Ria Bintan Golf Club: Gary Player's Course by the South China Sea

Ria Bintan Golf Club sits within the Bintan Resorts area near Lagoi on the island's north coast and is widely regarded as Bintan's best-known course. All 27 holes were designed by South African great Gary Player. The Ocean Course opened in the late 1990s, followed by the Forest Course in December 2000, and the club appears regularly near the top of rankings for Asia and Indonesia.

Two courses, two moods

The 18-hole Ocean Course is the headline act. Most fairways cut through native Riau jungle, where monkeys, deer and wild boar are sometimes spotted. The mood changes on holes 7 to 10, when the layout drops towards the shoreline. On the par-5 seventh the sea suddenly appears halfway down the fairway, and the par-3 ninth, played beside the beach to a green framed by rocks and water, is the club's most photographed hole. The 9-hole Forest Course is quieter, winding past woodland and lakes, and suits a shorter round.

Facilities

• Clubhouse with restaurant and pro shop
• Driving range for warming up
• On-site accommodation for stay-and-play visits
• Golf equipment rental

Who it suits

The Ocean Course tests experienced players with thoughtfully placed bunkers and quick greens, yet remains rewarding for recreational golfers who come mainly for the scenery. The Forest Course works well for beginners, visitors short on time or a relaxed late-afternoon round. If you can play only one course on Bintan, Ria Bintan is the natural first choice.

Getting there

Take the fast ferry from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani, then a short drive to Lagoi. Transfers can usually be arranged through the club or your resort. Reserve weekend tee times early.