Located at an altitude of 4,100 feet above sea level, the village of Pankasari is nestled between lush hills and enjoys a pleasantly cool climate. This destination is known by golfers worldwide for its Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, which is listed among the 50 greatest on the planet.
With average daily temperatures of 60 to 68°F, the exceptional, rather demanding 18-hole golf course makes a welcome change from the heat and humidity of Bali’s south and presents a stunning panorama of Lake Buyan. It was designed by a renowned golfing architect back in the 1970s and features a small hotel and several rustic bungalows which are available for overnight stays, as well as a traditional Japanese bath.
Pankasari is not far from the Bedugul resort area that comprises several tourist draws, including the three crater lakes of Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan, along with the major town of Cundikuning and its popular traditional fruit and flower market. Another close-by place of interest is the town of Bedugul, which features an appealing botanical garden and the thrilling Bali Treetop Adventure Park.
Where to Go
- Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club: this fairly difficult 18-hole golf course is famed for belonging to the world’s 50 most excellent of its kind.
Getting There
It is a 1-hour, 30-minute to 2-hour scenic drive from Denpasar, the location of Bali’s international airport, to Pankasari. Buses run along this route or you can rent a car and self-drive.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Not unless you are a dedicated golf enthusiast.
- What to do: get challenged at one of the world’s greatest, and rather tricky, golf courses.
- Best time to go: during the dry seasonal months of May, June and October, when Bali is less crowded by vacationers from Australia and New Zealand.
- How long? A day or less is sufficient to enjoy a round of golf.
- Trivia: Pankasari is home to one of the 50 greatest golf courses on the globe.