Ria Bintan Golf Club: The Ultimate Golfing Destination in Bintan

Discover the breathtaking beauty, world-class design, and unforgettable experiences that make Ria Bintan Golf Club a must-play course for golfers from around the world. This pillar guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from course details and packages to booking tips and travel arrangements — ensuring your golf trip to Bintan is seamless and unforgettable.

1. Introduction to Ria Bintan Golf Club

Nestled amid the lush tropical landscape of Bintan Island, Ria Bintan Golf Club is Southeast Asia’s first Gary Player–designed course and consistently ranks among Asia’s top 50 golf courses. Just a 90-minute ferry ride from Singapore and easily accessible from Batam’s new direct flights, Ria Bintan offers an unforgettable golfing experience—challenging fairways, rolling hills, native vegetation, and panoramic ocean views.

As the premier course in the Golf Courses in Bintan lineup, Ria Bintan combines championship-level design with world-class facilities. Its strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and water features demand precision and strategic play, making it a must-play for both seasoned golfers and beginners seeking to improve their game in a spectacular setting.

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2. History and Design Legacy of Ria Bintan Golf Course

• Opening Year: 1991
• Designer: Sir Gary Player, nine-time major champion, who personally supervised construction and contributed to shaping each hole’s character.
• Construction: Built on reclaimed land, the course blends coastal dunes with forested ridges, honoring the island’s natural contours.
• Recognition: Regularly featured in leading golf publications (Golf Digest, Asian Golf Monthly) for its innovative layout and environmental stewardship.

Sir Gary Player envisioned Ria Bintan as a seamless fusion of natural beauty and championship challenge. He incorporated native casuarina and acacia trees, coconut palms, and strategically placed bunkers to test golfers’ shot-shaping and course management skills. Over the past three decades, the course has matured, with foliage and tree lines enhancing both aesthetics and strategic complexity.

3. Course Layout & Signature Holes at Ria Bintan Golf Club

Front Nine (Holes 1–9)

1. Hole 1 (Par 4, 410 yards)
   • A gentle opener with a fairway guarded by bunkers on both sides.
   • Risk-reward tee shot: longer hitters can attempt to cut the corner, but at the cost of landing in deep sand.
2. Hole 2 (Par 5, 550 yards)
   • Elevated tee overlooks a two-tiered green protected by water on the right.
   • Ideal risk-reward par-5: reachable in two for big hitters, but water penalties await the conservative layup.
3. Hole 3 (Par 3, 180 yards)
   • Requires a precise iron over wetlands; green slopes back to front.
4. Hole 4 (Par 4, 420 yards)
   • Tree-lined fairway with a narrow landing zone. Small, angled green demands an accurate approach.
5. Hole 5 (Par 3, 195 yards)
   • Signature island green hole with bunkers – breathtaking views but nerve-wracking shot.
6. Hole 6 (Par 5, 560 yards)
   • Wide fairway allows aggressive drives. Layup zone bordered by waste areas.
7. Hole 7 (Par 4, 430 yards)
   • Forced carry over a gully; green sits on a plateau.
8. Hole 8 (Par 4, 380 yards)
   • Short par-4 offering a tempting drive over water. Position off the tee critical.
9. Hole 9 (Par 4, 445 yards)
   • Uphill finishing hole to test stamina, with bunkers flanking the green.

Back Nine (Holes 10–18)

10. Hole 10 (Par 4, 410 yards)
11. Hole 11 (Par 5, 540 yards)
12. Hole 12 (Par 3, 175 yards)
13. Hole 13 (Par 4, 465 yards)
14. Hole 14 (Par 4, 400 yards)
15. Hole 15 (Par 5, 580 yards)
16. Hole 16 (Par 3, 210 yards)
17. Hole 17 (Par 4, 430 yards)
18. Hole 18 (Par 4, 450 yards)

Each hole on the back nine presents its own strategic demands, from dogleg fairways to water-framed greens. Notable are Hole 15’s reachable par-5 with a pond down the right and the closing Hole 18, which tempts players to drive aggressively before confronting a two-tiered green.

Signature Holes

• Hole 5: The island green par-3 is often cited as the most photogenic hole, surrounded by native foliage and bunkers.
• Hole 15: Risk-reward par-5 with water running parallel to the fairway. A perfect spot for eagles or costly mistakes.

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4. Facilities & Amenities at Ria Bintan Golf Club

Ria Bintan Golf Clubhouse & Pro Shop

• Pro Shop: Stocked with leading golf brands (Titleist, Callaway, FootJoy), golf apparel, and equipment rentals.
• Locker Rooms: Spacious, air-conditioned, with shower facilities, towel service, and secure lockers.
• Lounge & Terrace: Overlooking the 18th green—ideal for post-round refreshments.

Practice Areas at Ria Bintan Golf Course

• Driving Range: Covered and open bays stretching over 300 yards.
• Putting Green: Undulating surface replicating course greens.
• Short Game Area: Chipping and bunker practice with varied lies.

