Round the Nexus 18 (par 72) to your heart's content over the itinerary — up to 27 holes a day (9 holes, 3 times). Starting in the jungle hills and running along the beach, you play the course with Mount Kinabalu for a backdrop. To play it enjoyably and smoothly even in the heat and sea wind, three things are key: pace of play, hydration, and handling the wind.
Pace of play — fast golf is fun golf
- "Ready golf" — once it's safe, whoever is ready hits first
- Prepare your shot in advance (distance, club choice) → swing as soon as it's your turn
- Search for lost balls for no more than 3 minutes; if a group is waiting, wave them through
- Record scores on the green only after moving to the next teeing area
- Move efficiently by cart (Chapter 13) — aim for about 4–4.5 hours for 18 holes
In a hot, humid environment, 18 holes take more out of you than you'd expect. Take a sip of water or a sports drink on every hole, and rest well at the halfway house after 9 holes. Dizziness, nausea, and cold sweats are warning signs of heatstroke — rest in the shade at once and replenish fluids and electrolytes (Chapter 22).
Tropical-course etiquette & local rules
| Bunkers | After your shot, rake them smooth. Enter from the low side |
|---|---|
| Divots & pitch marks | Repair fairway divots and ball marks on the green (a courtesy to the next group) |
| Water hazards | Plenty of lagoons and ponds — lay up safely instead of overreaching |
| Wildlife | You may see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife — don't feed them and mind your belongings (especially food and balls) |
| Dress code | Follow the course dress code, such as a collared shirt (Chapter 4) |
This is an itinerary of several rounds back to back. Overdo it on the first day and the days that follow will be a struggle. Pace your energy with the rhythm of an early tee-off → a morning round → an afternoon rest, and you'll still be enjoying yourself right up to the last day.
For local rules and procedures, defer to the course's instructions on the day. Safety and consideration for the group behind you are the basis of all etiquette.