Bali offers several top golf courses for beginners and casual players, with New Kuta Golf, Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, Handara Golf & Resort Bali, and Bali Beach Golf Course in Sanur standing out as the main names to consider. Each course offers a different experience, from ocean-view fairways and cliffside scenery to cooler mountain landscapes and relaxed short-game layouts.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best golf courses in Bali based on location, playing style, scenery, and beginner-friendly appeal. Whether you want a scenic round near Uluwatu, a cool highland golf escape in Bedugul, or an easy-access course near Sanur, this guide will help you choose the right golf course for your Bali trip.
Handara Golf & Resort Bali is the best choice for golfers who want a cooler mountain golf experience in Bali. Located in the Bedugul highlands, Handara is known as Bali’s first and oldest golf course, with an 18-hole, par-72 championship layout surrounded by mountains, lakes, and fresh highland air. The course was designed by Peter Thomson, Ronald Fream, and Michael Wolveridge, making it one of the most established golf destinations on the island.
This course is ideal for players who want a slower, more scenic round away from Bali’s coastal heat and busy tourist areas. While it takes longer to reach from South Bali, Handara offers a very different atmosphere from Uluwatu or Sanur, making it suitable for golfers who want to combine a round of golf with a nature-focused day trip to Bedugul.
New Kuta Golf Club is one of the strongest choices for golfers looking for a full championship-style golf experience in Bali. Located in Pecatu on the southwestern edge of the Bukit Peninsula, New Kuta Golf is an 85-hectare championship-standard course and is known as Indonesia’s first links-style layout. Its coastal position gives players panoramic ocean views, especially around the closing holes.
This course suits both casual and experienced golfers who want a more complete round with scenic fairways, ocean breeze, and a challenging layout. For travelers staying around Uluwatu, Pecatu, Jimbaran, or Nusa Dua, New Kuta Golf is one of the most practical premium golf options in South Bali.

Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club is the best option for travelers who want a scenic, beginner-friendly, and time-efficient golf experience in South Bali. The course features 18 championship-caliber par-3 holes set on a limestone clifftop, with the Indian Ocean and white-sand beach scenery forming the backdrop.
Because it uses a par-3 format, Bukit Pandawa feels less intimidating than a full-length championship course, while still offering a polished and memorable golf setting. It is especially suitable for beginners, casual players, families, or travelers who want to enjoy golf without committing to a long and physically demanding round.

Bali Beach Golf Course in Sanur is a practical choice for beginners, casual golfers, and visitors who want an accessible golf course near Bali’s main tourism areas. The course is a 9-hole, par-36 layout in Sanur and has been part of Bali’s golf scene since 1972, making it one of the island’s long-standing golf options.
This course is not positioned as a major championship course like New Kuta or Handara, but that is exactly why it works well for a lighter round. Its Sanur location makes it convenient for travelers staying around Sanur, Denpasar, or nearby beach areas, especially those who want a simple, relaxed, and beginner-friendly golf experience without driving far across the island.

