As Indonesia enjoys a natural resources boom and a steady revival in investor confidence, business travellers are getting acquainted with Jakarta’s best golfing spots. But leaving business aside, would this city of 10 million people deserve a visit just for the golf?
From Hong Kong, Jakarta is outside the short-hop radius that makes Phuket, Hua Hin and Hainan so convenient for a quick break. There is no doubt that the city has some great courses, but if you don't have a work reason to go there, it is worth weighing up the pros and cons before jumping on the four-and-three-quarter hour flight.
The first myth to shatter is that Jakarta’s snarling traffic may prevent you ever getting to the first tee. It is true that congestion is a problem and with population growing fast there is no solution in sight. Much as the British enjoy discussing the weather, conversations in Jakarta frequently turn to the notorious state of the traffic and how best to avoid it.
The good news is that Jakarta’s best courses are easily accessible on the east-west circular highway or by heading south on the three-lane toll road towards Jagorawi and Bogor. More to the point, if you pick the right times you will logically avoid the rush hour conditions altogether. Indonesians like to tee it up early so many clubs take bookings from 5.30am onwards, allowing you get at least halfway around before the mercury starts rising. If you prefer a lie-in, a post-lunch tee off is the way to go, so you finish with a Bintang beer on the terrace as the shadows are lengthening across the fairways.
A second, very valid question would be, why choose Jakarta over Bali, which is a similar travelling distance from Hong Kong? Bali’s delights are well documented; so let’s just say that for the committed golfer Jakarta offers great variety and value, as well as memorable hospitality. There are more than 30 courses offering different challenges at different price points.
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