There’s a nice gap between Singapore and the nearby 3000 islands of the Indonesian Riau Archipelago. But the closest one, Batam, at only 20 minutes by speed air conditioned ferry, is seen by different islands as a haven of alternative as it has been declared free trade zone in 1989. It became support base for the State-owned Pertamina oil company and its offshore oil exploration. In addition to the oil assist industries of Batu Ampar and a quick rising electronics industry, it has had a rapid-rising economic and industrial development. Now it attracts a number of vacationers coming from Singapore for responsibility-free trade, nice seafood and. nice golf.

Where to play golf

There are seven golf clubs or resorts on Batam Island, the Southlinks Country Club being the closest one to the main city Jodoh Nagoya, the others staying close to the Nongsa Ferry Terminal or Batu aji area.

Palm Spring Golf club ranks as considered one of hottest programs with three nine-hole layouts – Resort course, Palm course and Island course.

Sculpted fairways and gently sloping grassy depressions with breathtaking ocean views from the green are a part of Palm Spring.

The Palm Course incorporates a signature green on the waterfront and from a number of holes, high degree views of natural forest and mangrove swamps.

The Resort course is over various topography with hills rising steeply and strategic pin areas to intensify the challenge.

The Island course progressively strikes away from wide fairways to intricate hazards. Luxuriant with swaying palm trees and mangrove vegetation, the course is suited to learners in addition to the extra skilled.

Southlinks Country Club is a manicured Floridian fashion golf resort: it stands on an elevated ground within 213 hectares of lush rolling nation side adjoining to the Sei Ladi Reservoir with an previous Cham temple on the top of a hill. Southlinks Golf and Country Membership give amenities which might be on par with one of the best within the region. The design philosophy was based mostly on the mixing of lush woodlands and undulating plains so the character is left virtually undisturbed.

Peaceable and refreshing atmosphere with breathtaking views from its elevated position. The course was designed by Japan’s famend Hisamitsu Ohnishi, architect of Cypress Golf Club or Takamaki Nation Membership in Japan. The design concept allows golfers of various abilities to enjoy the game.

Indah Puri Golf Course

Set in luscious greenery and ringed by waters, the Indah Puri Golf course is quite spectacular. The course was designed by famend golf architect Ronald Fream and each of the 18 holes of the championship course is distinctive and presents its own particular character.

The course runs parallel to the seaside, then dog legs scenic lakes and bunkers. Spread over 80 hectares of manicured landscaping it offers golfers, both beginner and professional, with plenty of challenge.

Tering Bay Golf Course

World leading golf skilled and celeb, Greg Norman, has designed a really beautiful breathtaking and playable 18-hole par 72 course amidst rolling hills, pristine lakes and plush tropical greenery. It’s specifically created as the centerpiece of the luxurious Tering Bay Golf and Nation Club on a site of over 130 hectares overlooking a picturesque bay in north Batam.

What to see

Batam is a natural tropical island which has retained pockets of rural allure, peaceful spots with quiet beaches. White sand beaches are fringed with palms and kampong life carries on nearly undisturbed. As it is a flat island, the best point is on the center of the Trans Barelang Bridge; therefore it is a major attraction for the visitors.

Fishing villages supply scrumptious contemporary seafood to visitors. In fact, Certainly one of Batam’s greatest attractions is the contemporary and delicious seafood. Large prawns, stay nonetheless crawling crabs, reside fish taken straight from nets in the sea, lobsters, clams and shellfish are cooked in quite a lot of types and all delicious. Try the local ‘gong-gong’ conch shell where the succulent meat inside is fished out with a pin and dipped in a spicy sauce before eating.

The place to stay

NOVOTEL: The ACCOR Group hotel may be very close to town but the setting of the deco in the Resort doesn’t give this impression. The ambience and its natural setting bode well for a relaxing time. The staff is very well mannered and interactive. Something that is a uncommon commodity in a rustic the place majority doesn’t communicate English.

The Novotel presents 254 comfortable room (14 suites) primarily with balconies (fifty three nonsmoking), 2 bars and a restaurant, massive meeting services, health center, indoor pool and Jacuzzi (with flowers).

As in many Novotel, golfers are welcome and can find information for playing around and manage tee instances and transportation to the courses.