Bawah Reserve

"Bawah Island in Indonesia's Anambas Archipelago offers luxury hand-built bungalows and a focus on eco-tourism, surrounded by pristine waters ideal for snorkeling and kayaking."

"For a luxurious yet nature-filled experience, stay in one of 11 overwater bungalows at the all-inclusive Bawah Reserve on Indonesia’s Anambas Islands. All suites were designed with recycled wood and recycled copper bathtubs. Proceeds from each stay contribute to the Bawah Anambas Foundation, which aims to help support the local population through marine conversation, education, and financial support." - Annie Fitzsimmons

"Bawah Reserve is a luxury resort and conservation area spread out over six private islands within Indonesia’s larger Anambas archipelago." - Kathryn Romeyn

"There are drop dead gorgeous private island resorts and then there’s Bawah, an entire nature and marine reserve comprising six islands, three blue lagoons, and 13 unspoiled white beaches in the heart of Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago. Sustainability lies at the core of the reserve with no compromises on luxury. In fact, the entire resort was constructed by hand using sustainable bamboo and locally sourced natural building materials and decorated in works from local artisans. The reserve oozes natural splendor, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of a swoon-worthy rustic-chic tented suite, overwater bungalow or pool villa. Come here for Indonesian coastal cuisine perfected, dinners in the treetops, spectacular sunsets, hikes through the jungle, island-hopping via transparent kayaks, and sublime snorkeling. To access Bawah’s remote location with ease, the reserve offers a door-to-door transfer from Singapore airport with short components by road and ferry, followed by a 75-minute seaplane that lands directly in paradise." - Paul Rubio

"Bawah is the largest of the six islands in this tiny archipelago. There are 36 suites, villas, and lodges here, a line-up of restaurants and bars, walking trails through primary forest, open-air massages, an immaculate lawn tennis court, nature-immersed spas, and a boutique. Singapore-based shipping magnate Tim Hartnoll was on a sailing holiday when he dropped anchor to discover these lush outcrops of islands and their sheltered lagoons. So began the journey to create a hideaway resort. Villas are over-water, some front the beach or are set back in the forest. Stone staircases lead to the sea, where the water is so clear that it’s possible to spy marine life without even putting on a mask. Sundowner cocktails are as wonderful as you might expect—there is The Grouper, a laid-back poolside bar, or up the hill, Jules Verne. Dining can be at Tree Tops in the canopy or on the beach at The Boat House. Guests can also opt for private dining at various spots around the islands. The spas offer daily massages (included in your stay) as well as traditional masks, scrubs, compresses and wraps using local ingredients, such as coffee, cocoa and raw honey. The property sits in the Anambas archipelago and is an 80-minute flight from Batam, an Indonesian island that’s a quick boat ride from Singapore. Many of Indonesia’s 17,000 plus islands have been smashed by overdevelopment, palm oil plantations, plastic waste, and water pollution, which is why Bawah and its fierce environmental program feel so crucial. For principled eco credentials and a sense of lost world remoteness, there’s nowhere like Bawah. From $1,892. —Michelle Jana Chan" - CNT Editors