Kuching is considered an ‘overseas’ destination for many Malaysian golfers in that it is a 90-minute AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur across the South China Sea. Sarawak’s only 36- hole golf course is regarded by many golfers as one of East Malaysia’s finest courses as well as one of its best-maintained layouts. The course was recognised in 2011-2012 as the best golf course in East Malaysia. Kelab Golf Sarawak (KGS or Sarawak Golf Club) has many endearing features, especially as it is located reasonably close to the centre of the Sarawak capital. Naturally, it holds special interest for its strong membership, who regard it as their golf course of choice.
Hole 6, Matang Kelab Golf, Sarawak
Nearby, just 35 km from Kuching, the Sarawak Cultural Village serves as a living museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse cultures of Sarawak’s indigenous tribes. Nestled at the foot of Mount Santubong, this unique attraction provides visitors with an immersive experience of traditional longhouses, cultural performances, and crafts demonstrations. Ideal for a day trip, the village offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of East Malaysia, making it an engaging and educational destination for both locals and tourists.
With plenty to see and do in and around Kuching year-round, there is seldom a bad time to book a flight and set off to the Land of the Hornbills for some ‘overseas travel’ that features exhilarating golf and a journey into mystical Borneo.
Melanau Tallhouse, Sarawak Cultural Centre and Mt Santubong
A COURSE OF TWO LAYOUTS
The KGS course opened in March 1985 with nine holes, but by 1987, 18 holes (the Santubong and the Matang Nines) were completed and ready to play. Not long after, Australian golf architect Nigel Douglas redeveloped and upgraded the Santubong and Matang Nines to a golf course that satisfied demanding international standards. Its second 18-hole layout, incorporating the Siol and Demak Nines, was added in 1989.
Covering an area of some 100 ha, there is a real sense of space on this golf course despite being located in the Sungai Siol Kanan precinct of Petra Jaya, just 10 km from the centre of the capital. Mature tropical landscaping, including tall, swaying casuarinas trees line the wide fairways, with Mount Santubong (810 m high) clearly visible on the horizon beyond the 11th hole of the Santubong Nine.
Hole 17, Santubong Kelab Golf
The par 72, Santubong and Matang Nines make up the championship course of 6,394 m. It is demanding in several ways due to strategically placed hazards that require ball-striking skills. The third hole is one of the most demanding holes, as the green is well-guarded by water and bunkers both at the front and rear of the narrow putting area. The fourth hole, with its dogleg fairway lined by water on the righthand side, is the other hole that will challenge golfers.
The other 18-hole layout includes the Siol and Demak nine-holes. This par 72, 6224 m course was redesigned by Nigel Douglas in 2000 to make it more demanding. Despite its reengineering, most members regard it as the easier of the two courses. Water hazards and narrow fairways do, however, require precise ball placement on most holes.
Mt Santubong11th hole Santubong Course Kelab Golf, Sarawak
The distinctive pyramid-shaped clubhouse was completed by the time the first 18 holes were ready to play, and it now houses some very impressive facilities, including the Golfers Lounge, Golfers Terrace, Pool Terrace and Bistro, a Chinese restaurant and a banquet hall.
Other facilities include a pro shop, a 36-bay driving range, two pools (Olympic-size and children’s pools), a library, and courts for playing badminton, squash and tennis.
KGS has hosted several leading championship events, starting with the Sarawak Amateur Open way back in 1993 and then events such as the Malaysian Amateur Open in 2009 and 2015 and the Malaysian Amateur Open in 2019.
Relax in the pool at Cove 55
SEASIDE RETREAT
Golfers who only choose to play KGS will probably choose to stay in Kuching and make the short journey to the course. The Pullman Kuching is one of the best properties in the capital for city-based visitors.
For those who want to play the course and attend the festival, staying closer to the concert site is the best option, as traffic can be quite congested around the Sarawak Cultural Village. Here, the Damai Beach Resort is ideally located beside the beach and has many welcoming facilities. However, being the host venue for the festival performers, it is booked out early, so if you are interested in staying here, you need to make an early reservation.
Kenchala Restaurant at Cove 55 offers Asian Western and Iban dishes
If the budget permits and you book early enough, Cove 55 is the preferred accommodation option near Damai, as it offers high-quality, boutique accommodation, sea views, an excellent restaurant and a superb infinity pool. The bonus for guests here is access to the exclusive, nine-hole Matang Jungle Golf Course. One of Malaysia’s best-kept golfing secrets, located opposite the entrance to Kubah National Park, is this private ninehole golf course that can be played by only four Cove 55 guests at any one time.
Another advantage of staying near Damai Beach is the opportunity to play at the Damai Golf and Country Club. This coastal layout was designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, who described it as ‘the finest test of golf with the most dramatic setting of all in Malaysia. This is a must play course for those who love golf.’ The course has two distinctive nines, with the Ocean Nine and the Mountain Nine offering different golfing experiences. The picturesque course has holes adjoining sandy beaches, mangrove streams and the foothills of Mount Santubong.
With competitive airfares, Malaysian golfers have more courses to discover both abroad and ‘overseas’ in Sarawak. Kuching also offers many great attractions and events to justify the journey eastwards.
Iban dancer
Travel File
Getting There
Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching on any local airline, each of which operates several daily flights.
Acccommodation
Stay at Cove 55 (www.cove55. com), Damai Beach Resort (www.damaibeachresort.com) or the Pullman Kuching (www. pullmankuching.com).
Contacts
Kelab Golf Sarawak (www. kgswak.com) and Sarawak Tourism (www.sarawaktourism. com)
