Being a keen bird watcher living in the South-east Bali it is always nice to head up in the mountains to get some cool air as well as to hopefully spot a few different bird species, so I decided to book a weekend up in the mountains above Bedugul and stay at the famous Handara Golf and Resort. I am not a golfer, but I had heard about the resorts amazing views and the forests that surround the resort so it seemed like the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend.

Driving into the resort it was obvious that I was in prime bird habitat and on the 5 minute drive from the main road I spotted a small group of pair of Ashy drongos fly over the road, a flock of Orange breasted green pigeons settle in the tree tops as well as numerous Yellow-vented and Sooty headed bulbuls, Collared kingfishers and of course the ubiquitous Spotted doves.

After checking into our room overlooking the golf course, which is spectacularly flanked by mountain rain-forest, it was evident that I would spot many more species before our two day stay was over. In the forest behind the rooms I could hear the incessant tonk of barbets and a wide range of mountain bird sounds that I just couldn’t place – it was clear that this forest was full of life!

I spent a relaxing afternoon at the resort and spotted a pair of Long-tailed shrikes hawking for insects just in front of the hotel lobby as well as a regular sightings of Whitebreasted water hens making short, hurried flights between vegetation patches – these water hens are very common in Bali and dominate scrub and water ponds from the seafront right up into the high mountains. While sitting back on my balcony in the late afternoon I was lucky enough to spot the spectacular Javan kingfisher, an endemic to Bali and Java, streak across the golf course with its turquoise blue body and bright red beak making for easy identification. Collared Kingfishers are also common on the golf course.

Just before sunset I went for a quick walk around the resort car park and with my binoculars scanned the huge trees that seem to be regularly visited by large numbers of small flower-peckers and sunbirds – while tricky to spot I could recognize the sound the clicking call of the Scarlet Headed Flower Pecker, caught glimpses of a Blood- Breasted Flower Pecker. That was enough birding for the day and after a delicious meal at the resort restaurant I went to bed early intent on being up early to meet the dawn chorus.

First light takes a while at Handara Golf and Resort as the sun needs to rise over the mountains before the first rays of sun hit the resort, so my first hour of birding was mainly just a walk along the resort road where I focused on trying to find some good spots to await some ‘bird waves’. After about 40 minutes I got lucky and a mixed flock flew into a mistletoe tree by the side of the road – I was able to observe both oriental white eyes and Javan-grey throated white eyes from just a few meters away and this was a great start to the morning. Next up, just as the sun was starting to peak over the edge of the mountains I got great view of a pair of scarlet minivet – the male is a distinctive red and black while the female is yellow and black – very easy to identify. In the same patch of roadside forest I also spotted both male and female Black-winged flycatcher shrike – these birds are quite common in the mountains of Bali and the black and white male is easy to distinguish from the ashy brown and white female.

My morning walk continues and with rays of sunshine now starting to light up the morning the bird species started to really come to life with the trees full of mixed species of sunbirds, flower peckers and white eyes. Over the next hour I spotted fulvous breasted woodpecker, grey cheeked green pigeon, orange spotted bulbul, a Flame- fronted barbet and quite a big flock of Asian glossy starling but the highlight was spotting a personal ‘lifer’ – this was a Javan whistling thrush that I spotted in a small gully on the walk back towards the main resort. I was also lucky enough to see an Indonesian Honey Eater feeding on a mistletoe tree 100 meters or so in front of the entrance to the resort.

I was back at the resort by 10am and enjoyed a breakfast and another day of relaxing and casual bird watching (sorry, I don’t play golf!) and managed to spot a few more species and heard many more in the forest that I just couldn’t identify – the really serious birder could likely do a much better job than me and I am sure there are some rare Indonesia endemics hiding away in the forests surrounding the golf course.

The next morning it was time to head back to the coast and to say goodbye to the resort but I was more than happy with the birds I had added to my ‘Bali list’ however before my next visit I am going to have to do some research as there was just so many bird songs coming out of the forest that I couldn’t identify. On my next visit I will be hoping to greatly expand my species list from the gardens and forests surrounding the Handara Golf and Resort.

