Ria Bintan Golf Club isn’t just a golf course, it’s a golfer’s dream getaway. It is still a course that is well known in the region for its stunning views, course difficulty and quality. It is close to Singapore, very easy to get to, and is an absolute gem to play. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this course a must-play and how to get there:
How to get to Ria Bintan Golf Club from Singapore
There are daily dedicated services of ferries that run from Tanah Merah Ferry terminal in Singapore to Bintan. The approximate time is 60 minutes and the cost is close 40SGD. It is smooth sailing and super easy to arrange. Make sure you are at the ferry terminal 45 minutes before you are due to board to drop off luggage/clubs. It is similar to an airport and you will still need to go through check in and customs. The same will apply when you arrive in Indonesia. Some countries will need a VOA – Visa on arrival. The ferry terminal is super easy to navigate and there is a 7-11 type place where you can grab snacks and also duty free options.
Stunning Scenery at Ria Bintan: The crown jewel is the Ocean Course, designed by the legendary Gary Player. Prepare to be wowed by panoramic ocean views, especially on the iconic stretch of holes 7, 8, and 9 that hug the coastline. These aren’t just pretty pictures; they add a strategic element to your game, making club selection crucial. These are some of the most enjoyable holes that we have played, and they are a real challenge too! If you look hard enough, you can even find the secret tee-off area for Gary Player himself on one of the coast holes! We throught the ocean facing holes were a perfect mix of challenge and beauty, we even managed to grab a par and a birdie on them!
Course Challenge: While not overly long, Ria Bintan offers a thoughtful challenge that rewards accuracy and course management. The fairways are meticulously maintained, and the well-placed bunkers will test your shot-shaping skills. Don’t be surprised to encounter some friendly (or not-so-friendly) wildlife like monkeys or snakes – adds to the adventure! We saw monkeys and I am sure one of them moved my ball off the fairway 🙂
Top-Notch Service: The staff at Ria Bintan are known for their attentiveness. From efficient booking to helpful caddies who can read those tricky greens, they’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable golfing experience. Our caddie was top notch and got every single green read right, which took shots off our games. One of our caddies had been on the same course for 15 years.
A golfer’s paradise doesn’t have to be all swing and sweat. The clubhouse serves up simple yet tasty food and refreshing drinks, perfect for post-game relaxation. There are plenty of local favorites plus the standard pub international goodies that everyone can enjoy. Make sure you grab a large fresh coconut and watch from the restaurant. We ordered some drinks and food there and just watched the golf and weather roll through.
The pro shop has plenty of customised goodies as well and we snapped up a few bargains as well.
Here are some things to consider about the Ria Bintan experience:
- Travel: Located on Bintan Island, Ria Bintan is a short ferry ride from Singapore. This adds a layer of adventure to your golf trip. Ria Bintan are also able to provide transport from the ferry, speeding up the time from the ferry to the golf course.
- Skill Level: The course is playable for golfers of most skill levels, but the strategic layout will favor those who can think their way around the course.
- Ria Bintan accommodation – there are places to stay on the golf course that are well priced, clean and great location. If you want a place to chuck the bags and just focus on the golf, this is the spot to stay at! Rooms have big beds, large showers, air conditioning and a view that overlooks the golf course, making it perfect for anyone. We stayed there for 2 nights and it is a clean and convenient spot that is so central around the golf. We must recommend that you stay at the actual golf course accommodation for the best experience.
Overall, Ria Bintan Golf Club is a world-class golfing experience that combines stunning scenery, a challenging course, and excellent service. It’s a perfect escape for golfers seeking a memorable round amidst paradise.
- Check out other things to do in Indonesia
- Have we missed a place where we need to go? Let us know in the comments below.
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