Sebana Golf and Marina Resort is a rare all-in-one destination in Malaysia that blends an international-standard golf course, private marina, luxury resort, and nature-based recreation in a single estate. Designed by Ted Parslow to harness natural contours and smart shot values, the course delivers a world-class golf experience framed by lush, tropical scenery.
While some hotel facilities show their age, Sebana’s headline strengths remain its exotic setting, engaging course architecture, and full-service resort ecosystem. For golfers and families alike, Sebana Golf and Marina Resort is an ideal place to play, unwind, and explore the outdoors. Here’s GoGolf complete review.
Sebana Golf and Marina Resort: A World-Class Golf Destination in Johor
If you want to pair serious golf with a luxury holiday vibe, Sebana Golf and Marina Resort ranks among Malaysia’s best. Beyond an international-grade 18 holes, the property adds a private marina, premium accommodation, and multiple dining venues. The magic lies in the blend of strategic hole design and a backdrop of tropical rainforest, mangroves, and coastal views.
Located in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Sebana is easy to reach for locals and international travelers. From Singapore, take the ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, then a short overland transfer to the resort—one reason it’s popular with expats and visitors seeking exclusive golf without long travel.
From day one, the resort has been positioned as a complete lifestyle destination. Alongside its 18-hole, par-72 course, Sebana integrates a private yacht marina, upscale residences, and nature-centric recreation. The result is more than a golf stop—it’s a fully rounded holiday experience.
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Sebana Golf: Built in Harmony with Nature
A standout appeal at Sebana is how the course was laid out around the land, respecting original topography and leveraging the environment. Crafted by Ted Parslow, the routing offers constant variety. The brief wasn’t just technical challenge—it was to stage scenic golf on every hole.
Natural Contours & Tropical Vegetation
The design retains mature native trees and rolling ground, so you truly feel like you’re playing through the forest. Several tees sit on higher ground, giving cinematic views across fairways and into greens—inviting yet intimidating in equal measure.
Fairways trace the natural corridors with subtle undulations, putting a premium on placement and trajectory. Bermuda Hybrid Tifdwarf greens deliver consistent, quick, and true putting surfaces, while Greenless Park Couch Grass on tees and fairways handles Malaysia’s tropical climate with resilience.
Shot-Making on Every Hole
Beauty here comes with bite. Strategically sited bunkers, well-positioned ponds, and tight landing areas ensure you’re always choosing lines and managing distance. Expect to work the ball, control spin into quick greens, and pick conservative vs. aggressive options wisely.
The upshot is a course that balances visual drama with technical integrity—a compelling play for all skill levels.
Sebana’s Most Talked-About Test
Among the 18 holes, No. 17 is the star—and the one golfers talk about long after the round.
Hole 17: Beauty Meets Nerve
A long lake guards the entire left side from tee almost to green, forcing a genuine risk-reward decision:
- Conservative line – Treat it like a dogleg, bailing away from the lake. Safer, but you’ll face more yardage into the green.
- Aggressive line – Take on the lower fairway by the water to shorten the approach. The payoff is real—but so is the water-ball risk.
C- and S-Shaped Bunkers
Near the green, bunkers shaped like the letters C and S nod to Sebana Cove—a clever aesthetic that also adds tactical intrigue. With natural water, signature bunkering, and a picture-postcard look, No. 17 is one of Malaysia’s most memorable finishing-stretch holes.
Luxury Resort Facilities at Sebana
Sebana isn’t just golf—it’s a complete resort built for play, rest, and exploration.
Arrive by Marina
One of its unique flourishes is a private port. Guests can arrive by yacht or ferry from Singapore, with immigration services handled on-site—an exclusive arrival experience few Malaysian resorts can match.
Sports & Outdoor Recreation
Beyond golf, enjoy:
- Fishing in mangrove estuaries
- Mangrove boat tours for a nature-immersive outing
- Trekking & mountain biking on designated trails
- Archery, beach volleyball, and mini football for groups
- Swimming pool, jacuzzi, and fitness center for recovery and leisure
Accommodation & Dining
The on-site hotel offers spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the marina or gardens. While some facilities are showing age, rooms generally earn praise for comfort and cleanliness.
Dining options include:
- Plantation Restaurant – local Malaysian favorites
- Oyster Pond Restaurant – fresh seafood specialties
- Boat House Tavern – relaxed, casual fare
- Pirate’s Creek & Captain’s Cabin – ideal for winding down with friends
- Marina Boardwalk & Poolside – alfresco dining with marina views
With this mix of lodging, cuisine, and recreation, Sebana serves golfers and non-golfers equally well.
What Golfers Say: Reviews & Impressions
Most guests offer positive feedback, especially on the serenity, natural beauty, and strategic design.
Pros
- Well-kept 18-hole course that follows the land
- Full resort stack: marina, pool, fitness, spa/sauna
- Mangrove and sea views that feel truly escapist
- Friendly staff and helpful service
- Plenty of family-friendly activities
Cons
- Certain hotel facilities are dated and due for upgrades
- Food variety and quality are solid but could be elevated
- Housekeeping inconsistencies reported in some rooms
Overall, travelers rate Sebana as well worth a visit for golf plus nature-led leisure.
Green Fees at Sebana Golf and Marina Resort
For 2025, Sebana’s green fees are excellent value for an international-standard course:
- 18 holes: ~RM125 nett, including buggy and daily insurance
- Course: 18 holes, par 72 with natural, strategic design
- Extras: clubhouse, driving range, private marina, and full resort facilities
Rates may vary by season and demand, with occasional stay-and-play packages bundling accommodation and resort activities.
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