Finding the Golf Holiday That Suits You
Introduction
Golf holidays from Singapore can take many different forms.
For one golfer, it may be a quick day across the Causeway. For another, it may be a weekend in Batam or Bintan. For a group of friends, it may be four nights in Bangkok or Pattaya. For someone else, it may be Japan in autumn, Melbourne for championship golf, or Vietnam to play some of Asia’s most exciting modern courses.
That range of choice is what makes Singapore such an interesting base for golf travel.
You can plan a short golf fix, a long weekend with friends, a relaxed resort escape, a serious championship golf trip, or a course-led journey built around places you have wanted to play for years.
The more useful question is not always: Where should I go?
It is often: What kind of golf holiday am I looking for this time?
What Are the Best Golf Holidays from Singapore?
The best golf holiday from Singapore depends on the type of trip. Johor Bahru, Batam and Bintan work well for quick breaks. Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia suit long weekends, group trips and championship golf. Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan work well for golfers who want golf with seasonality, food and culture. Australia is best when the course itself becomes the reason to travel.
There is no single correct answer. The right choice depends on your dates, your group, the courses you want to play, the season, the travel effort you are willing to accept and what you want the holiday to feel like after the round.
Some golfers start with the destination. Some start with a golf course. Some start with the dates they have available. Others simply know they want a few days away with people they enjoy travelling with.
None of these starting points is better than another. They simply lead to different holidays.
This guide is not intended to rank destinations from best to worst. Instead, it looks at the major golf holiday options from Singapore and explains what each one tends to offer from a golfer’s point of view.
Sometimes the starting point is not even a destination or a course. It is a date. If your golf holiday is anchored to a specific long weekend – National Day, year-end, Chinese New Year or Deepavali – the timing can shape the whole trip. Knowing exactly how many days you have, and whether you need to take leave at all, often narrows the choices quickly.
That is why occasion-specific guides matter. A National Day long weekend golf escape is planned differently from a seven-night Japan golf holiday or a Melbourne Sandbelt trip. The dates, not only the destination, help decide what makes sense.
Quick Comparison: Golf Destinations from Singapore
A quick-scan overview of distance, travel time, best season and typical price level for each destination covered in this guide.
| Destination | Flight/Travel Time | Best Season |
| Johor Bahru | ~1 hr by road | Year-round |
| Batam | ~45 min by ferry | Year-round |
| Bintan | ~1 hr by ferry | Year-round |
| Thailand | ~2.5 hrs | Nov–Feb (cool, dry) |
| Vietnam | ~2–3 hrs | Feb–Aug (region-dependent) |
| Malaysia (KL) | ~1 hr | Year-round |
| Indonesia (Jakarta/Bali) | ~1.5–2 hrs | Apr–Oct (dry season) |
| Cambodia | ~2 hrs | Nov–Feb |
| Philippines | ~3.5 hrs | Dec–Apr |
| Japan | ~7 hrs | Mar–May / Sep–Nov (region-dependent) |
| South Korea | ~6.5 hrs | Apr–Jun / Sep–Nov |
| China | ~4–6 hrs | Mar–May / Sep–Nov |
| Taiwan | ~4.5 hrs | Oct–Apr |
| Australia | ~5–8 hrs | Oct–Apr |
Every Golf Holiday Starts Differently
One of the things we have noticed over the years is that golfers rarely begin planning in the same way.
“We have four days over the National Day weekend.”
“We want to play Hoiana Shores.”
“The four of us just need to get away.”
“We have been to Thailand many times. Where else should we go?”
Each of these conversations points to a different kind of holiday.
A golfer looking for a relaxed weekend does not need the same answer as a group chasing championship golf. A couple planning Japan will think differently from a group planning Pattaya. A golfer who wants to explore new countries will approach the trip differently from someone who happily returns to Bangkok every year.
Time available. Golf ambition. Travel group. Season. Pace of the trip. Evenings after golf. And, of course, the courses themselves.
Once those pieces become clearer, the destination often becomes easier to choose.
How to Choose the Right Golf Holiday from Singapore
Before looking at destinations, it can be useful to start with the trip you are really trying to create.
If time is limited
Johor Bahru, Batam and Bintan are usually the most practical starting points. They work because they reduce travel friction. You can play, get away and return without turning the trip into a major planning exercise.
If the group wants a long weekend
Bangkok, Pattaya, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Clark can work well for three-to-five-night trips. The choice depends on flight access, golf ambition, hotel location and how much the group wants to do after golf.
