Oh birdie! Borneo is known for its emerald swatches of jungle and forest, but did you know there’s another type of green gold found on the island? We’re talking about golf, baby! One of the world’s oldest pastimes has a firm foothold here with what we discovered to be plenty of choices to enjoy the gentleman’s (and gentlewoman’s) game! From boutique resorts to the rolling acres of country clubs, there’s a course to challenge any skill level — you might even want to make this a unique road trip to see the beauty of the island’s courses and culture which will have you swinging aces.
THE EMPIRE BRUNEI COUNTRY CLUB
Famed for its expansive swathes of incredible rolling green fairways set against the backdrop of the South China Sea, The Empire Brunei Country Club is a hole-in-one destination. Luxury is an understatement when you’re staying at The Empire Brunei, and you can expect the same top-notch service across the facilities here. The Country Club is where you’ll access their bespoke Jack Nicklaus Signature championship golf course with superior playing surfaces and unique terrain — imagine playing against a backdrop of towering beachside cliffs on one side and the azure blue of the ocean on the other. Their flood lighting also means you can play well into the night and catch our stunning Borneo sunsets from the best spots in the house!
Their Practice Facility also makes a great spot to start learning or just getting some practice swings in. Forgot some gear? Drop in at the Pro Shop for whatever kit you might need — the latest kit and styles are on offer here. The Country Club, where you’ll access the golf course from, is the ideal spot to take a breather or have an excellent lunch before getting back out there.
Location: Muara-Tutong Highway, Kg Jerudong, BSB, Brunei Darussalam | Tel: 673 241 8888 | www.theempirebrunei.com/golf/
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PANTAI MENTIRI GOLF CLUB
Nestled in the Brunei-Muara district, Pantai Mentiri Golf Club (PMGC) is a hidden 18-hole gem that offers a fantastic escape for golf enthusiasts. With 6,105 metres of lush, meticulously maintained grounds to play on, this course is perfect for spending an entire day immersed in the sport. Despite its name — Pantai meaning “beach” in Malay — the club is actually located near the serene Brunei Bay. The course is a par 72, designed to be straightforward yet challenging enough to test your skills. PMGC boasts a wide range of facilities to ensure a comfortable experience for its guests. These includes spacious locker and shower rooms, a surau and prayer rooms for Muslim players, and a well-equipped driving range. Notably, the club offers three canteens across the range and a full-service restaurant both in the clubhouse and at the driving range, allowing players to refuel and relax during their game.
The driving range is staffed with qualifies club resident professional who provides lessons and coaching tailored to all skill levels. making it an ideal spot for both beginners and seasoned players looking to refine their techniques. Additionally, PMGC offers unique reciprocal club arrangements with various clubs across Southeast Asia and Australia, providing members with opportunities for reduced green fees. Be sure to visit their website to check if you’re eligible for these exclusive benefits. To further enhance the golfing experience, PMGC has recently opened its own souvenir shop, where golfers can explore wide plethora of exclusive merchandise and souvenirs. This additional allows visitors to commemorate their visit and bring a piece of their memorable day at PMGC home with them.
Km 15 1/2, Jalan Kota Batu, BSB, Brunei Darussalam | Tel: 673 279 1021 / 673 279 2888 | www.pmgc.com.bn
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KINABALU GOLF CLUB
Touted as the oldest golf course in Sabah, the Kinabalu Golf Club was established in 1933 and currently has a 11-hole golf course spreading over a predominantly flat and gentle land of about 40 acres. The lush green fairways are just a five minute drive from the gorgeous Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort Hotel and just 10 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport as well as to and from Kota Kinabalu city centre. While the golf course is open to resort guests, the course design makes this feel like a private experience with the lush and peaceful tropical backdrop of the South China Sea to boot. Their onsite restaurant is great place to relax and grab a bite of delicious Sabahan and Malaysian delights like Cendol ABC and Nasi Goreng.
Jalan Aru Tanjung Aru, 88807, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | Tel: 6088-251615
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NEXUS GOLF RESORT KARAMBUNAI
This premier international championship golf course is within walking distance from the main property of the Nexus Resort in outer Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It’s described as having a unique location and design, offering golfers a challenging and enjoyable experience thanks to being situated between million-year-old rainforest and ocean, where you’ll get majestic views of Mount Kinabalu on one side and the white sand beachfront of Karambunai district on the other. This course will give you a challenge with the rolling inclines of the greens, combined with a series of lakes, waterways and hillocks that are well incorporate for varying difficulty along the way. The added convenience of being on a resort complex means you have everything in arm’s reach including gear rental or picking up extra bits and pieces from their local Pro shop!
