rather than a golf course itself. However, you’ve got all the golf resorts in Nusa Dua to choose from, right there at your feet. You’ll find that New Kuta Golf course (a mere 20 minutes drive away) is the closest. A little further out and you’ll also be able to find Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club and Bali National Golf Club. If you’re feeling up to it, try and give all three golf courses a go.
Where can I go?
This beautiful resort is a location all on its own, and you’ll have plenty of beaches to choose from for a cocktail or three on Bali’s ‘sunset coast’. You’re also five minutes to Jimbaran Village’s art galleries, boutiques and traditional markets.
Address: Jalan Hang Tuah, 80227 Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Couples, friends
Rating: 9.0
Samabe Bali Suites & Villas
Samabe Bali Suites & Villas is the ultimate retreat. Not only is it nestled on top of Nusa Dua’s famous cliffs looking out onto the glistening Indian Ocean, but it offers all the promise of a lavish stay with all-inclusive facilities. Perfectly suited to travelers seeking some well-deserved rest and relaxation, lounge on your veranda, bask in the blueness of the Infinity Pool, or saunter down to the private beach with 24-hour butler service to attend to your wishes. Delight in the delectable tastes of Rempah Restaurant specializing in Balinese, Indonesian, Asian and Mediterranean, or settle down at Crystal Blue Ocean Grill with fresh seafood dishes and barbequed food. Whatever your idea of downtime is, from cave dining to beach barbecues and beach gazebos, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime here.
You’ll notice Samabe Bali Suites isn’t strictly a golf resort, but we couldn’t not mention one of the newest, and most captivating golf resorts in Bali: The Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club. The golf club is a centerpiece of expansive real estate which will eventually house many 5-star hotels (including Waldorf Astoria and Swissotel). In the meantime, however, Samabe Bali Suites is the perfect place to stay, at a short 3km from the golf course. And let us tell you, the golf course itself is nothing short of epic. With 18 championship-caliber holes, you’ll be able to make your way through dramatic rock, terraced rice paddy fields and strategic waterfalls set against the stunning ocean views. With a clubhouse inspired by Bali’s temples and towers, you’ll find stylish locker rooms, world-class golf equipment, the sophisticated Kul-Kul restaurant with iconic views and much, much more.
Where can I go?
Drive just 15 minutes from the resort and you’ll find yourself at Bali Collection shopping and dining area, an open-air mall with clothing, jewelry and diverse dining options.
Rating: 9.3
Address: Jl. Pura Barong-Barong, Sawangan, 80363 Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Family, groups, couples
Frequently Asked Questions