If the course is the reason to travel
Melbourne, Danang, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kunming, Japan and parts of South Korea may be worth considering. Some golfers are happy to travel further when the course list justifies the effort. Others may prefer a more compact trip with less time on the road. Both approaches can work.
If season matters
Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines need more careful timing. The right month can make the golf holiday feel very different. In some destinations, the best season for one region may not be the best season for another.
Golf Destinations from Singapore
Johor Bahru
Golf When Time Is Limited
Johor Bahru plays a very specific role for Singapore golfers.
It is not trying to replace a longer overseas golf holiday. It is what keeps you playing between those holidays.
For many golfers, Johor works because it fits around life. You can use it for a day out, a practice round, a corporate game, or simply a change from playing the same courses in Singapore.
That is its strength. It makes golf travel feel ordinary in the best possible way. You do not need to wait for a long weekend or block out annual leave. If all you want is a good day on the course, Johor can often be enough.
Best for: Day trips, practice rounds, corporate golf, quick golf fixes.
Typical trip: One to two days.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Johor Bahru.
Batam
The Easy Weekend Golf Fix
Batam is one of the easiest ways for Singapore golfers to turn a normal weekend into a golf weekend.
Its appeal is not built around one famous course. It is built around convenience, familiarity and the ability to get away without overthinking the trip.
For some groups, Batam becomes part of their golfing rhythm. They may go a few times a year, not because every trip needs to be special, but because it is simple, enjoyable and works well for a short break.
Not every golf holiday has to be a grand occasion. Some just need to give you two rounds, time with friends and the feeling that you have stepped away from work for a while.
Best for: Weekend golf, friends’ trips, relaxed short breaks, value.
Typical trip: One or two nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Batam.
Bintan
Resort Golf Close to Home
Bintan offers a different kind of short golf escape from Batam.
The pace is slower. The setting is more resort-focused. The golf sits naturally alongside beaches, hotels, spas and quiet evenings.
For golfers travelling with spouses or mixed groups, Bintan often works well because the holiday does not have to revolve around golf every hour of the day. The golf remains important, but the resort experience matters too.
That makes Bintan useful for Singapore golfers who want something close, easy and comfortable without making the trip feel rushed. Sometimes the value of a golf holiday is not how much you fit in. It is how much space you have to enjoy what you came for.
Best for: Resort golf, couples, premium weekends, golf and relaxation.
Typical trip: One or two nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Bintan.
Thailand
Which Thailand Fits This Trip?
Thailand has been part of Singapore golfers’ travel plans for decades, but the experience changes sharply depending on where you base the trip.
Bangkok can be about championship golf, great restaurants and lively evenings. For golfers seeking access to more sought-after courses, layouts such as Ayodhya Links or Robinswood may become part of the appeal.
Hua Hin has a quieter rhythm, with excellent golf such as Black Mountain and Pineapple Valley close enough to the main hotels that the day does not disappear in traffic. Pattaya works well for groups of friends because strong golf, airport access and a lively after-golf scene sit close together.
Phuket adds beaches, villas and island life to golf at courses such as Red Mountain and Blue Canyon. Chiang Mai brings cooler months, mountain air and a slower northern-Thai atmosphere. Khao Yai suits golfers who want peaceful golf and nature more than busy evenings.
So the question is not only whether to go to Thailand. It is “which” Thailand fits this trip.
Best for: Long weekends, groups of friends, championship golf, food, nightlife, repeat visits.
Typical trip: Three to five nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Thailand.
Vietnam
Modern Golf That Keeps Moving Forward
Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most exciting golf destinations because the golf itself has moved so quickly.
Many of its leading courses are modern, dramatic and built with golf tourism in mind. Danang is the obvious starting point, with Hoiana Shores, Ba Na Hills, Montgomerie Links and Laguna Golf Lăng Cô creating one of the strongest golf corridors in Asia.
But Vietnam is not only Danang. Ho Chi Minh City offers a different city-and-golf experience. Hanoi has its own character and season. Nha Trang and Phu Quoc bring beach and resort golf into the picture.
The key with Vietnam is timing. The best season for one part of the country may not be the best season for another. A golfer looking at Danang should think differently from someone looking at Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc.
There is also the question of how far you are willing to travel for a round. Some golfers will happily make the journey to The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram because the course is worth it. Others prefer a compact stay where each round is close at hand. Both approaches can work.