Weekend Bird List from Handara Golf and Resort

• Javan whistling thrush
• Blood-breasted flower pecker
• Scarlet- headed flower pecker
• Ashy drongo
• Long-tailed shrike
• Asian glossy starling
• Scarlet minivet
• Scaly breasted munia
• Javan munia
• Olive-backed sunbird
• Black-winged flycatcher shrike
• Grey Cheeked green pigeon
• Orange Breasted green pigeon
• Oriental white eye
• Javan grey throated white eye
• Indonesian honey eater
• White-Breasted waterhen
• Fulvous Breasted Woodpecker
• Orange Spotted bulbul
• Yellow Vented bulbul
• Sooty headed bulbul
• Flame-fronted barbet
• Javan kingfisher
• Common kingfisher
• Plaintive cuckoo

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Indeed the 2018 Order of Merit, now on the home straight looks to be a tight contest between holder Ross and Hillbillies Captain Carl Sandstrom. After a long season there are only 5 more competitions until the bar closes. Carl is quoted as saying “I see this competition as a true test of perseverance and performance over 12 months and I hope the best man wins. That’ll be me.”

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The end of September featured a long awaited Golf event, the bi-ennial challenge between the best Golfers in the United States and those of Europe. As ever, the Americans look stronger on paper but struggle to take that advantage to the fairways. Based in Paris, the course was laid out with accuracy rather than length in mind and the Americans took the bait, landing more often than not in the challenging rough. The consequent European victory was observed and celebrated by a cheerful group of Handara Golfers who took advantage of a special stay and watch offer put out by the club. As Indonesia television once again didn’t show the tournament, the option of streaming was employed, and although not 100% reliable did give us a great flavor of the amazing atmosphere over in France.

To celebrate such a fun weekend, a new chipping contest was launched. All those with the required 50,000 IDR entry fee were welcome,  and the challenge was to chip from the barbecue area to nearest the pin. Three balls, a borrowed sand wedge and a sharply downhill pitch onto a front pin made it a real challenge. Pak Aru won the money and Kindly donated his winnings to the kitty where it was promptly turned into a case of cold Bintangs. A generous gesture (thanks Aru) marked a fitting end to a super weekend.

Selamat Les Blues

AMAZING 67

On the 26th of August, Par 5 member Charlie Ryals playing off 4, shot seven under his handicap. Out in 33, back in 34 his round featured 9, yes that’s nine birdies making a course score of 67. Whilst not the course record (that’s 65) it’s the best round that’s been shot at Handara for many a year. Congratulations Charlie!!!

ROB PEETOOM GOLF TOURNAMENT

For the second year, Rob Peetoom, Bali’s most famous hair and beauty expert held his Golf Tournament at Bali Handara. A great turnout and super weather was present to see Charlie Ryals (yes, that man again) romp home in first place with a gross 72. Well done Charlie, can you give us mere mortals a chance, now and again. 
For those who need some help in the Hair & Beauty area, Rob has branches in Petitenget & Beachwalk Mall and would be delighted to help you out.

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Marketing have produced this lovely poster that’s now hanging in the clubhouse, reminding us, should we need it of the benefits of walking while playing golf.

So I encourage you to give it a try. I’m finding it very therapeutic even if I do need a little breather when arriving at tee boxes 2 and 18. Long live Fit Golf.