Choosing a golf course in Bali can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners who are unfamiliar with different course types and playing conditions. Each location offers a unique experience, from cool highland courses to coastal layouts with ocean views. The guide below highlights the key factors to consider so you can select a golf course that matches your skill level, budget, and travel plans with confidence.
| Golf Course | Location | Course Type | Key Highlights | Best For Course Type | Difficulty Level | Green Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handara Golf & Resort Bali | Bedugul, North Bali | 18-hole Championship, Par 72, Highland / Parkland | Mountain golf course in the Bedugul highlands, set within the Buyan-Bratan caldera area with cool weather, lush greenery, and scenic mountain surroundings. | Scenic resort golf and nature-focused play | Beginner to Intermediate | IDR 2,000,000 for 18 holes; IDR 1,200,000 for 9 holes |
| New Kuta Golf Club | Pecatu, Bukit Peninsula | 18-hole Links-style Championship Course | Indonesia’s first links-style golf course, set on an 85-hectare championship-standard layout with ocean views and strong wind challenge. | Ocean-view golf and technical play | Intermediate to Advanced, but still playable for confident beginners | IDR 1,900,000–2,600,000 for 18 holes |
| Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club | Kutuh, Bukit Peninsula | 18-hole Par-3 Course, Par 54 | Cliffside par-3 course with 18 championship-caliber holes, Indian Ocean views, faster play, and a typical round of around 120 minutes. | Beginners, casual golfers, and short-game practice | Beginner to Intermediate | Around IDR 1,200,000 for 18 holes |
| Bali Beach Golf Course, Sanur | Sanur | 9-hole Course, Par 36 | Accessible 9-hole golf course on Jalan Hang Tuah, Sanur, with a relaxed layout suitable for casual rounds and easy-access golf near the main tourism area. | Casual golf, beginner practice, and short rounds | Beginner to Intermediate | IDR 1,080,000 for 9 holes; IDR 1,385,000 for 18 holes |
New Kuta Golf is often considered one of the best golf courses in Bali for players who want a full championship-style experience with ocean views. Located in Pecatu near Uluwatu, it offers scenic fairways, coastal landscapes, and a more complete golfing experience for serious and casual players.
Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club is one of the most beginner-friendly golf courses in Bali because it offers an 18-hole par-3 layout. The shorter format makes it easier for casual players, first-time golfers, and visitors who want a lighter golf experience.
Yes. New Kuta Golf and Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club are two popular golf courses in Bali with ocean and cliffside views. Both are located in South Bali and are ideal for visitors who want to combine golf with dramatic coastal scenery.
Yes. Bali is a good destination for golf because it offers several types of playing experiences, from coastal championship courses to relaxed short-game layouts and mountain golf. Visitors can also combine golf with beaches, villas, cultural trips, and resort-style holidays.
The best area depends on the golf course you want to play. Uluwatu, Pecatu, and Jimbaran are convenient for New Kuta Golf and Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club. Sanur is suitable for Bali Beach Golf Course, while Bedugul is best for Handara Golf & Resort Bali.
Golf in Bali can be more expensive than many casual tourist activities, especially at premium courses with resort-style facilities. The total cost can vary depending on the course, season, tee time, equipment rental, caddie fee, and whether you book directly or through a package.
Some golf courses in Bali may include or require a caddie, depending on the course policy. For beginners, having a caddie can be helpful because they can guide you through the course, explain distances, and make the overall playing experience easier.
Golfers should choose their stay based on the course they want to play. Uluwatu, Pecatu, and Jimbaran are convenient for South Bali golf courses, while Sanur works well for easier access to Bali Beach Golf Course. For long-stay visitors, families, or lifestyle-focused travelers, staying in a private villa can offer more comfort, privacy, and flexibility.
The best time to play golf in Bali is usually in the morning when the weather is cooler and the light is better. During the rainy season, morning tee times can also reduce the chance of afternoon rain affecting your round.
New Kuta Golf offers a fuller championship-style golf experience, while Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club uses a shorter par-3 format. Choose New Kuta Golf for a more serious round and Bukit Pandawa for a scenic, beginner-friendly, and quicker golf experience.
Bali’s golf courses offer something for every type of golfer, from cool highland fairways in Bedugul to ocean-view layouts in South Bali and relaxed beginner-friendly rounds in Sanur. Whether you choose Handara Golf & Resort Bali for its mountain scenery, New Kuta Golf Club for its links-style challenge, Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club for its scenic par-3 layout, or Bali Beach Golf Course in Sanur for an accessible casual round, each course brings a different way to enjoy golf on the island.
Before you pack your clubs and set off for a golfing holiday that blends sport with the island’s natural splendor, consider checking out Red Lotus for short or long-term rentals in Bali. It’s a great way to ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient while you focus on enjoying the greens.