In recent years, golf has played an important role in the Indonesian tourism development. Although not as good as Malaysian and Thailand golf tourism, Indonesian golf tourism considered to have great potential in the future. As you might know, golf tourism is able to attract about 3,000 people per year in the last couple of years. It much better than five years ago, where only about 900 foreign golf enthusiasts ever recorded. With a total of 150 golf courses spread across Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Surabaya, Batam, Bali, Bintan and Yogyakarta, it is so unfortunate if the government not using this great potential.
That’s why golf tourism promotion is being reverberated by the Ministry of Tourism in order to increase the number of foreign tourists visitor. The realization of this agenda could be seen in Indonesian golf exhibition that being held in several countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, China, South Korea and Japan. The government quite optimistic, this program would be able to introduce the uniqueness of Indonesian golf tourism destinations to both professional and amateur golfer across the globe.
Why Indonesian Golf Tourism Is So Tempting?
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The Spectacular Landscape Background
There are several reasons why the government quite optimistic about golf tourism in Indonesia. Amongs the 150 golf courses in Indonesia, 114 of them already hold the international standard golf course status. These 114 golf course also has a unique design with spectacular natural view. You can see it in Bali, Bali golf offers not only it’s unique scenic beauty, but also a strategic position for the tourism business. Bali’s golf course infrastructures are considered to meet international standard and become one of the best golf tourism destinations in Asia.
Some golf courses in Bali such as Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, Nirwana Bali Golf, New Kuta Golf, Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club and Bali Beach Golf Course offer scenic backdrops of oceans and hills that can’t be found in other areas. This scenic view also can be found in Bintan and Batam Island. Here, the golfer will be greeted with the beauty of the green golf course landscape combined with the blue of the South China Sea as well as some international resorts. Not surprisingly, these two islands are the main golf destination for golfers from Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam at the weekend.
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Low Rate Green Fee
Besides its spectacular landscape, Indonesian golf tourism destinations is considered having more value in terms of green fees. For local people, golf still considered as an expensive sport. However, for foreign tourists, Indonesian golf considered much more cheaper and more qualified than Bangkok golf courses. Some of the golf courses in Jakarta and Bogor apply a fairly low rate green fee for both professional and amateur golfer. Golfers can play golf just by paying green fee under 1 million rupiah. Beside its low rate green fee, Indonesian golf also offer a fascinating round than golfing in any other Asian countries. With such a low rate, players will be accompanied by a professional caddy throughout the game.
- Can Play Golf Throughout The Year
However, one of the most interesting things from the Indonesian golf tourism destinations is you can play it at any season. Indonesia’s tropical climate makes golfers can play it throughout the year. This is the reason why South Korean tourists interested in Indonesian golf, especially during the winter holidays. The existence of two direct flights South Korean airlines, Korean Air and Jin Air to Indonesia also open the direct access for Korean tourists. They can access the best golf courses on the island such as of Bali or Bintan Island.
Competitive price, best quality golf course, favorable climate and easy access for tourists are more value for Indonesian golf tourism. These advantages will be more complete if the government complement it by holding various world tournaments. Thus, it is expected that the golf tourism development will be more optimal and potential tourist visitor could be achieved.