Best for: Modern championship golf, coastal golf, long weekends, beach-and-golf holidays.
Typical trip: Three to five nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Vietnam.
Malaysia
Low-Friction Golf Travel That Still Has Range
Malaysia is familiar to many Singapore golfers, and that familiarity can make it easy to overlook.
But it remains a practical golf destination because it offers several different versions of golf travel without making the trip feel complicated. Johor works for day trips. Kuala Lumpur offers championship golf and city comforts. Desaru gives golfers a coastal resort option. The highland areas introduce cooler-weather golf and a different pace.
Malaysia may not always feel as new as Vietnam or as aspirational as Japan, but that is not necessarily a weakness. For many golfers, the appeal lies in ease, value and reliability.
It is a destination where the golf holiday does not need to be overcomplicated. Sometimes familiar places are the ones that allow you to relax the fastest.
Best for: Convenience, value, repeat trips, easy access, resort golf.
Typical trip: One to four nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Malaysia.
Indonesia
A Different Kind of Nearby Each Time
Indonesia sits close to Singapore, but it offers more variety than many golfers give it credit for.
Batam and Bintan are the obvious short-break options. They are close, convenient and well understood by Singapore golfers. A short flight opens up a different Indonesia.
Jakarta offers some of Southeast Asia’s strongest championship and parkland golf. For golfers who enjoy a proper city golf trip, with restaurants and nightlife after the round, Jakarta can be very rewarding.
Bogor and Bandung offer a different pace, with cooler conditions and mountain settings. Surabaya adds another possibility, especially with Taman Dayu, a Jack Nicklaus-designed mountain course where golfers can stay at the resort and play the same outstanding course more than once.
Bali sits in its own category. Golf becomes part of a broader island holiday rather than the only reason to travel.
Indonesia is useful because it gives Singapore golfers several different golf moods without asking them to travel very far.
Best for: Jakarta golf, resort golf, mountain golf, island holidays, short breaks.
Typical trip: Two to five nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Indonesia.
Cambodia
A Golf Story Still Being Written
For many travellers, Cambodia still begins with Angkor Wat. For golfers, the story is becoming broader.
Siem Reap continues to offer the unusual combination of golf and one of the world’s great cultural experiences. But much of Cambodia’s recent golf momentum is now around Phnom Penh.
Vattanac Golf Resort, with 36 holes, has already drawn serious attention. Chhun On Golf Resort adds another 36 holes and is part of a new wave of golf development in the country.
That makes Cambodia interesting for golfers who enjoy discovering destinations before they become obvious choices. It also helps that Phnom Penh has a growing restaurant and nightlife scene. For groups who want good golf and something to do after the round, that matters.
Cambodia is not yet as established as Thailand or Vietnam. That is part of the appeal. It feels like a destination still being discovered.
Best for: Emerging golf, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, culture, groups, discovery trips.
Typical trip: Three to five nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Cambodia.
Philippines
Golf That Needs Planning, But Can Reward It
The Philippines is not always the simplest golf destination in Southeast Asia, but it can reward golfers who are willing to plan properly.
Golf is largely centred around Manila and Clark. Manila has some excellent private clubs and championship layouts, but access, traffic and driving distances need to be thought through carefully.
That is part of the character of golf there. It is not always plug-and-play. But for golfers who enjoy scenic courses, strong layouts and the possibility of playing more exclusive clubs, Manila can be very interesting.
Clark offers a different experience. The golf is more compact, the casino and entertainment scene fills the evenings, and developments such as Hann Reserve are giving the region a stronger championship golf identity.
Seasonality matters. The better golf window is generally from December through March or April, with rain and typhoons a greater factor from May into October and sometimes beyond.
Best for: Scenic golf, private-course access, Clark, Manila, golfers willing to plan ahead.
Typical trip: Four to six nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in the Philippines.
Japan
A Country Golfers Keep Returning To
Singapore golfers know Japan well. That is exactly what makes it interesting.
Many do not go once and stop. They return to a different region, in a different season, with a different kind of golf holiday in mind.
Japan can be played through much of the year if the region is chosen well. Okinawa works during colder months. Fukuoka and Miyazaki in Kyushu begin opening up as winter eases. Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto and the Hyogo region become appealing in spring and autumn. Hokkaido comes into its own in summer, when golfers look for cooler conditions.
The appeal is not only golf. It is how golf connects to the journey.
One trip may be about playing around Mount Fuji. Another may be about Kansai food, autumn colours and golf near Kyoto or Osaka. Another may be about Hokkaido’s open landscapes.
