Away From the Crowd

The eastern coast of Java, around Surabaya, doesn't automatically spring to mind quality golf. But as Duncan Forgan reveals, there are two courses, a mere hour's drive from the centre of the city that certainly reward the intrepid traveller

While Finna is not a new course, conditioning has proven exemplary over the years

TRAVEL PLANNER

Like any major port – and Surabaya is one of the biggest in Indonesia – the city is not short of attractions when it comes to nightlife, although only those determined enough will stray from the bars of the plethora of five-star hotels.

The best of these is arguably the Shangri-La (www.shangri-la.com), which sticks to its usual routine and provides comfy accommodations, a decent choice of restaurants and a wide range of leisure facilities.

Another good choice is the hospitable JW Marriott (www.marriott.com), a high-rise affair that offers rooms overlooking the city, a decent spa and all the convenience one expects from an international hotel brand.

Transportation to and from the golf courses (as well as Juanda International Airport) is best arranged via your hotel. Surabaya is served daily by Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.com). Flying time from Hong Kong: 4 hours, 40 minutes.

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Written by Duncan Forgan

Photography by Golf Wonderful Indonesia

Click here to see the published article.

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