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While the majority of proposed Rules remain intact in the final version, several important changes to the initial proposals and further clarification of many Rules were incorporated. The most significant adjustments made following review of the feedback received from golfers around the world include:

• Dropping procedure: When taking relief (from an abnormal course condition or penalty area, for example), golfers will now drop from knee height. This will ensure consistency and simplicity in the dropping process while also preserving the randomness of the drop. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested dropping from any height).
• Measuring in taking relief: The golfer’s relief area will be measured by using the longest club in his/her bag (other than a putter) to measure one club-length or two club-lengths, depending on the situation, providing a consistent process for golfers to establish his/her relief area. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested a 20-inch or 80-inch standard measurement).
• Removing the penalty for a double hit:  The penalty stroke for accidentally striking the ball more than once in the course of a stroke has been removed. Golfers will simply count the one stroke they made to strike the ball.  (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 included the existing one-stroke penalty).
• Balls Lost or Out of Bounds: Alternative to Stroke and Distance:  A new Local Rule will now be available in January 2019, permitting committees to allow golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. The Local Rule is not intended for higher levels of play, such as professional or elite level competitions. (Key change:  this is a new addition to support pace of play)

David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, said, “We are pleased to be introducing the new Rules of Golf after a collaborative and wide-ranging review process which has embraced the views of golfers, rules experts and administrators worldwide. We believe that the new Rules are more in tune with what golfers would like and are easier to understand and apply for everyone who enjoys playing this great game.”

“We’re thankful for the golfers, administrators and everyone in the game who took the time to provide us with great insight and thoughtful feedback,” said USGA Senior Director of Rules & Amateur Status, Thomas Pagel. “We couldn’t be more excited to introduce the new Rules ahead of their education and implementation.”

Major proposals introduced in 2017 that have been incorporated into the modernised Rules include:

• Elimination or reduction of “ball moved” penalties: There will be no penalty for accidentally moving a ball on the putting green or in searching for a ball; and a player is not responsible for causing a ball to move unless it is “virtually certain” that he or she did so.
• Relaxed putting green rules: There will be no penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick in the hole; players may putt without having the flagstick attended or removed. Players may repair spike marks and other damage made by shoes, animal damage and other damage on the putting green and there is no penalty for merely touching the line of putt.
• Relaxed rules for “penalty areas” (currently called “water hazards”): Red and yellow-marked penalty areas may cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc., in addition to areas of water; expanded use of red penalty areas where lateral relief is allowed; and there will be no penalty for moving loose impediments or touching the ground or water in a penalty area.
• Relaxed bunker rules: There will be no penalty for moving loose impediments in a bunker or for generally touching the sand with a hand or club. A limited set of restrictions (such as not grounding the club right next to the ball) is kept to preserve the challenge of playing from the sand; however, an extra relief option is added for an unplayable ball in a bunker, allowing the ball to be played from outside the bunker with a two-stroke penalty.
• Relying on player integrity: A player’s “reasonable judgment” when estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance will be upheld, even if video evidence later shows it to be wrong; and elimination of announcement procedures when lifting a ball to identify it or to see if it is damaged.
• Pace-of-play support: Reduced time for searching for a lost ball (from five minutes to three); affirmative encouragement of “ready golf” in stroke play; recommending that players take no more than 40 seconds to play a stroke and other changes intended to help with pace of play.

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Cliff Rees won the cup in September which was a great performance as Pak Cliff was still nursing a recently broken wrist. Well done Mr. Rees.

And last weekend Aru Santhrian had a fabulous round shooting an 88 (including a 40 on the front) which with his 14 handicap gave him a net 74, handing him the Cup. In the absence of previous holder Cliff Rees, the cup was presented by co-founder of the Tournament, Mr. Don Lucy. High honor indeed. Well done Pak Aru.

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Handara Golf Resorts provides players with a world-class golf setting, toasty accommodation with unique features, and an exquisite dining experience. Enjoy this week’s blog tailored for golfers who are seeking to experience the sport at a fine location: Bali, Bedugul.

About the resort

Formerly known as Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, Handara Golf Resorts opened in the 70’s as the island’s first golf course and still stands until today as Bali’s only golf course up in the cool highlands.

The resort is located in an absolutely green part of Bali surrounded by rolling mountains, iconic crater lakes, and ancient old forests that makes staying and golfing at the resort the ultimate Bali golf getaway. In its long history of existing, Handara Golf Resorts had many memories made and countless genuine relationships forged between distinguished patrons and passionate golfers from all around the world.

