Released on: June 16, 2008, 2:16 am

Press Release Author: Agoda Services

Industry: Internet & Online

Press Release Summary: Agoda released top 10 recommended golf resorts in South East
Asia 2008

Press Release Body: It's no real surprise that Southeast Asia has become a golf
Mecca. With over 32,000 courses and an estimated 50 million active golfers, the
sport is the fastest growing in the world. Factor in Southeast Asia's diverse
terrain, expanse of land and ingenuity for hospitality and it is understandable why
avid golfers are seeking out the greener side of fairways in this part of the globe.


According to Agoda, an online hotel bookings site that specializes in accommodation
in Asia, the popularity of vacationers who wish to book golf holidays in Southeast
Asia (SEA) is no anomaly. In fact, the demand is ever-increasing, which is why the
web travel authority has decided to release its top 10 golf resort pick list.

Says Vice President of Business Development at Agoda, Wilfred Fan, "Asians have
always had an affinity with golf. It's been the most popular leisure activity in
Japan and Korea for over two decades. But now this region actually harbors golf
courses of an international standard, it is becoming more and more recognized
worldwide."

With stalwarts such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Greg Norman
all having designed courses in their name within the SEA region, Fan's statement has
more than a ball's weight. But it's not all about the teeing off.

"The drawing card for most golf enthusiasts - besides a challenging course - is the
price. SEA can offer a prime golfing experience at a fraction of the cost, plus
there are other benefits such as spa and massage facilities which are simply
peerless in this region," Fan added.

Trends around the globe tend to agree. Just last year, Vietnam was named the
undiscovered golf destination of 2007 by the International Association of Golf Tour
Operators. The country has 15 existing courses with 30 more in development including
designs from Greg Norman and Colin Montgomorie. The same international association
named Malaysia best golf destination in Southeast Asia, an accolade supported by the
number of golfing tourists. Malaysian tourism statistics reveal that golf generated
more than US $242 million in revenue last year.

Likewise, golf resorts in SEA have become increasingly popular choices among
travelers making hotel bookings. Agoda has seen a definite spike in bookings in the
past few years.

"We have a definite niche market of individuals booking golf resort accommodation in
Southeast Asia through our site," says Fan. "The appeal goes beyond the activity and
to the destination. For example, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have seen a 400
percent increase in bookings that offer golf and spa in the region just in the last
two years."

However, it's not just about the grass becoming greener. Fan believes that a large
part of SEA's appeal as a golf destination is the relaxation services which are
complementary to the sport.

"For as many men and women there are that play golf, there will be the spouses and
partners that prefer a vacation that is about pampering and relaxation. This is
where the SEA region excels above all else as spa services are simply second-to-none
- and more than reasonable when it comes to cost."

Will the trend continue? The proof is in the development. Jon Tomlinson, general
manager of Montgomerie Links, a Colin Montgomerie course in development on Vietnam's
Central Coast says that the popularity of golf in the region is not likely to fizzle
soon.

"Demand is through the roof for membership already with the Montgomerie Links and
you can just gauge from the number of golf courses being built around the region
that interest in high quality golfing experiences has increased dramatically. Also,
it is refreshing for golfers to play in an Asian landscape and that inimitable
Asian sense for hospitality makes golfing here all the more appealing. Destination
is key."

Agoda's top 10 golfing resorts in the region are:

1. Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Phuket (Thailand)
Lauded already in numerous publications as one of Asia's premier golf resort
destinations, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is set among the Laguna Resort Complex
which features five luxury hotels (Sheraton, Dusit Thani, Banyan Tree, Laguna Beach
Resort and Allamande). It boasts an 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Max Wexler
and David Abell and caters to players of all levels of expertise. But the course
certainly is challenging as 13 of the 18 holes are in close proximity to the actual
lagoon. Golfers can enjoy taking the watery gamble with their shots. Afterwards,
pampering is essential at the world famous Banyan Tree Spa.

2. Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali (Indonesia)
The five-star Le Meridien Golf & Spa Resort is a luxury resort overlooking the
Indian Ocean with world-class golf and spa facilities. The Nirvana Bali Golf Club
boasts an 18-hole course designed by the legendary Greg Norman, and has been
featured in several publications. The course is made challenging by the elaborate
network of streams, ponds and terraces plus its ocean lapping location. After
playing, relax at the fusion Nirwana Spa which uses Western products while keeping
the Balinese Hindu philosophy in mind.

