Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort | Golf Course in Johor | GoGolf

Write by GoGolf Editorial Team

Last updated: August 4, 2026

Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort is a comprehensive resort combining golf, accommodation and family entertainment in the Austin Heights area of Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. In addition to an undulating 18 holes by designer Nigel B. Douglas, it has a modern hotel and leisure facilities such as a pool and bowling, and — close to Singapore — it is enjoyed by a wide range of visitors.

A strategic course making use of hilly terrain, and facilities the family can enjoy all day, are its appeal. Below is a detailed review by GoGolf.

Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort

Key Information

LocationAustin Heights area, Johor Bahru, Johor / Malaysia
DesignNigel B. Douglas
Opened1995
Holes / Par18 holes, par 72 (a hilly resort course)
HighlightsUndulating terrain, elevated tees, water hazards, comprehensive resort with an on-site hotel

Three Reasons Austin Heights Is Chosen

A characterful hilly course, good access from the city and Singapore, and resort features that let you enjoy golf together with accommodation and leisure — these three win the support of many golfers.

  1. A distinctive hilly championship course — The 18 holes designed by Nigel B. Douglas place undulating terrain, sloping greens and strategic water hazards throughout, offering a different challenge on every hole. Its never-dull strategy is a draw.
  2. About 15 minutes from central Johor Bahru — Close to the city, and about 30 minutes by car from Singapore via the EDL. It is a convenient location for expats, travellers from Singapore and local golfers alike.
  3. Golf plus stay and leisure — With an on-site hotel and well-appointed facilities such as a pool, bowling, fitness and tennis. A water park is also nearby, making it ideal for a family stay-and-play.

Location and Access

Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort is located in the Austin Heights area of Johor Bahru. Being in the city, it is easy to reach for local golfers, and as it is inland, no ferry is required. The Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park is also nearby, a convenient location that doubles as a leisure base.

Access is convenient by company car or private car, or by ride-hailing services such as Grab. It is about 15 minutes from central Johor Bahru, and about 30 minutes by car from Singapore via the EDL (Eastern Dispersal Link) (varies with border and road conditions). Allow plenty of time, taking border congestion and weekend traffic into account.

Course Design and Features

Austin Heights golf course

The Austin Heights course has undulating terrain, sloping greens and strategically placed water hazards, testing not only shot technique but also strategy against hard-to-read course conditions. Several signature holes stand out.

The 14th hole is a dogleg with a large tree standing directly in front of the green; at only about 305 metres it is short, but it is a tricky shot that demands perfect accuracy so the ball does not end up behind the tree or bounce off the cliff. On the 10th hole, the fairway is surrounded by a lake at about 200 metres from the tee, so a controlled shot is essential. And the par-4 18th, about 385 metres, brings the round to a dramatic close against the grand backdrop of the clubhouse. With undulating terrain and the distance between holes, it is plenty demanding, offering a challenge that even experienced players will not tire of.

Clubhouse and Facilities

Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort facilities

The grand clubhouse is a hub of activity for golfers and non-golfers alike. With free Wi-Fi, modern changing rooms, a restaurant and a comfortable lounge, you can spend a post-round moment overlooking the course.

Sports and recreation facilities are also well appointed, with a fitness centre with the latest equipment, a pool with a water slider, a bowling alley, table tennis, tennis courts and a games room with billiards. For practice, there is an 18-bay driving range with natural target greens, so you can sharpen your shots realistically. As it has an on-site hotel, it is a comprehensive family resort that makes stay-and-play — combining golf with accommodation and leisure — possible.

A Memorable Golf Experience

A round at Austin Heights is an experience of savouring the strategy of an undulating hilly course and resort comfort at once. Puzzling over the shot at the signature 14th, being tested for control at the lake-surrounded 10th, and finishing at the 18th with the clubhouse behind you — the varied 18 holes stay in the memory. After the round you can spend time with family at the pool or bowling and stay at the hotel to play another day — a fulfilling golf trip made real.

