Set against the backdrop of the Andes, Chile stretches more than 4,000 kilometres from north to south, embracing nearly every landscape and climate imaginable.
In June 2025, I had the pleasure of travelling with my family on a long-awaited journey to this extraordinary country. For us, it was more than a holiday — it was a pilgrimage to my wife’s home country of birth. We embarked on a journey to reconnect with a land that is part of our heritage and to rediscover family both old and new.
FLIGHT ACROSS THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Our adventure began in Sydney, where we boarded the direct Qantas flight to Santiago. Covering nearly 11,000 kilometres in around 14 hours, the Sydney–Santiago route is often described as one of the world’s loneliest long-haul flights. On certain days, the flight path even skims over the edge of Antarctica, making it one of the few commercial routes to pass so close to the frozen continent.
A little side fact: one of the designated emergency diversion points is on Antarctic ice itself — a fact both awe-inspiring and humbling when you are thousands of kilometres from the nearest city.
Our descent into Santiago rewarded us with a breathtaking front-row view of the snow-capped Andes, a dramatic and fitting welcome to Chile.
EXPLORING SANTIAGO AND BEYOND
Our base was Santiago, the bustling capital set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Even in the cold of winter, the city buzzed with life—cafés tucked into leafy neighbourhoods, colourful markets, and world-class dining that blended Chile’s European and indigenous influences.
The cool June temperatures made exploring on foot especially enjoyable, with daytime highs around 12–15 degrees Celsius and crisp evenings that were perfect for empanadas with pebre and a good Chilean red wine.
A SPECIAL VISIT: GOLF IN THE ANDES
As a proud member of The Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC), one highlight of my journey was visiting Club de Golf Lomas de La Dehesa.
In June 2023, RSGC signed its first South American reciprocal agreement with this premier club, opening new opportunities for members to experience golf in Chile. This initiative was made possible through the efforts of Diego Velasco, former Chilean ambassador to Malaysia and an RSGC Member at the time.
The bond between the two clubs was further strengthened in 2024 with the first exchange of flags in Santiago, during which Velasco presented the RSGC flag and commemorative book to Lomas de La Dehesa. A return ceremony followed in Kuala Lumpur, where Lomas’s flag was formally handed over in the presence of then RSGC President Nik Azman Mohd Zain, with Velasco representing Lomas.
It was, in fact, Velasco who, upon hearing of my stay in Santiago, personally encouraged and arranged my visit. Thanks to his initiative, I had the privilege of becoming the first Malaysian RSGC Member to set foot on the fairways of Lomas de La Dehesa.
Nestled in Santiago’s eastern foothills, Lomas de La Dehesa is framed by sweeping mountain views. Its 18-hole course winds through rolling terrain, challenging yet breathtaking at every turn. Even in the brisk June weather, the greens were immaculate.
But Lomas de La Dehesa is more than just a golf club. It is part of a larger country club community that offers members a rich social and sporting life beyond the fairways. Facilities include tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness centre, dining, and family spaces — all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes. In fact, the club’s tennis facilities are a particular point of pride. With both clay and hard courts, members enjoy year-round play.
The hospitality of the club’s General Manager, Pablo Cornejo made the day even more memorable. Not only did he welcome me warmly, he proudly displayed the RSGC flag for a commemorative photo and pointed out where our RSGC book and memento are prominently featured in the club’s lobby — a reminder of the enduring bond between our two institutions.
ALONG THE PACIFIC: ZAPALLAR AND PAPUDO
But life, as my wife reminded me, is not all about golf. So we turned westward, trading mountains for the Pacific coast.
We started exploring west to the coast, where we stayed at the chic seaside town of Zapallar. With its crescent-shaped beach, elegant homes, and tranquil winter surf, it was perfect for enjoying a cool beer or pisco sour after a brisk walk along the shoreline.
Further along, in Papudo, we traded sea views for saddles, embarking on a scenic horse-riding trail through hills overlooking the Pacific. The ride combined adventure with serenity, as we navigated winding paths with sweeping coastal panoramas. As stunning as the views were, I for one was glad to get off the saddle and on to firm ground!
INTO THE SOUTH: THE RANCO LAKE DISTRICT
Next stop we headed south, into the Ranco Lake District, a hidden gem in the Los Ríos Region. The lake, framed by snow-dusted hills and native forests, was nothing short of spectacular. Covering 442 square kilometres, it is the fourth-largest lake in Chile.
In a moment of pure madness, my boys plunged into the lake’s 1 degree Celsius waters—an unforgettable dip that will forever stay in their memory and mine! The rugged beauty of this region was matched only by the warmth of its people, who welcomed us with great food and drinks by the warm fires.
But that was not the coldest day! As we experienced a morning of minus 7 degrees Celsius in Llanquihue (pronounced Yan-keeway) Lake District!!
ADVENTURE IN THE ANDES: VALLE NEVADO
No trip to Chile in winter would be complete without venturing into the Andes themselves. We drove up winding mountain roads to Valle Nevado, South America’s premier ski resort. At elevations above 3,000 meters, the views stretched endlessly across snowy peaks, and the air was crisp and pure. Skiing here, with the vastness of the Andes surrounding us, was nothing short of exhilarating — a fitting high point to mark a milestone trip with my family.
REFLECTIONS
Travelling to Chile in June provided an enriching mix of adventure, culture, and sport. From the vibrant streets of Santiago to the serene greens of Club de Golf Lomas de La Dehesa, from icy plunges in Lake Ranco to skiing the peaks of Valle Nevado, every moment reinforced the joy of discovery and the value of international fellowship.
For fellow RSGC Members planning future travels, I highly recommend Chile—not only for its spectacular scenery and culture but also for the privilege of experiencing golf and adventure in such a unique setting under the reciprocal banner of our club. Cheers!
TRAVEL TIPS:
MAKING THE MOST OF CHILE
Getting There Direct flights operate from Sydney and Melbourne via Qantas and LATAM
Documents & Entry
• Malaysians, can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days. Always carry your passport.
• Keep a printed copy of hotel and domestic flight bookings handy — immigration sometimes asks for proof of stay.
Money
• Local currency: Chilean Peso (CLP).
• Credit cards as well as WISE card are widely accepted in cities; carry some cash for smaller towns, taxis, and markets.
Golfing at Lomas de La Dehesa
• RSGC members can enjoy up to 14 rounds per year under the reciprocal agreement.
• Bring: RSGC membership card, an introduction letter, and a valid handicap certificate.
• Green fees are waived, but caddie and cart charges apply
• Lomas is closed on Monday’s
• Additional facilities include:
• 8 clay courts all with lighting.
• 1 hard court • Also, one of the clay courts is covered/roofed
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Restaurant