Handara Golf Resort strives to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience with one of the island’s most amazing accommodation features, finest hospitality services, and their greatest golf experiences for Bali golf getaway. All while dedicating to conserve Bali’s mother nature with eco-friendly practices and supporting the local community in growth and development.

The golf course

Regardless of lacking in Bali’s popular sea view, Handara Golf Resorts makes up for it with the unique atmosphere combination of flowing greens from the cool mountain air backed by lush shrubbery, exotic tropical gardens, and stunning hill panoramas that allows golfers to enjoy pleasant rounds of golfing through the resort’s 18-hole golf course.

Designed by Australians Peter Thompson and Graham Wolveridge, the layout of the golf course offers players a distinct setting for a good challenge and caters to all levels, in other words, ‘standard to difficult’. Thanks to the resort’s in-house accommodation features, ‘stay and play’ packages are available that homes guests in golf-view bungalows and villas and garden view cottages and suites.

Why choose Handara as your Bali golf getaway

The resort is devoted to making your stay in Bali whether as a player or merely a visitor seeking to find a nature sensation around the island memorable.

Other than Handara Golf Resort’s comfortable rooms, the resort features Kamandalu restaurant that serves a fusion of local and international cuisine and a lounge and bar overlooking the sunset that makes the perfect spot for you to unwind and recall your day out on the course with great company. If you’re not keen on spending the whole day on the course or not a golfer, you can always opt for a game of tennis at the nearby Caldera valley tennis court.

Choose Handara Golf Resorts and book your stay in Bali’s most comfortable and convenient golfing destination. Book your stay!

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North Bali in the district of Buleleng is a must-visit when you visit the islands with more fun and sights such as Royal Palace Singaraja, Lovina Beach and cold water springs of Air Sanih, hot springs of Banjar, snorkeling and diving fun and Mejangan, night market at Seririt, Pemuteran Beach and so much more.

Accommodation in North Bali

Well, you can only have fun in North Bali if you find a convenient place to stay. This is where Handara Golf and Resort comes in handy. It is a perfect choice for visitors who want an exclusive environment to relax while still having easy access to the sights in the area.

This award-winning Golf Getaway is ranked among the top 50 greatest golf courses in the world by Golf Magazine. The luxurious resort was also awarded the best golf hotel in Indonesia in the 2015 World Golf Awards.

Some of the amazing activities and sights you can enjoy awhile at Handara Golf and Resort include:

• Stunning views – The panoramic scenery, plants and animals, and awe-inspiring sunsets over Lake Buyan from the Lobby Bar are sure to spice up your stay.
• EkaKarya Botanical Garden – This is a Mecca for nature lovers with 160 hectares of gardens and herbariums just 15 minutes from the resort.
• Bali Treetop Adventure Park – Perfect for outdoor lovers with challenging Tarzan Jumps and bridges, zip-lines, tree-to-tree jumps and so much more and it is only a 15-minute drive from Handara Golf and Resort.
• Lake Beratan – Enjoy stunning views of the lake and immerse yourself in water sports including boat rental, parasailing, banana-boat ride and water ski. There are sightseeing opportunities including Japanese caves dug during the World War II, and the picturesque icon of Pura Ulun Danu, the temple of the lake goddess. These sights are only 10 minutes away from the resort.
• Lake Buyan – This is a perfect getaway for fishing, canoeing and mountain trekking. Pancasari Village allows visitors to learn more about the culture of the people.
• Gitgit Waterfall – This is a scenic marvel surrounded by virgin tropical rainforest and plantations. It is easily accessible from the Denpasar-Singaraja road.
• Lovina beach – You will enjoy seeing fishing villages in their natural element and also have fun on the beach or in the water. Dolphin watching is also a popular activity here. Lovina is only a 50-minute drove from Handara Golf and Resort.

Handara Golf and Resort not only offers exquisite accommodation but also excellent opportunities to explore the surrounding magnificent sights.

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