3. Novotel Ocean Dunes and Golf Resort, Phan Thiet (Vietnam)
Located three hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the four-star Novotel Ocean Dunes and
Golf Resort is located on a private beach and was the first international resort to
be built in Vietnam. The Par-72 Ocean Dunes Golf Club located on-site has been
designed by Nick Faldo and been identified it as one of the top 10 resort courses in
Asia. The course will appeal to both experienced as well as casual golfers, and the
coastal winds will bring challenge to each hole. The on-site Spa has private saunas
and Jacuzzis for customers use after a round of golf. Or you can go in for a massage
before you take to the course, helping to relax the muscles and improve that swing.

4. Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa , Khao Yai (Thailand)
The three star Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa provides 60 contemporary living options
and is the perfect retreat for those looking for a golf holiday. The 18-hole golf
course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and is set among the
mountains and greenery of Khao Yai. Guests can indulge in a range of massages and
wellness rituals at the Maya Spa or in the comfort of them own rooms after a day
spent on the course or exploring the surroundings.

5. The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam)
The five star Empire Hotel & Country Club and beach resort overlooking the South
China Sea boasts of lavish accommodations, eight swimming pools and a championship
golf course. Designed by the celebrated Jack Nicklaus, the golf course includes
cliffs, ravines, tight fairways, large bunkers, and is floodlit for night-time
games. Also not be missed is the Spa, with its therapies from around the world
designed to calm the body and revitalize the skin.

6. Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club, Sarawak (Malaysia)
The five star Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club is nestled amongst the oldest and second
largest rainforest in the world, 1,000 meters above sea level. As the name suggests,
the main attraction of the hotel is its golf course designed by Neil Crater, while
keeping in mind the features of its unique highland location. The course is the
ultimate test of golfing skills, and is suited for those who love a fresh physical
challenge as well as a mental one. With the number of guests kept to just 60 a day,
it provides ample exclusivity and privacy to indulge at a calm pace. The Jungle Club
continues to keep up the promise of relaxation and rejuvenation with its pampering
sessions of spa, exotic traditional massages and a range of natural treatments.

7. Bintan Lagoon Resort, Bintan Island (Indonesia)
The four-star Bintan lagoon Resort is set among 300 hectares of beachfront gardens
and offers a world of choice. This golfing resort can easily be reached by a short
high-speed ferry ride from Singapore. Both the Jack Nicklaus 18-hole Sea View Golf
course and Ian Baker-Finch 18-hole Woodlands Golf course at the resort are known for
their spectacular design and signature holes. The stay is incomplete without a
visit to the Bintan Spa, where traditional methods are used in conjunction with
organic ingredients for the ultimate relaxation experience. Choose from a range of
treatments, scrubs, and spa packages.

8. Springfield Village Golf & Spa, Hua Hin/Cha-am (Thailand)
The 3.5 star Springfield Village Golf & Spa provides luxurious rooms and suites,
designed to blend with their surroundings and each providing an open view of the
golf course. The golf course (another design by Jack Nicklaus) challenges golf
enthusiasts with 27 meticulously manicured holes. The championship course has five
sets of tees to play from, and offers varying levels of difficulty. For those
looking to improve their game, step there is an excellent Learning Center which
offers private lesson. Be sure to head over to the Springfield Spa to pamper and
rejuvenate yourself with a wide variety of top notch massages and treatments on
offer.

9. Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore (Singapore)
The five-star Sentosa Resort & Spa is perched atop a cliff gazing out across the
South China Sea. The resort\'s 21 rooms and suites are spread across 27 acres of
tropical woodlands. The resort also boasts the Spa Botanica, housing mud pools,
flotation pools, a meditation labyrinth and Turkish-styled steam baths and a wide
choice of indoor treatment rooms or outdoor pavilions. Just across the road from the
hotel, enjoy a round of golf at Sentosa Golf Club, which boasts two of the most
scenic and challenging courses in the region. Sentosa Golf Club is also home to the
Barclay\'s Singapore Open and is the course of choice for politicians, dignitaries
and celebrities alike.

10. Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort, Nanjing (China)
The five-star colonial-styled, Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing is located on
the slopes of the famous Purple Mountain, and features 140 luxurious accommodations.
This resort is the perfect choice for leisure as well as business travelers to
Nanjing. It is also the first deluxe, five-star golf resort in Nanjing, and the
exclusive 27-hole golf course was designed by Gary Player. Guests can also enjoy
the Spa, with its various massages and treatments, guaranteed to relax and ease the
muscles.


Web Site: http://www.agoda.com

Contact Details: agoda services co., ltd.
27th fl., the office at central world,
999/9 rama I road, pathumwan
bangkok 10330
Tel: (662) 646 1200
Fax: (662) 646 1224
Email: info@agoda.com
Website: http://www.agoda.com