There are resorts in Bali that are beautiful. Then there is Handara Golf & Resort Bali a place that sits inside a dormant volcano crater at over 1,100 meters above sea level, wrapped in rainforest, and watched over by one of the most photographed gates on the island.
If you are planning a Bali trip and this resort is not yet on your radar, SatuSatu is here to change that. At SatuSatu.com you will find everything you need to make your highland escape as smooth and memorable as possible.
What Is Handara Golf & Resort Bali?
Handara Golf & Resort Bali is the oldest and first golf resort ever built on the island of Bali. Founded in the mid-1970s, it was constructed under the vision of Ibnu Sutowo during a pivotal period of national development in Indonesia.
The course was designed by a trio of world-renowned architects five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge, and Ronald Fream who used the area’s volcanic geography and natural elevation to craft something genuinely exceptional.
The result is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that Golf Magazine once ranked among the Top 50 Greatest Golf Courses in the World. But Handara is far more than a golf destination.
It is a full mountain resort offering accommodation, restaurants, wellness facilities, and a range of activities for every type of traveler golfers, families, couples, and anyone looking to escape the heat and crowds of South Bali.
In 2025, the resort was named Best Luxury Golf Resort in Indonesia by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, confirming its status as one of the premier highland retreats in Southeast Asia.
Location & How to Get There
Handara Golf & Resort Bali is located in Desa Pancasari, Kecamatan Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, in the mountainous heart of Bali near the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan.
The resort sits at approximately 1,142 meters above sea level, which means the air is noticeably cool and fresh a dramatic contrast to the coastal areas most tourists frequent.
The drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport takes approximately two to two and a half hours, depending on traffic. The route passes through Bedugul and offers views of terraced hills, crater lakes, and dense tropical forest.
The journey itself is part of the experience. Nearby landmarks include Bali Botanic Garden, Lake Bratan with its famous Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Gitgit Waterfall, all within a short drive.
Room Options & Pricing
Handara offers a range of accommodation types designed to suit different preferences and group sizes, all set against the resort’s stunning natural backdrop.
- Deluxe Rooms: Newly renovated and comfortable, these are ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking a peaceful night in the mountains. Rooms come with LCD TVs, refrigerators, coffee makers, safety boxes, and private balconies or patios.
- Golf View Rooms: These rooms are positioned to face the fairways, offering uninterrupted views of the manicured greens surrounded by forest. A genuinely beautiful way to wake up in the morning.
- Chalets: For those wanting more space, the chalets provide a more private, cabin-style stay within the resort grounds. Premium bedding, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary bottled water are standard.
- Buyan Mountain Villas: The most spacious option, the one-bedroom garden villas are ideal for couples on a romantic escape or guests wanting complete seclusion. These come with dedicated garden areas overlooking the mountain range.
Check-in begins at 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00. Children up to 11 years old stay free using existing bedding, making this a genuinely family-friendly highland retreat.
The resort also offers bundled Play & Stay packages. One popular option includes two 18-hole rounds, one night in a Garden View room, and breakfast for two, starting from approximately IDR 3,600,000++.
Top Facilities & Highlights
- 18-Hole Championship Golf Course: The course stretches over 6,500 meters with bent grass greens, tree-lined fairways, and significant elevation changes that challenge even experienced players. Green fees for 2026 stand at IDR 2,000,000 per player for 18 holes, inclusive of cart, caddy, insurance, and tax. Tee times run from approximately 06:30 to 14:30, though late morning slots are recommended to avoid early mist on the fairways.
- Driving Range & Practice Facilities: A 300-yard driving range, two putting greens, a chipping area, and a practice bunker are available for warm-up or skills training. Club rental and professional golf lessons are also on offer through the resort’s pro shop.
- Restaurants: The resort operates two dining outlets serving international, local, and Asian cuisine across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests frequently mention the restaurant’s views of the golf course and surrounding mountains as one of the highlights of their stay.
- Swimming Pool & Lounge with Fireplace: The outdoor pool provides a refreshing spot despite the mountain chill, while the lounge area complete with a working fireplace is a particularly cozy retreat on cool evenings.