For many golfers, Japan is not a destination to tick off. It becomes part of their golfing life.
Best for: Golf and culture, repeat trips, seasonal travel, food, premium golf.
Typical trip: Five to ten nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Japan.
South Korea
Serious Golf with Strong Seasonal Character
South Korea offers a golfing culture that many Singapore golfers find refreshing.
Around Seoul, golf is polished, well-conditioned and often serious in the best sense. The courses are presented beautifully, and the standards of service and conditioning are high.
Busan gives golfers a coastal city experience, combining good golf with food, city life and a different pace from Seoul.
Jeju is perhaps the most distinctive. Volcanic landscapes, dramatic scenery and strong golf courses make it feel different from much of mainland Asia.
Korea is not only about playing golf. It is about experiencing a country where golf is deeply embedded in modern lifestyle. The seasons also matter. Spring and autumn are especially attractive, while summer and winter require more careful selection.
Best for: Seoul golf, Busan, Jeju, conditioning, seasonal golf, Korean culture.
Typical trip: Five to seven nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in South Korea.
China
Golf That Rewards Curiosity
China works beautifully for Singapore golfers because it offers golf, food, culture, landscape and regional identity in very different combinations.
Kunming is built around spring-like weather, altitude and golf at places such as Spring City. Lijiang takes altitude golf even further, where the ball can fly very differently. Mission Hills in Shenzhen and Hainan offers a resort-style golf experience, with multiple courses in one place.
Then there are cities such as Xiamen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Chongqing, each offering its own cuisine, landscape and local flavour alongside golf.
For Singapore golfers, connectivity helps. Reaching different parts of China is far easier than many imagine, and each trip can feel quite different from the last.
China is not only about the scale of its golf resorts. It is about how much there is still to explore through golf.
Best for: Kunming, Mission Hills, altitude golf, resort golf, cuisine, regional discovery.
Typical trip: Four to seven nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in China.
Taiwan
Quietly Rewarding Golf
Taiwan may not be the first destination Singapore golfers mention, but it deserves a place in the conversation.
It offers a mix of mountain scenery, cooler conditions in parts of the year, enjoyable golf and a food culture that many Singaporeans naturally enjoy.
The golf tends to work best for travellers who are not chasing one headline course, but want a comfortable, scenic and well-paced holiday. Taipei-area golf can be combined with city life, while mountain and countryside settings give the trip a softer rhythm than many bigger golf destinations.
The appeal of Taiwan is that it does not need to be over-positioned. It is not trying to be Thailand. It is not Japan. It is not Vietnam.
It can work very well for golfers who want something comfortable, scenic and a little different, without turning the trip into a major production.
For golfers who enjoy combining golf with food, local culture and easy travel, Taiwan can quietly exceed expectations.
Best for: Food, scenery, cooler-weather golf, relaxed golf holidays.
Typical trip: Four to six nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Taiwan.
Australia
When the Golf Course Is the Reason to Travel
Australia often appeals to golfers who are willing to travel for the golf itself.
Melbourne is the obvious example. If you have the opportunity to play courses such as Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath or Peninsula Kingswood, the trip becomes about championship golf at the highest level.
Perth offers a different advantage. It is relatively accessible from Singapore, has good weather, open landscapes and quality golf that feels distinctly Australian without requiring a long-haul commitment.
The Gold Coast adds resort golf, beaches and a more relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Australia’s strength is land, coastline and scale. The golf has room to breathe. For many golfers, that makes the experience feel very different from Asia.
This is a destination where the course often comes first and the holiday grows naturally around it.
Best for: Championship golf, Melbourne Sandbelt, Perth, Gold Coast, landmark golf trips.
Typical trip: Five to ten nights.
Explore further: Golf Holidays in Australia.
Best Golf Holidays from Singapore by Trip Type
Best short golf holidays from Singapore
Johor Bahru, Batam and Bintan are usually the best short golf holidays from Singapore. Johor works for a day or two. Batam suits an easy weekend with friends. Bintan is better when the group wants a resort feel and a slower pace.
Best long weekend golf holidays from Singapore
Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Malaysia all work well for long weekends. Bangkok, Pattaya, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Kuala Lumpur are especially useful when the group wants three to five nights with strong golf and enough to do after the round.
