Top 10 Golf Courses in Johor Bahru Where Every Swing Feels Like a Vacation
There’s nothing like that first under Joho Bahru’s sun—the breeze, the sound, the instant rush of calm and excitement. My friends and I live for that, turning weekend rounds into mini getaways.
From seaside fairways to lush hillside greens, JB’s golf courses never disappoint. Some hooked us with stunning views, others with great food and chill vibes after the game.
So, whether you’re chasing a hole-in-one or just some peace between the swings, here are the top golf courses in Johor Bahru where every shot feels like a vacation!
Palm Resort Golf & Country Club
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Address: Golf, Jalan Persiaran, Off, Jalan Jumbo
Contact details: +6075996222
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$$
If you’re the kind of golfer who enjoys variety and challenge in one place, Palm Resort Golf & Country Club should be on your radar. The club features three distinct 18-hole courses—Melati, Cempaka, and Allamanda—each designed with a different layout and difficulty level.
It’s one of those spots where you can test your skills one day and take it easy the next, all without leaving the property. We liked how welcoming the staff were from the start, from the front desk to the marshals; everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there.
The facilities are decent and clean, and even though the buggies are a little dated, they still get the job done. The clubhouse opens early, so you can grab breakfast before your tee time, and if you’re hungry mid-game, the staff will even deliver your meal to your buggy.
Pro tip: Book an early tee time to beat the heat and catch the morning breeze of the hills. And if you plan to play multiple rounds, alternate between courses because each one offers a totally different kind of challenge.
The Els Club Desaru Coast
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Address: Darul Ta’zim, 4, Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast
Contact details: +6078780000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost: $$$
The Els Club Desaru Coast blends luxury with a touch of adventure. With two championship courses, Ocean and Valley, every round offers a different rhythm.
The Ocean Course is scenic and forgiving, while the Valley Course ups the challenge with steep slopes and deep bunkers that’ll test your short game. What stands out most is the attention to detail for having your name on your locker and buggy.
Onboard GPS is also provided, which gives exact yardage—everything here feels well thought out. The staff go above and beyond—they’re warm, professional, and quick to handle requests, even for last-minute changes.
Pro tip: For the best value, book directly on their website in Malaysian Ringgit, as the rates are noticeably cheaper. In case you stay overnight, request an early tee time on the Valley Course to catch the morning light over Desaru—it’s stunning!
Pro tip: For the best value, book directly on their website in Malaysian Ringgit, as the rates are noticeably cheaper. In case you stay overnight, request an early tee time on the Valley Course to catch the morning light over Desaru—it’s stunning!
Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort
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Address: 3, Jalan Ponderosa 1/1, Taman Ponderosa
Contact details: +6073549999
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort feels like a true community spot—relaxed, welcoming, and ideal for golfers who enjoy a good round without the fuss. The 18-hole course is beginner-friendly yet keeps things interesting with wide fairways and easy-to-read greens.
It’s the kind of place where you can play at your own pace and still have a good challenge or two along the way. The facilities are well-kept, from the clubhouse to the gym and pool, which makes it great if you’re coming with family.
While the food at the clubhouse isn’t the main draw, the overall atmosphere makes up for it! The peaceful location, away from the city buzz, adds to the appeal, and the pricing for both golf and accommodation is fair for what you get.
Pro tip: Plan an early game and enjoy the calm morning air before it gets busy. And bring some snacks or eat outside after—there are several spots nearby that serve better meals than the clubhouse cafe.
Tanjong Puteri Golf and Resort
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Address: Jalan Tanjong Puteri 1, Tanjong Puteri Resort, Pasir Gudang
Contact details: +6072711888
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: $$
Tanjong Puteri Golf and Resort offers that rare mix of old-school charm and solid golf design that never goes out of style. The resort’s 27-hole layout is well-kept, with fairways lined by mature trees and greens that still hold their shape beautifully after years of play.
You’ll notice the course has just the right amount of challenge—enough to keep things interesting but not overly punishing, making it great for both casual players and seasoned golfers.
The resort itself carries a nostalgic feel but remains functional and comfortable. The villas are spacious, the pools are well-maintained, and you’ll find family-friendly touches like bowling alleys, cycling paths, and even a spa.
Pro tip: Stay overnight to make the most of your time on your course and the resort amenities. Don’t skip the breakfast buffet—it’s simple but surprisingly satisfying before an early tee-off.
Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor
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Address: Jalan Persiaran Golf, Off Jalan Jumbo, Senai
Contact details: +6075996000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: $$$
Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor is the kind of place that makes you slow down the moment you check in. The rooms are spacious and cosy, with comfortable beds, plenty of pillows, thoughtful touches like an iron, ironing board, and separate spaces for the shower, bathtub, and toilet.
