Bali’s Most Scenic Golf Courses for Tropical Tee Times

Bali might be best known for its beaches, temples, and surf culture—but for those who crave world-class golf in paradise, the island delivers a surprising array of stunning fairways. With backdrops ranging from ocean cliffs to rainforest valleys, the golf courses in Bali are as diverse as they are beautiful.

Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just want to squeeze in a round during your holiday, these tropical greens combine challenging layouts, scenic brilliance, and luxury amenities. From the highlands of Bedugul to the clifftops of Uluwatu, here are the most spectacular places to tee off on the Island of the Gods. 🏌️‍♂️🌴

🌊 Bali National Golf Club – Five-Star Fairways in Nusa Dua

📍 Nusa Dua, South Bali

Set in the heart of Bali’s exclusive Nusa Dua resort area, Bali National Golf Club is one of the island’s premier golf experiences. The course was completely redesigned in 2013 and now features a championship-level layout that seamlessly blends natural beauty with strategic challenge. Spanning three distinct landscapes—lush tropical forests, open savannah-style fairways, and beachside holes—every part of this course is a visual treat.

Bali National stands out not only for its immaculate conditions but also for its professional caddies, elegant clubhouse, and on-site fine dining. The signature 17th hole, perched just above a white-sand beach, is a memorable par-3 that will test your precision and distract you with views of the turquoise Indian Ocean. This course also emphasizes sustainability, with native flora preserved across the property and an eco-conscious irrigation system.

If you’re staying at a nearby luxury resort, it’s easy to arrange a tee time along with transport, clubs, and gear. Whether you’re there for a corporate retreat or a sunrise solo round, Bali National combines leisure, luxury, and tropical serenity in every swing.

💼 Best for: Travelers seeking a premium golf experience near world-class resorts and beaches.

🏨 Stay nearby at:
✔️ The St. Regis Bali Resort – Elegant beachfront suites, impeccable service, and only minutes from the fairway.
✔️ The Mulia, Nusa Dua – Opulent and award-winning, with top-tier dining and direct beach access.

🌋 Handara Golf & Resort Bali – Tee Off in a Volcanic Crater

📍 Bedugul Highlands, North Central Bali

If you’re looking for something truly unique, Handara Golf & Resort offers one of the world’s most spectacular settings for a round of golf. Nestled within an ancient volcanic caldera in the Bedugul highlands, this 18-hole course is surrounded by cool mist, crater lakes, and jungle-covered mountains. The climate here is crisp and refreshing, a welcome escape from Bali’s coastal heat.

The course is one of Indonesia’s oldest, but its layout has aged like fine wine—offering narrow fairways lined with flowering trees, undulating greens, and the kind of peaceful quiet you rarely find elsewhere on the island. The air is often misty in the morning, creating a magical atmosphere as you tee off under towering pines with views of Mount Catur in the distance.

The famous Handara Gates, located at the entrance to the resort, have become a popular photo spot on social media, but the true beauty lies beyond the gate on the fairways. With an on-site resort, restaurant, and traditional mountain hospitality, Handara is ideal for a longer golf retreat or a weekend escape into Bali’s cooler, quieter side.

💼 Best for: Golfers looking for nature, tranquility, and a cooler climate in the highlands.

🏨 Stay nearby at:
✔️ Munduk Moding Plantation – A luxurious eco-resort with sweeping views, perfect for combining nature, spa, and mountain golf.
✔️ Handara Golf & Resort – Cozy highland accommodation surrounded by green, misty fairways.

🌴 New Kuta Golf – Ocean Cliffs and Sunset Swings

📍 Pecatu, Uluwatu (Bukit Peninsula)

Perched high above the crashing waves of Dreamland Beach, New Kuta Golf is a dramatic, links-style course that offers the best cliffside golf views in Bali. Designed to challenge even experienced golfers, the course features rugged coastal terrain, strong sea breezes, and rolling fairways that mirror the natural contours of the Bukit Peninsula.

One of the course’s standout features is the iconic 15th hole, known as “The Cliff Hanger.” Here, players must face ocean winds while navigating a narrow fairway and steep drop-offs—a thrilling test for your nerves and skill. The back nine in particular offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and makes for an unforgettable round during golden hour.

The course has hosted international tournaments and is known for its professional layout and excellent maintenance, despite the natural challenges posed by its location. Facilities include a spacious clubhouse, golf academy, driving range, and a cliff-view restaurant for a post-round sunset toast.

💼 Best for: Confident players and photographers who want golf with panoramic views and coastal drama.

🏨 Stay nearby at:
✔️ Six Senses Uluwatu – A serene clifftop hideaway with holistic luxury and direct access to Uluwatu’s stunning coastline.
✔️ Alila Villas Uluwatu – Sleek design meets cliffside serenity; great for golfers and sunset lovers alike.

🏞️ Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club – Short Course with Big Views

📍 Kutuh, near Nusa Dua

If you’re pressed for time but don’t want to skip Bali’s golf scene, Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club offers a shorter yet stunning experience. This 18-hole par-3 course sits atop the cliffs between Nusa Dua and Uluwatu and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful short courses in the world.

Each hole is architecturally unique, inspired by Balinese temples, traditional gates, and terraced rice fields, blending natural landscapes with cultural symbolism. The course demands accuracy and strategy rather than power, making it ideal for short-game enthusiasts or those easing into the sport. With sea views and breezy conditions, even a quick round here feels special.

Bukit Pandawa is beautifully maintained, with manicured greens, creative bunkering, and an elegant clubhouse that matches the course’s refined atmosphere. It’s also a great choice for groups or couples looking for a social and scenic golf experience without committing a full day.

💼 Best for: Time-conscious travelers, design lovers, and short-game specialists who want scenic play.

🏨 Stay nearby at:
✔️ The Ritz-Carlton Bali – Ultra-private luxury with ocean views, just minutes from the course.
✔️ The Apurva Kempinski Bali – Grand design meets cliffside elegance, perfect for golfers seeking indulgence.

Bali’s golf courses offer more than just great play—they offer unforgettable moments in extraordinary settings. Whether you’re teeing off above the ocean, winding through misty mountain forests, or walking between temple-inspired greens, these experiences go beyond the game. They embody the spirit of Bali: natural beauty, cultural richness, and a touch of luxury in every detail.

So whether you’re a passionate golfer or just want to try a tropical round on holiday, make space in your itinerary to swing through paradise.

📸 For more luxury escapes and scenic rounds in Bali, follow us: @baliexpertguide