Best golf holidays from Singapore for groups of friends
Bangkok, Pattaya, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Clark tend to work well for groups that want good golf, easy evenings and a lively trip. Hua Hin, Danang, Bintan and Phuket may suit groups who want a more relaxed rhythm.
Best golf holidays from Singapore for championship golf
Danang, Bangkok, Pattaya, Jakarta, Melbourne, Kunming, South Korea and Japan can all work for golfers who want the course list to drive the trip. The right choice depends on access, season and how far the group is willing to travel between rounds.
Best cooler-weather golf holidays from Singapore
Chiang Mai, Kunming, Bandung, Hokkaido, parts of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan can suit golfers looking for cooler conditions, depending on the season. This is where timing matters more than the destination name alone.
Which Golf Holiday Sounds Like You?
| If you are looking for… | Consider… |
| A quick golf fix | Johor Bahru, Batam |
| A relaxed resort weekend | Bintan, Phuket, Desaru |
| A friends’ golf trip | Bangkok, Pattaya, Jakarta, Phnom Penh, Clark |
| Championship golf | Bangkok, Pattaya, Danang, Jakarta, Melbourne and more |
| Golf with nightlife | Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Clark |
| Modern golf architecture | Vietnam, Cambodia, China |
| Golf and culture | Japan, Cambodia, China, Taiwan |
| Cooler-weather golf | Chiang Mai, Kunming, Bandung, Hokkaido, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, depending on season |
| A landmark golf trip | Japan, Australia, South Korea |
| A destination you may not have considered | Cambodia, Taiwan, Surabaya, Kunming, Philippines |
Final Thought
There is no single best golf holiday from Singapore.
There is only the golf holiday that fits this trip.
The one that fits your dates, your group, your appetite for travel, your interest in the golf itself and what you want to do when the round is over.
That is the real advantage of being based in Singapore. You have choices. The opportunity is to use these choices well.
Whether that means Johor for a day, Batam for a weekend, Bangkok with friends, Danang for modern championship golf, Japan in autumn, Kunming for altitude golf or Melbourne for the Sandbelt, the right trip usually begins with the same question.
What kind of golf holiday are you hoping to have this time?
Start exploring on our Golf Holidays from Singapore hub, where every destination in this guide is covered in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re often asked about the best ways to approach specific golf trips. Here are some of the common questions we hear from golfers planning their travel from Singapore:
What are the best short golf holidays from Singapore?
Johor Bahru, Batam and Bintan are the most practical short golf holidays from Singapore. Johor is useful for a day trip or quick golf fix. Batam suits easy weekend golf with friends. Bintan works better when the group wants resort golf and a slower pace.
Which destinations work well for a long weekend golf trip from Singapore?
For long weekends such as National Day, Chinese New Year or Deepavali, destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Kuala Lumpur can work well. They usually offer the right balance of flight access, golf quality and enough to do after the round
Where should I look if I am interested in night golf?
Bangkok and Pattaya are often the go-to choices in the region for golfers interested in night golf. They can offer the right balance of daytime play, evening golf possibilities and after-golf accessibility.
Which golf destinations from Singapore are good for groups of friends?
Bangkok, Pattaya, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Clark tend to work well for groups of friends who want strong golf and lively evenings. Hua Hin, Danang, Bintan and Phuket may be better when the group wants good golf but a more relaxed pace.
How should I approach planning a golf trip to Vietnam?
Vietnam’s golf landscape is diverse, so it helps to start with the region and season. Danang suits golfers looking for coastal championship golf, with courses such as Hoiana Shores, Ba Na Hills, Montgomerie Links and Laguna Golf Lăng Cô. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc create different types of golf holidays, and the best time to visit can vary by region.
Is Japan a destination that works well for repeat visits?
Yes. Japan is often chosen by golfers who appreciate returning in different seasons and regions. Hokkaido works well in summer, Kansai and Tokyo are appealing in spring and autumn, and Okinawa can be useful in colder months. For many golfers, Japan is not a one-trip destination.
Where can Singapore golfers travel for cooler-weather golf?
Cooler-weather golf from Singapore depends heavily on timing. Chiang Mai, Kunming, Bandung, Hokkaido, parts of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan can all work at the right time of year. The important point is to match the region to the month, rather than assuming the whole country has the same golf season.
Which golf holidays from Singapore are best when the course itself is the reason to travel?
Melbourne is the clearest example, especially if access allows play at courses such as Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath or Peninsula Kingswood. Danang, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kunming, Japan and South Korea can also work when the course list is strong enough to shape the whole trip.
