The sprawling city of Jakarta and its environs not only offers over 30 world-class golf courses but also a lively nightlife, a smorgasbord of food styles, competitively priced luxury hotels, and value-for-money shopping. Malaysian golfers who regularly play in the Indonesian capital are besotted by both the quality and variety of golf courses on offer. Golfing luminaries such as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Greg Norman, and Jack Nicklaus have all played a hand in crafting their magic in Jakarta.
My flight scheduling to Jakarta enabled me to spend time in meetings and then some quality recreational time that included a round of golf at Sedayu Indo Golf The Links, a new course in North Jakarta. The course is located in a part of the Indonesian capital that was new to me, and I was glad that I chose the nearby Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue as my base.
LINKS AND PARKLAND COURSE
Qualities such as ‘challenging’ and ‘technically demanding’ always come into the Jakarta golf equation. While golfers from temperate climates often find playing in the tropics daunting, Malaysian golfers are right at home in Jakarta. Attractive green fees, weekday packages, and a flight of just under two hours from Kuala Lumpur add to Jakarta’s golfing appeal.
North Jakarta is an exciting coastal development of recent years that provides a range of welcoming tourist facilities such as hotels, shopping, dining and, of course, golf at the Sedayu Indo course.
Sedayu Indo, Jakarta’s latest golfing asset, was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Wind comes into play along links-style holes that have been thoughtfully crafted across the reclaimed land. Golfers comment on the condition and quality of the grass, with many regarding it as the best in Jakarta. Unlike most courses in Indonesia, golfers can drive on the fairways, which is a big plus in the tropical conditions. The course provides a great test of golf, with picturesque views from many holes across the Java Sea. However, when the wind picks up in the afternoon, the course becomes a challenging links-style course.
In true Indonesian style, the service at the course is very professional, with a friendly caddy system, a luxurious clubhouse, and a restaurant serving inviting local and international dishes. Its Links Lounge Bar is a very relaxing place after a game.
EXPLORING NORTH JAKARTA
While central Jakarta is well known for its notorious traffic, I was pleasantly surprised at how unhurried my time was in North Jakarta. I understand that much of the area has been reclaimed, and my elevated view from the Swissôtel confirmed that this was a modern part of the city. It’s a mixed development with retail, upmarket residential estates, restaurants, and entertainment outlets, and staff told me it was popular with those from other parts of Jakarta who visited to make the most of the coastal setting.
Beaches are not something that I normally associate with Jakarta, but I am pleased to confirm they do in fact exist. The beaches within a short drive of the hotel give the impression of resort living, and while I didn’t see anyone swimming, I saw many people dining and drinking along the sandy strip.
Jakarta has always had a close affinity with the water. It was once known as Batavia, when Dutch traders shipped valuable spices back to the Netherlands. On a previous visit, I realized how important Sunda Kepala Harbour was, and still is, as a port. While I didn’t visit on this occasion, historic sites to seek out in Jakarta include Fatahillah Square, the Maritime Museum and the National Monument.
SWISS STYLE
North Jakarta was new to me, but I am glad that I discovered it because I was in a part of the city that was most unlike the crowded Jakarta I already knew. Firstly, the Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue was less than 30 minutes from the airport, a convenience previously unheard of in Jakarta. Its other appealing qualities were that it was all new and close to shops, restaurants, and the Bali-like destination called Land’s End. If you’re like me, you need to know that PIK stands for Pantai Indah Kapuk.
The Swissôtel delivers a warm Indonesian welcome with Swiss styling. The Executive Lounge on the 20th Floor delivers panoramic views over Jakarta Bay. It’s a spacious lounge, and the staff are attentive, interested in your stay, and helpful. I enjoyed breakfast here during my stay. I also enjoyed stopping by throughout the day for their light refreshments and coffee. However, the evening cocktails and canapés session from 6 to 8 pm was my favourite time of the day.
After spending an evening relaxing, dining and drinking on the sands at Land’s End, I was able to appreciate the area’s popularity. There are numerous bars and Avoid ‘walk in’ bunkers like this at Sedayu Indo Golf in North Jakarta restaurants located within sight of a decorative blue and white lighthouse. With a healthy stretch of the imagination, I could have been on Kuta Beach in Bali, especially as I watched planes landing at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport just as I had at Kuta when holidaying in Bali.
Nearby, The Cove at Batavia PIK offers more contemporary dining and lifestyle outlets along a coastal setting with refined seaside comfort.
However, after a round of golf, my enthusiasm for a night on the town waned, so I was happy to return to the hotel to dine at China National Restaurant in the Swissôtel. The décor is Shanghai à la 1920s, but the Cantonese dishes are served with contemporary plating. I can highly recommend the Peking duck and dim sum.
If you love a concealed speakeasy bar with a similar Shanghai ambiance and Chinese-inspired cocktails, seek out Letterpress on the hotel’s seventh floor. The outlet is a tea house by day but reverts to an intimate bar with special entry conditions in the evening.
I also enjoyed relaxing around the landscaped pool, which also makes you feel like you are in a resort rather than one of the most populous cities in the world. Summers at the Pool provides a perfect combination of being poolside to grab a quick snack, ice cream or drink while being a restaurant for more substantive meals. This contemporary grill offers meals that are a cut above those served at regular hotel poolside outlets.
Jakarta is a strategic regional commercial centre with a handful of tourist attractions. My visits there are mostly for business, but staying an extra few days is always an appealing proposition, especially when a round of golf is included in the itinerary. While golfers love challenges and variety in their game, they also love a new course, and Sedayu Indo Golf provides another good reason to visit Jakarta.
TRAVEL FILE
Getting There: KLM (klm.com) flies from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta. Being a full-fare airline, checking in golf clubs is seamless. Flights depart in the late afternoon and arrive about two hours later (there is a one-hour time difference between the two cities). Return flights depart Jakarta in the early evening and arrive back in Kuala Lumpur later in the night.
Where to Stay: Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue (swissotel.com)
Contact: Sedayu Indo Golf The Links (sedayuindo.golf.com)