The Surrounding Area and Enjoying Johor

The area around Austin Heights is a popular part of Johor Bahru with leisure spots such as the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, shopping malls and local cuisine. You can enjoy leisure and dining with the family before and after golf. Head into central Johor Bahru and large malls and night markets are plentiful too. With good access from Singapore, it is easy to plan an itinerary combining golf with a family trip.

What to Know Before You Play

  • Access: Convenient by company car or private car, or by ride-hailing services such as Grab. About 15 minutes from central Johor Bahru, about 30 minutes from Singapore via the EDL. Allow plenty of time for congestion.
  • Course character: Watch out for undulating terrain, elevated tees, lakes and sloping greens. Rather than over-attacking, course management that keeps the ball in view is important.
  • Playable holes / distance: Distance figures for the 18 holes may differ between sources. Please confirm the latest scorecard and routing before arriving.
  • Caddie / cart: Please confirm the availability and details of caddies, carts and rental equipment before arriving.
  • Attire: A collared shirt, golf trousers and shoes are standard. In the tropical climate, be sure to guard against sun and heat and stay hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of golf course is Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort?
It is a comprehensive resort combining golf, accommodation and family entertainment in the Austin Heights area of Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. In addition to an undulating 18 holes designed by Nigel B. Douglas, it has a hotel and facilities such as a pool and bowling.
Who designed it?
It is introduced as designed by Nigel B. Douglas. The layout makes use of undulating terrain, sloping greens and strategic water hazards, offering a different challenge on every hole.
How many holes are there?
It is often introduced as an 18-hole, par-72 resort course. As distance and routing figures may differ between sources, please confirm the latest scorecard before arriving.
Where is it located?
It is located in the Austin Heights area of Johor Bahru. Being in the city, it is easy to reach, and as it is inland, no ferry is required — it is reached by car. There is also a water park nearby.
Is it easy to reach from Singapore?
Yes. It is about 15 minutes from central Johor Bahru, and about 30 minutes by car from Singapore via the EDL (Eastern Dispersal Link) — an easy location to reach. The actual time varies with border congestion and road conditions, so allow plenty of time.
What are the features of the course?
Hilly terrain, undulating fairways, elevated tees, lakes, bunkers and strategic shot selection are features. In particular, signature holes such as the dogleg 14th, the lake-surrounded 10th and the 18th with the clubhouse behind are memorable.
Can beginners enjoy it?
You can play, but with undulations, water carries and bunkers, it is not an entirely easy course. Beginners are advised to choose a tee that suits them, make use of caddie advice, and keep a safe landing spot in mind rather than over-attacking.
Is it also suitable for advanced players?
Yes. With many interesting points where strategic judgement affects the score — shot placement, club selection, direction from elevated tees and approaches over water — it is a course that experienced players will find rewarding too.
What facilities are there?
In addition to a clubhouse, pro shop, an 18-bay driving range and a putting green, it has non-golf facilities such as a hotel, a pool, a sauna and spa, bowling, table tennis, tennis, fitness, a games room, a restaurant and meeting rooms.
Can you stay overnight (stay-and-play)?
Yes. As the hotel and golf course are integrated, it is suited to a stay-and-play golf trip. Its appeal is the ease of using accommodation, dining, meetings, a spa and leisure facilities after the round.
Is there a driving range?
Yes, there is an 18-bay driving range with natural target greens. Designed to resemble actual course conditions, it is handy for a pre-round warm-up or shot practice.
How do I get there? (Is there a shuttle?)
A company car or private car, or a ride-hailing service such as Grab, is convenient. It is about 15 minutes from central Johor Bahru, and reachable by car from Singapore via the EDL. Please note that GoGolf does not arrange shuttle services. Allow plenty of time given border congestion.

More Golf Courses in Johor

Swipe to see more courses →