Jln Karambunai, Karambunai, 89200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | Tel: 6088-411215
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TAWAU GOLF CLUB
Tawau Golf Club is a real hidden gem for golfers on the island, and has two golf courses within the club’s compound — perhaps the only one! Serving guests since the late 1960s, this veteran club located in Sabah’s third largest city has a heap of amenities and facilities to keep everyone entertained, even it they’re no heading to the green. For golfers, this is a captivating experience to play surrounded by the vibrant nature of Sabah, plus some local wildlife ot boot! Don’t be surprised by the sound of hornbills calling out from the trees, or the sight of local macaques making their way across the serene pathways. It’s described as a fun and challenging course with hilly terrain that requires you to exercise your skill and strategy throughout. The combination of the height, the lush scenery, and the hidden pond at Hole 3 adds an exciting layer of complexity. Focusing on the view ahead instead of looking down is a great tip, especially if vertigo is a concern. Using a mid-iron should give you enough control to land safely on that narrow strip. Just be mindful of the side bunker — planning your shot carefully will be key to avoiding trouble. And that undulating green will definitely require some strategic putting! With such a huge expanse of ground to cover across the 9-hole Town Course and the 18-hole Hot Spring Course, there are thankfully buggies to get around, plusa the nearby hot springs make for a wonderful place to unwind after. Each course also has its own dedicated clubhouse, and there’s a shared pool, restaurants and bar for family fun days.
KUKUSAN COURSE: KM4, Jalan Kukusan, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia | HOTSPRING COURSE: KM10, Jalan Sin Onn Tiku, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia | IG: @tawaugolfclub
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DALIT BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Nestled along the pristine coastline of Sabah, Dalit Bay Golf Club offers more than just a course, it’s an unforgettable experience. This 18-hole championship golf course, designed by renowned golf architect Ted Parslow, combines strategic challenges with stunning natural beauty. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted with sustainability in mind, including eco-friendly golf balls that biodegrade 48 hours in seawater, releasing fish food — a unique touch that sets them apart. Dalit Bay’s offerings extend beyond the greens.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, their professional instructors provide personalised coaching sessions for individuals or families, helping you refine your swing or introduce your loved ones to the joy of golf. With the five-star service of Shangri-La Rasa Ria Kota Kinabalu, as its neighbour, the club offers premium amenities, including aquatic driving range, a Pro Shop, and a tranquil onsite spa. Versatile venues are also available for meetings, banquets or special celebrations, making Dalit Bay the ideal destination for any occasion. Inclusivity is at the heart of Dalit Bay, with facilities designed to accommodate all guests, from fully equipped lockers to separate prayer rooms (Surau) for Muslim guests. Families will enjoy the Cool Zone Kids Club, where exciting activities ensure fun for everyone. Discover the art of golf at Dalit Bay, where luxury meets sustainability.
Pantai Dalit Tuaran, 89208 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | Tel: 6088-797870 | www.dalitbaygolf.com.my
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MATANG JUNGLE GOLF
This might be the most exclusive golf club in the whole of Borneo! The course is helmed by the luxury boutique hotel Cove 55, which runs the affiliated accommodation (complete with sea views, an excellent restaurant and a superb infinity pool) at the foothills of Mount Santubong — a mere 30 minutes away from this private course that is guaranteed to be the wildest and most fun game you’ll ever play.
Open exclusively for Cove 55 guests, there are only four players maximum allowed on this Par 3 course at any given time, so you’ll really feel like you’re playing on your own private fairway. Get ready for an adventurous and relaxed game of 0-hole golf, rich with surrounding flora and fauna, and a hilly and challenging terrain that includes some bridges and staircases. This is no-buggy course, but caddies are available to help you with your clubs across the green. Grab their convenient Cove 55 Package which has almost everything you need to play.
Lot 55, Jalan Sultan Tengah (Santubong/Damai Road), Santubong, Sarawak 93010 | Tel: 6082-846068 | contact@cove55.com | www.cove55.com
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LABUAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB
This snazzy 18-hole golf club on the hills of Labuan Island is a hidden gem that encompasses over 200 acres of incredible nature-based landscape and immaculately sculpted green. Any golfers who visits will appreciate both the challenge and mesmerising scenery here, with resplendent views of the South China Sea visible from certain holes. The par 72 golf course was designed by renowned Australian designed, Parslow & Winter Golf Course Design, and the LIGC begun operating in 2013 making it now one of the two club facilities on Labuan. A simple yet functional clubhouse with an onsite restaurant overlooking the course and the open ocean provides all the essentials for one to rejuvenate after a round of golf. The Club also boasts a first-class practice facility with a 16-bay driving range, practice greens and bunker.
Jln Sg Pagar, Kiansam, 87000 Federal Territory, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan | Tel: 6087-458468
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EASTWOOD VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
A sprawling complex of accomodation, golf course, dining and entertainment situated close to the Miri International Airport, Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club is an award-winning destination to indulge in some rest and relaxation. This lush golfing haven boasts a sprawling 18-hole Championship Golf Course with tree-lined fairways, man-made lakes, and strategic bunkers. With five tee locations, it challenges all skill levels. Amenities include a Golf Academy, Driving Range, and Chipping & Putting Green for a quick, golf game. Stay in cosy onsite chalets, ride eco-friendly golf carts, and enjoy free WiFi and parking for ultimate convenience.