Dining & Leisure Options at Ria Bintan Golf Resort

• Main Restaurant: International buffet and à la carte menus; breakfast and lunch service.
• Snack Bar: Quick bites, cold drinks, and local snacks.
• Event Spaces: Function rooms for corporate events, tournaments, and weddings.

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5. Stay & Play Options

Four Points by Sheraton Bintan

• Distance: 5-minute drive to Ria Bintan.
• Rooms & Suites: Modern décor, complimentary Wi-Fi, balcony views.
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, shuttle service.

Grand Lagoi Resort & Spa

• Distance: 20-minute drive.
• Features: Lagoon-style pool, spa treatments, multiple dining outlets.
• Packages: Combined 2D1N and 3D2N golf packages with Ria Bintan tee times.

Other Nearby Hotels

• Bintan Lagoon Resort: 25-minute drive, beachfront access.
• Turi Beach Resort: 30-minute drive, private beach.

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6. Golf Packages Featuring Ria Bintan

Day Trip Packages

• Standard Day Trip: Ferry from Singapore or Batam → land transfer → 18 holes at Ria Bintan → return ferry.
• Express Tee: Early-morning tee time with light breakfast and express finish by early afternoon.

2D1N / 3D2N Stay & Play

• 2D1N Classic: Four Points by Sheraton + one round at Ria Bintan + breakfast + transfers.
• 3D2N Deluxe: Grand Lagoi + two rounds (Ria Bintan & Laguna) + daily breakfast + ferry and land transfers.

Custom Group Tours

• Tailored for corporate, club outings, or Korean golf groups. Includes dedicated Korean-speaking guide, group dinner, and optional island tours.

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7. Booking Ria Bintan Golf Packages with BintanRetreat.com

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Visit: BintanRetreat.com
2. Select: Desired package (day trip or stay & play).
3. Choose Dates: Available tee times and room dates.
4. Enter Details: Names, passport numbers, special requests.
5. Review Inclusions: Ferry tickets, transfers, green fee, caddie, hotel, breakfast.
6. Make Payment: 30% deposit via credit card or bank transfer; balance due 7 days before arrival.
7. Receive Confirmation: Email & WhatsApp with e-tickets and itinerary.

Inclusions & Exclusions

• Included: Ferry, land transfers, green fee, caddie fee, shared golf cart, accommodation (if stay & play), breakfast.
• Excluded: International flights, lunch/dinner, caddie tips (USD 10–15 recommended), personal expenses, optional activities.

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8. Travel & Transfer Information

From Singapore

• Ferry Operator: Batam Fast, Sindo Ferry.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes to Batam; then 90 minutes Batam–Bintan.
• Transfer: Shared or private coach arranged by BintanRetreat.com.

From Batam (Direct Flight)

• Airline: Multiple daily flights from Incheon (ICN) to Batam (BTH).
• Transfer: Meet at Batam Hang Nadim Airport → coach to ferry terminal → ferry to Bintan.
• Total Time: Approx. 4–5 hours door-to-door from Seoul.

Ferry & Land Transfer Details

• Ferry Schedule: Morning departures at 08:00, 09:30; return ferries until 18:00.
• Shore Pickup: Drivers hold signboards; English and Korean-speaking staff available on request.
• Arrival Port: Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, 10 minutes from Ria Bintan.

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9. Insider Tips for Playing Ria Bintan

• Book Tee Times Early: Peak season (Dec–Mar) fills up quickly.
• Stay Hydrated: Tropical heat demands plenty of water on the course.
• Caddie Guidance: Local caddies know the greens; tip USD 10–15.
• Use Range Balls: Warm up at the driving range before your round.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses are essential.
• Dress Code: Collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants; no denim or swimwear.
• Pace of Play: Expect 4–4.5 hours; keep up with the group ahead.

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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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11. Why Choose BintanRetreat.com for Your Ria Bintan Experience

• Authorized Booking Partner: Direct relationships with Ria Bintan and local resorts.
• Korean-Friendly Service: Korean-speaking coordinators and translated materials.
• 24/7 Support: WhatsApp assistance at +62 812 7713 9022.
• Best Price Guarantee: Exclusive packages and seasonal promotions.
• Seamless Transfers: Coordinated ferry and land transport, VIP meet & greet.

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12. Conclusion

Ria Bintan Golf Club stands as a crown jewel among Golf Courses in Bintan, offering championship-caliber design, first-class facilities, and an unforgettable tropical golfing experience. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a memorable first round or a seasoned player chasing your next personal best, Ria Bintan caters to all.

By booking through BintanRetreat.com, you gain peace of mind with hassle-free transfers, tailored packages, and dedicated support—ensuring your Bintan golf getaway is smooth from departure in Korea to your final putt on the 18th green.

Ready to tee off?
Visit BintanRetreat.com/ria-bintan now to secure your spot at one of Asia’s finest golf courses!