The Ocean Course at Ria Bintan

Why it is on the list

The Ocean Course runs through native jungle to the sea: the water opens at the seventh hole, the eighth green has the South China Sea on three sides, and the ninth is played from a rocky outcrop.¹ It is a par 72 of 6,470 metres from the black tees, rated 74.9 with a slope of 131, on Bermuda Tifdwarf greens.¹ Gary Player designed it, and the club says he counts it among his ten favourites of the more than 300 courses he has designed; it opened in 1998.² In 2009 it became the first course in Indonesia certified as an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary.²

It is the wrong choice for a short day: the crossing from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani takes about an hour each way.³ The Serapong on Sentosa is the round to take then. The club's nine-hole Forest Course has been closed since March 2022, so the Ocean Course is the only one in play.¹

How to get it

Book with the club's golf reservations by email to booking@riabintan.com or by phone on +62 770 692 842, and ask for a round on the Ocean Course.³ The club's Just Golf rate for international visitors is S$153.50 for 18 holes on a weekday and S$225.00 at the weekend, with a shared buggy, a caddy when one is free, golfer's insurance, and the land transfer between the Bintan ferry terminal and the club both ways; quote "JUSTGOLF" when booking.⁴ The ferry is extra: SGD 100 return in economy and SGD 154 in Emerald Class for an adult on a regular day.⁴ Book at least 72 hours ahead and pay in full on confirmation; a date can be moved up to 48 hours before travel, and a cancellation inside 72 hours or a no-show is charged in full.⁴

The course closes for maintenance on set days, in 2026 on 5 October, 2 November and 7 December, and the dates can change.¹ Long trousers or bermuda-length shorts, a collared shirt tucked in, and golf shoes with socks are required; denim and beach shorts are not allowed.¹

Discretion

The club's car meets players at the Bintan ferry terminal and brings them back, so the day needs no other arrangements on the island.⁴ The course closes once a month for maintenance; check the date before booking.¹