Johor Bahru Golf Holiday l Johor Bahru Golf Trip

JOHOR BAHRU

Johor Bahru is a growing metropolis just fifteen miles north of Singapore. Located on the Strait of Johor, this sultanate is home to some fantastic golf courses and excellent culture. Originally not being part of British colonized Malay, Johor Bahru used that to ensure its culture and traditions thrived. Home to a mix of all cultures and religions, there are some excellent experiences to be had while in Johor. Couple that with some outstanding golf on courses that hold professional events and Johor Bahru sets up well to be a great stop on an Asian or Malaysian Golf Holiday Experience.

Those looking to go to Johor Bahru have lots of abilities in terms of coupling it with other destinations that are close. One can look to arrive into Johor Bahru International Airport via transit in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, can couple it as part of our Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur Golf Experience, or can arrive into Singapore and we can arrange some time in Singapore before making the short trip up to Johor Bahru.

Johor Bahru Experiences

Golf Courses

Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club

This Johor Bahru golf gem was opened in 2008 and quickly made its way to the top of the charts when it comes to golf in Johor Bahru. A past-host of the Asian Tour’s Iksandar Open, Horizon Hills is always in excellent condition and is very much a risk/reward type of golf course. Water comes in to play on many holes, so it’s important to be accurate at this excellent course.

Forest City Golf Resort, Legacy Course

This is the first course opened at the Forest City complex, and it is a beauty! This Nicklaus design is very different from most courses found in the region. Large, generous fairways with no rough. But, there’s lots of wasteland immediately next to the fairways which can lead to some tricky shots. The layout is very enjoyable and the course is always in pristine condition.

The Els Club Desaru Coast, Valley Course

The second course at The Els Club, the Valley Course is much more of a challenge than the Ocean Course. Designed by Vijay Singh, this course has good elevation changes, tight fairways and it plays long. There’s a lots of pot bunkers here that can make the holes feel even longer, so be sure to place your ball in the right spot off the tee. As with the Ocean Course, there’s no caddies here but the carts do have GPS.

Forest City Golf Resort, Classic Course

This is the second course opened at the Forest City complex, coming after its sister course, the Legacy Course. However, it does not resemble its sister at all. The Classic Course is a tight design with narrow fairways and dense shrub off the fairways makes accuracy important, and the greens have good undulation, putting an emphasis on good putting. A very good course that offers an excellent challenge.

Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort, Plantation Course

The Plantation Course is far and away the best course of the three at Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort. A great design with some good elevation changes, it is a good test for all golfers. There have been some recent renovations done to improve the course, and if in Johor it is definitely worth considering.

The Els Club Desaru Coast, Ocean Course

Located about 75 minutes from Johor Bahru on the Desaru Coast, The Ocean Course and The Els Club consists of 27 holes in three unique 9 hole layouts. This Ernie Els design provides vast fairways and it is playable for all levels of golfers. There are no caddies at this course but each cart comes with GPS to provide yardage. The facilities and club house is excellent and worth spending some time at after your round.

Information

Recommended Restaurants

Spice Grill, Johor Bahru (Lot 1B 4b, Ground Floor of Little Red Cube Club, Johor Bahru 81300 Malaysia) For Reservations +60 7-509 6644
Teochew Braise Duck (29, Jalan Kilang Nenas ,Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia) Contact +6019-380 4556
Restoran 777 (33, Jalan Perkasa 4, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor.)
Din Kee Beef Noodles (56, Jalan Indah 1, Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru) Contact +6016-736 1522 **Closed Thursdays**

Recommended bars

Bottle & Glass Bar (The Vibe, Lot 6376 & 9236 Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Johor Bahru) For Reservations +60 16-799 3780 **Closed Sundays**
T15 Bar (15, Jalan Kuning 2, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru 80400) For Reservations +60 7-336 4918 **Closed Sundays**
Mulligan’s Pub & Bistro (No. 17, Jalan Permas 10/2, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia) For Reservations +60 7-388 1869

Hospital information

Sultan Ismail Hospital (Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia) +60 7-356 5000

Phone providers (available at the airport)

Celecom
Digi
Maxis

Things to bring that you may not think of:

Portable Cooler – keeps drinks cool on the course
Reusable Ice Pack – keeps you cool on the course
Electrolyte powder

Other:

Alcohol may not be sold at all courses
Some courses have male caddies. Caddies and carts are shared between 2 golfers.
Courses have locker rooms and showers to use – bring a change of clothes
Tips in restaurants are not expected. Some restaurants have service charge. Tip if you feel service is good
Grab Taxis – price is set before you get in

Excursions

Malaysian Cultural Emersion

Spend the day getting to learn about the culture, arts, history and crafts that have formed throughout Malaysia’s history. After being taught a bit about Malaysia’s culture and history, our guide will teach you how to do some of the arts and crafts that are local to Malaysia. From Batik making, Rubber making to pottery each guest will get to experience it all, and take home their creations. Also experience some traditional music and dance, as well as a traditional Malay shadow theater display. Upon completing the day, each guest will have a better understanding about Malaysia, its history and the arts and crafts that it is so well known for.

Full Day Singapore Tour

Venture across the Strait of Johor and into the booming Asian metropolis of Singapore. The private guide will escort you through some of the more historical and ancient spots in Singapore, and then through to the more modern attractions along the waterfront. Spend some time with the Merlion and get your picture on the bay with the spectacular Marina Bay Sands hotel in the background. Visit the historical Raffles Hotel and enjoy a Singapore Sling from the spot where it all began. When in Singapore, a must-eat is Hainanese Chicken and Rice and we will get the best dish for each guest. Visit Sentosa Island and catch a view of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia all at the same time. This trip is a great way to see, visit and experience Singapore while not having to pay a huge amount of money for a hotel stay and the transportation to get around town!

Recommended Hotels

5 STAR OPTIONS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel

Located in the heart of Johor Bahru, Renaissance Johor Bahru offers superior comfort and service. With its ideal location, golfers can walk to many excellent local and international restaurants, good shopping and some spots to relax and have a drink. The hotel has an excellent swimming pool to enjoy after a round of golf.

Amari Johor Bahru

With the reliable cleanliness and comfort that Amari hotel brands ensure a stay at Amari Johor Bahru is an excellent choice for golfers looking to enjoy golf in Johor Bahru. Well-appointed rooms, friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere await the golfers. The hotel is also connected to the Komtar JBCC Shopping Mall which has some great shopping and good food. The hotel is also central to many other local restaurants everyone can enjoy.

4 STAR OPTIONS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thistle Johor Bahru

Thistle Johor Bahru is a great hotel for golfers, offering views over the Strait of Johor from well-manicured and spacious rooms. Located in central Johor Bahru, golfers can venture out to get an experience of true Johor Bahru and mix with the locals in the various restaurants and shops that have been open for centuries.

Doubletree By Hilton Johor Bahru

Welcomed with the famous Doubletree cookie, each golfer’s stay will get better from there. Offering great value-for-money and superior comfort and cleanliness Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru is an excellent choice for golfers. Located centrally in Johor just across from Singapore, the hotel gives easy access to the golf courses and to travel around the city.

3 STAR OPTIONS ⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Granada Johor Bahru

Set in Bukit Indah just opposite the AEON Mall, Hotel Granada is a great three star option for those looking to have a clean and comfortable stay while getting superb value. The hotel prides itself on providing a secure and clean stay with friendly service from its staff. Being located in such a vibrant area also provides options for golfers to experience many different local tastes at the large choice of restaurants surrounding the hotel.