Malaysia is nestled between Thailand and Indonesia in the South China Sea. An exotic destination indeed but not on most people’s radar as a place to play golf. This is a land of contrasts. At one end of the spectrum are the towering skyscrapers, world-class entertainment, unique restaurants, and enticing shopping districts. On the other end, unspoiled countryside, lush rainforests, remote jungles and plenty of pristine beaches and tropical islands to relax on.
Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital, is the cultural, financial, and economic center, worthy of at least a couple of days of exploration. In between sightseeing and acclimatizing yourself, you must play a round or two.
Golf Malaysia
Glenmarie Golf & Country Club is conveniently located only 8 miles from the city center. They offer two championship layouts – Garden and Valley. Both are relatively flat, but water comes into play on half the holes so be prepared.
About 150km away is historic Melaka, named after an indigenous endangered tree, reportedly the #1 tourist destination in Malaysia. It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage City that maintains not only their sensitive environment but has kept its unique culture and heritage as a seaport. Founded in 1396, more than 2,000 ships pass through the Straits of Melaka every day.
There are four golf courses in the immediate area, but we only got a chance to play two of them.
A’Famosa Golf Resort is a 27-hole layout that is consistently voted “Top Ten Golf Courses” in the country. As their monikers suggest – the Palms play though coconut trees, whereas the Rocky nine is named after the boulder outcrops and the Crocodile is built next to a crocodile pit with a daunting island green.
Monkeying Around at Tiara Melaka G&CC
Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club has three nines, the Lake, Meadow, and Woodlands. These are all tough courses where the 9th hole on the Lake Course was voted hardest golf hole in Malaysia. However, the combination of 8 and 9 may be the strongest that I have ever played. This is also where we saw a multitude of monkeys that will surely make your trip a true adventure.
A quick 45-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur is the tropical island of Langkawi, a perennial favorite for locals and tourists alike who want to kick back and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.
Nearby is the 18-hole Gunung Raya Golf Resort, a great par 72 featuring plenty of water, surrounded by dense jungle – a great way to finish your journey.
Gunung Raya Golf Club
While you are there you must take a trip to Panorama Langkawi, a 1.5 mile, 15-minute thrill ride up the Machincang Mountain on a free span single rope cable car. There is a hiking trail and three stations to explore including the SkyBridge, one of the world’s longest curved suspension bridges. The breathtaking 360-degree views of the nearby islands, waterfalls, hillside flora and unique wildlife will be forever engrained in your mind.
Malaysia’s heritage, architecture, traditions, and cuisine are as rich and diverse as its population – the very best of the Far East, all in one country. A once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed!
Panorama Langkawi Skywalk
To read the entire April 2024 issue of Golf Central Magazine click here.
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