- Sauna & Hot Tub: Ideal after a long round of golf, the sauna and hot tub facilities offer genuine relaxation in an appropriately rustic mountain setting.
- Tennis & Archery: Lawn tennis courts and archery facilities are available for guests seeking alternatives to golf. Cycling is also an option for those who want to explore the resort grounds or surrounding countryside.
- Kids’ Club & Treehouse Playground: Families traveling with children will find dedicated facilities including a kids’ club, taman area, and a wooden treehouse playground, making Handara a surprisingly strong option for family holidays.
- Wellness & Yoga: The resort offers wellness programs and yoga classes, adding a mindful, restorative dimension to the mountain stay.
- Business Centre: A fully equipped business centre is available for corporate travelers or guests managing work remotely.
What Makes Handara Special
Very few places in Bali deliver the kind of sensory shift that Handara does.
The moment you pass through the iconic Handara Gate an intricately carved traditional Balinese split gate (candi bentar) that has become one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Indonesia you feel the altitude, the stillness, and the completely different pace of the highlands.
The course itself sits inside what was once a volcanic crater, surrounded by equatorial rainforest and the cool, damp air of the mountains. Fairways disappear into forest, greens are framed by misty ridgelines, and the occasional sound of birdsong replaces the background hum that follows you in South Bali.
Playing golf here is an experience that transcends scoring; it is a genuine immersion in one of Bali’s most extraordinary natural environments. For non-golfers, the Handara Gate alone is worth the journey.
Countless visitors drive up specifically for photographs at the entrance before exploring the Bedugul-area lakes and temples nearby.
But those who stay overnight discover that the resort’s value runs much deeper in the quiet of the mountains at night, the warmth of the fireplace lounge, and a breakfast buffet served while overlooking a fairway wrapped in morning mist.
Handara is best suited for golfers wanting a world-class highland round, couples seeking a romantic and cool escape from coastal heat, families wanting a resort with genuine space and activities, and photography enthusiasts chasing Bali’s most iconic natural and cultural landmarks in a single location.
Explore Handara Golf & Resort Bali Further with SatuSatu
Planning a trip up to Handara is one of the more rewarding decisions you can make in Bali, and SatuSatu.com makes getting there and getting around as easy as possible.
Start with the SatuSatu Airport Transfer, which gets you from Ngurah Rai International Airport to your destination anywhere in Bali without the stress of haggling, hidden fees, or uncertain drivers.
For the journey to Handara itself, or for combining the resort visit with nearby Bedugul attractions like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Lake Buyan, and Gitgit Waterfall, the SatuSatu Exclusive Car Charter is the ideal solution.
All bookings are made directly on SatuSatu.com and support local payment methods including BCA, Mandiri, OVO, DANA, credit cards, and more.
FAQ About Handara Golf & Resort Bali
What is Handara Golf & Resort Bali?
Handara Golf & Resort Bali is the first and oldest golf resort in Bali, located in the mountains of Buleleng near Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. It features an 18-hole par-72 championship course ranked among the world’s top golf destinations, along with resort accommodation, restaurants, wellness facilities, and the iconic Handara Gate.
Can non-members play golf at Handara?
Yes. Non-members are welcome to play. Green fees for 2026 are set at IDR 2,000,000 per player for 18 holes, which includes the golf cart, caddy, insurance, and tax. Tee times are generally available from around 06:30 to 14:30.
How far is Handara from Bali’s airport?
Handara Golf & Resort Bali is approximately 65 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The drive typically takes two to two and a half hours depending on traffic and your departure point.
Is Handara Gate free to visit?
The gate is the entrance to the resort grounds. Some visitors stop specifically to photograph the gate during a day trip through the Bedugul highlands. Access to the full resort facilities, including the golf course and accommodation, requires a booking or entry fee depending on the activity.
What is the best time to visit Handara Golf & Resort Bali?
The dry season between April and October offers the most consistently clear mornings for golf. However, Handara’s mountain climate means mist can appear at any time of year. Mid-morning tee times are generally recommended to allow the early mist to clear, giving full visibility of the fairways and the stunning surrounding landscape.