Batam Hills Golf Resort

Batam Hills Golf Resort, previously Paradise Bay Golf Club, was renovated in 2006 and is located in the Waterfront City area of Batam Island. The Max Wheeler par-72 course design playing to 6,225 meters is not long but does have a variety of holes to challenge all golfers. In the past, the Batam golf course wasn’t well-maintained, but recently, conditions are much improved.  Greens are Bermuda grass while fairways are local Serangoon.

Batam Hills consists of two distinct 9-hole loops. The front nine weaves through the jungle with mostly tree-lined fairways. The back nine holes cross open space and feature significant fairway mounding. Overall, the fairways are wide and inviting, and greens are generally in good condition and quick. There are no par-4’s over 360 meters. Straight tee and short-iron approach shots are easy par’s.

The par-3 fourth hole is the signature hole at Batam Hills. It plays 140 meters, and an accurate tee shot to a well-guarded green set up a par. Offline and one of the five greenside bunkers come into play. The seventh, a short par-5, is also a good hole. An accurate and long tee shot leaves a great chance of getting home in two and an easy birdie. Wayward tee shots force a struggle to the green in regulation and a likely bogey.

Included golf carts at Batam Hills resonate well on the otherwise walkable Batam golf course. As with other Indonesia golf courses, caddies are well-trained and add to the overall enjoyment. Batam Hills is no exception, and the caddie experience is one of the standouts here.

The clubhouse is welcoming with the normal golf services, including a pro shop, lockers, restaurant, and massage services. A range of Indonesian, Japanese, and Western dishes are available at reasonable prices.  The connected Batam Hills Golf Resort lounge has nice golf course views. It is a good place to unwind and have a drink after a round.