+66 (0) 88 867 2867
Gunung Geulis Country Club located around 45 minutes from the centre of Jakarta is a delightful golf complex boasting 36 holes. Set in an area of some 450 hectares the mountain terrain blends naturally with the design of the golf courses to create one of the most tranquil and beautiful settings in the area for the practice of golf.
In Indonesian Gunung Geulis means the beautiful mountains and with the resort around 450 metres above sea level the views of the surrounding mountains and Cikeas River golfers are transported into a world of serenity.
The East Course, the newer of the two opened in 1994 and was also designed by Thomson, Wolveridge and Perret.
It measures slightly less than the West Course, but it a much tougher test, especially for the golfer that would like to walk, which is not at all recommended. Set on the hillside the front nine is often referred to as the Valley Course and is undulating as it weaves its way across the hillside.
As with The West Course the views on the front nine are breath-taking, so take your time to enjoy them. Somewhat strange the course has an almost British feel to it, with the holes playing up and down and alongside each other much like a Links style course.
The finish to the front nine is stunning with the 8th a short par 5, which offers the chance of getting home I two, but also the danger of a huge lake to the left and pot bunkers surrounding the green. For longer hitters it presents a superb chance of birdie, but the risks are high so bravery may not be the best option in many cases for this hole, which is blind on the approach shot.
Hole 9, much like the third on the West Course is a great par three. Played from an elevated tee to the green almost 50 metres below, accuracy with a long iron is an absolute must to find this tiny green.
Onto the back 9, The Hill Course. Cut out of the hilly terrain the back 9 is more forgiving with wider more generous fairways than The Valley Course, but the fairways are more undulating resulting in trickier lies.
Again it is a par three that steals the thunder of the Hill Course. The 16th is an extremely tough par three, played up the hill making the hole play a lot longer than the card suggests. The green is very well protected with a narrow entrance between bunkers that are waiting to catch anything short or off-line.
The clubhouse is unusual and was designed by renowned Australian designer Kym Hughes. The unique circular blue roof is interesting to say the least. The resort is not one of the highest quality, rather more a weekend getaway for the locals who want to get away from the hectic lifestyle of Jakarta, but don´t let that put you off.
Both courses are more than worth the trip and you will not go away disappointed. I think it is fair to say that lower handicap golfers will enjoy the courses more than a novice golfer, as the continuing change in elevation and many a side-hill lie could be too much for a beginner.
The greens and fairways are generally well presented and the quality of service cannot be mistaken.
+66 (0) 88 867 2867