The water pressure is strong, the air feels clean, and you wake up to calm views of the golf course or gardens, a nice bonus after a full day of play. You’ll find that the resort still carries a bit of old-school charm, with slightly dated tech and decor that somehow add to its nostalgic vibe.
The staff are friendly and responsive, whether you’re asking for room requests or directions to the course. Breakfast leans towards local dishes, so you get a taste of Johor without having to leave the property.
Pro tip: Go for a room that faces the golf course for a peaceful view. And if you prefer convenience, ask for one closer to the elevator—the corridors can be quite a walk.
Permas Jaya Golf Club
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Address: 6, Jalan Permas Selatan, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya
Contact details: +60168804087
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $
Permas Jaya Golf Club is one of those places that surprises you with its simplicity and laid-back charm. It’s not the fanciest course in Johor Bahru, but it delivers where it matters—a wide, forgiving layout, easy access from the city, and a friendly, no-pressure vibe that makes it great for a relaxed round.
The fairways are decent, the greens play fair, and the staff are genuinely welcoming—especially the regulars who make the place feel like a close-knit golf community.
You’ll find basic facilities like showers, changing rooms, though there’s no locker area, so pack light. The course handles rain surprisingly well, with solid drainage that keeps it playable even after a downpour.
Pro tip: Bring your own towel and a few spare balls—you might lose one or two under the leaves. And head out early in the morning for a quieter round before the local crowd fills in.
Starhill Golf & Country Club
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Address: Jalan Kampung Maju Jaya, Kempas Lama
Contact details: +6075566325
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 6 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $$
Starhill Golf & Country Club has that classic, old-school golf vibe that long-time players will appreciate. The Bintange Course stands out for its wide fairways, big trees lining every hole, and just the right mix of challenge and calm.
You’ll get a good variety of shots here—sharp dogles, uphill climbs, and some forgiving lies that make the game enjoyable for all skill levels. While the clubhouse and buggy trucks could use a little updating, the course itself has clearly been given attention.
The greens are smooth and true, and there’s something peaceful about playing without the pressure of a crowded weekend crowd. It’s one of those courses where you can slow down, enjoy the game, and take in the rustic charm of Johor’s landscape.
Pro tip: Bring a good pair of golf shoes because you’ll be walking up and down a few slopes, especially on the Bintang Course. For an easier round, try the Bukit Course, which has gentler terrain and softer greens.
Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club
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Address: No. 1, Jalan Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri
Contact details: +6072323166
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club sets the bar high for golfing in Johor Bahru. Their courses are beautifully designed, with rolling fairways, slick greens, and just enough hazards to keep things interesting.
Every hole feels intentional—it challenges you to think about every shot, not just swing away. The caddies here are experienced and professional, always ready with helpful reads and quick advice.
While buggies stay on the track, the walk between shots gives you time to soak in the scenery—lush greens, breezy air, and the calm that makes this place unique. After the game, the locker rooms are spotless and come stocked with fresh towels, which is always a nice touch.
Pro tip: Pack a good wedge setup for those tricky approaches—the fast greens can be unforgiving. You can schedule an early tee time to beat the sun and the afternoon crowd.
Forest City Golf Resort
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Address: Jalan Persiaran Golf 5, Forest City Golf Resort
Contact details: +601157792358
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$$
Forest City Golf Resort delivers one of the most polished golfing experiences you can find in Johor Bahru. Between its two standout courses—the Classic and the Legacy—you’re getting championship-level design paired with scenery that feels straight out of a golf magazine.
Both layouts are in pristine shape with fairways that roll beautifully and greens that test your short game without feeling unfair. The Classic Course gives you a more technical round, while the Legacy Course leans into strategy with well-placed bunkers and water hazards that force you to think before every swing.
You’ll want to bring a few extra balls for a continuous game. Despite the resort’s upscale reputation, the staff keep things casual and friendly, making it easy to focus on the game and the view.
Pro tip: Aim to play early in the morning to avoid the heat and get the best green speeds. Between rounds, check out the sea-facing practice range—it’s one of the most scenic in Johor.
Kukup Golf Resort
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Address: Pekan Penerok, 82300 Pontian District
Contact details: +60177707718
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: $$
Kukup Golf Resort may not be the flashiest course in Johor Bahru, but it has its own kind of charm that keeps regulars coming back. Set in the quiet town of Pontian, the course has a laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed weekend game.
The fairways are wide and forgiving, while the natural landscape gives it that countryside feel you won’t find at most city courses. The staff here are known for being genuinely friendly—they’ll greet you with a smile and make you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
The facilities are simple but well-kept, and the pool and lagoon areas offer a nice break after a long round. Staying overnight in one of their chalet-style rooms adds to the experience—it’s peaceful, no frills, and exactly what you’d want from a quiet golf retreat.
Pro tip: Plan your tee time early in the morning—the coastal breeze feels great and the fairways play softer. Don’t forget to explore Kupkup town after your game; the local seafood spots nearby are well worth the stop.