Bamboo was the main material throughout the architecture.
‘This is the ultimate island experience. Snorkel in crystal blue waters, take a cooking class, or kayak to a private beach to enjoy a picnic.’
Scroll down to see top tips for Bawah Reserve and to meet your host! Click on the leaf-rating tab to reveal sustainable & regenerative efforts across waste, energy, biodiversity, and more.
Overview
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Highlights
From $1,780 USD per night (incl. kayaks, cooking classes, & spa treatments)
36 stand alone, private suites
Private picnics & dinner beachside
Ocean-friendly sun cream is provided
Stargazing experience with a telescope
Indulge in tropical spa experiences
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Top Tip
‘Try the delicious ‘garden-to-glass’ cocktails, made from native, natural ingredients’
Eco Activities
Bawah’s permaculture tour is a must-see. Take this free, guided tour to discover the organic gardens and pioneering farming practices.
Experience an authentic cookery class to learn Indonesian cuisine, world-famous for its aromatic flavours. Why not take home the recipe to recreate the dish back home?
Enjoy the water activities from snorkeling and diving in Bawah’s protected reef to paddleboarding, kayaking and even sailing in the blue lagoon.
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Rooms
36 stand-alone suites offer unparalleled privacy and are designed to make you feel at home. With a wide range of accommodation, you’ll be spoilt for choice, from the beach suite to the overwater bungalow, to the jungle lodge.
The luxurious, tropical, outdoor shower
Classic canopy beds & copper bathtubs
Constructed by hand, no machinery
All built from locally sourced materials
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Meet your Host
Meet Paul, the COO of Bawah Reserve, he works closely with the owner Tim and has lived in Asia for over 20 years.
His favourite moments at Bawah are to witness the reaction of guests when they first arrive. When the seaplane lands and guests see coral beneath them and an expanse of lush green as far as the eye can see.
‘Our ethos is: Above, Below and Beyond. As part of the below, we offer the chance for guests to get involved in coral regeneration with marine biologists.’
Discover Paul’s ‘Behind the Green’ interview here >
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Need to Know
The island is only accessible by seaplane from Singapore which is what makes it one of the world’s most secluded hideaways. This seaplane transfer is an additional cost to factor in.
Included in your stay is breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as all activities from yoga classes to a 60-minute spa treatment every day, to kayaks, hikes, and snorkel equipment.
Working closely with local government and research institutions there is a marine conservation program here aimed at protecting coral and fish. So don’t expect jet-skis!
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Location
Bawah Reserve is located in Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago (a small group of islands). Situated Northeast of Singapore, between mainland Malaysia and the island of Borneo.
How To Get There
The transport from Singapore to Bawah is $700 USD per person. This includes car transfers in Singapore, escort service, return ferry, lounge access at Tanah Merah ferry terminal, VIP immigration clearance in Indonesia, car transfers in Batam, and return amphibious plane journey between Batam and Bawah Reserve.
Your journey to Bawah will be fully escorted by Bawah hosts.
Gallery
Leaf Rating
2-leaf status
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ArchitectureThe design and build of Bawah Reserve was planned carefully to avoid damage and erosion to the local environment, and to prevent any disturbance or destruction of the island flora...
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WaterWaste water is treated and used by the permaculturalist for irrigation on their organic fruit and vegetable gardens. They have a sophisticated reverse-osmosis seawater...Read More >>
treatment plan which uses less energy than other water treatment systems. They also harvest, treat and store rainwater at Bawah Reserve.
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EnergyTo ensure energy consumption is minimised, the only land vehicles at Bawah Reserve are their electric buggies, and they even have 2 solar-powered boats. Moreover their water is heated...Read More >>
by solar energy.
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Engage GuestsMaking sure that the guests staying at the resort also respect the environment is important to Bawah Reserve. That’s why guests are encouraged to take a tour of their garden to learn about...Read More >>
methods such as the keyhole garden bed, three sisters and potato towers. They provide ocean-friendly sun cream to guests. Harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone from the major sunscreen brands can leach into the ocean and has proven to damage coral.
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WasteBawah Reserve take care of any waste produced by their resort, they do this in a number of ways. All of their waste is recycled, all paper waste is used as mulch (paper is shredded and distributed...Read More >>
on soil), food waste is composted, there are no plastic bottles and they use crushed glass for their water filtering process which is eco-friendlier than the typical silica sand water filter systems, this is because the glass used can be recycled.
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FoodIn order to maintain sustainability at the resort, Bawah Reserve grows their own organic fruit and vegetables such as cauliflower, chilli, papaya, melons, pineapples, lemongrass, mint, lettuce...Read More >>
spinach, potatoes. As you would expect absolutely no pesticides are used.
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BiodiversityTo help conservation of the life on the island and surrounding marine life, the resort is part of the Bawah Anambas Foundation which channel funds back into the land, sea and local community...Read More >>
Fishing, anchoring and collection of any marine life is forbidden. Just 35 suites have been built so that the island does not suffer tourist trampling. The resort has also pledged their intention to make the island at least 60% sustainable and self-sufficient.
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HousekeepingAs part of Bawah Reserve’s commitment to preserving the islands ecosystem, they use less chemicals, using eco-friendly laundry detergent.
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CommunityThe Bawah Anambas Foundation channels funds back into the local community.
Reviews
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"Blissful Bawah"Everything is beautifully designed, down to the last detail which instantly made it feel individual and brimming with stylish character. We stayed in a beach villa which as the name suggests, was right on the beach whilst surrounded by rich greenery. Luxury aside, what also really impressed me in Bawah was the warmth of the staff - nothing was too much trouble.
Merrivale, TripAdvisor
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"Most beautiful places I have visited"
The most amazing service that you can imagine. The staff were fantastic. Great food and wine and the website does not so it justice. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have visited. Make sure you visit one day.
John, Facebook
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"Breathtaking view"
Great place with stunning location. Breathtaking view. Highly recommended
Tony, Google Reviews
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"Paradise! "
What an amazing experience our family had, gathering here for a reunion over Christmas and New Year! Bawah is an incredibly beautiful, remote ring of islands surrounded by clear blue waters and the resort takes every advantage of this while honouring and preserving the pristine nature of the surroundings.
Brian, TripAdvisor
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"Wonderful few days at this paradise"
A wonderful few days at this paradise! Highly recommended- hard to fault. Attentive and friendly service, incredible food, stunning location. We will definitely be back.
Bronwyn, Facebook
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"My stay was pure magic"
I most enjoyed the consistent feeling that this was my own private island. The resort overall is luxe yet rustic, with Indonesian charm, amazing food, good drinks, ample activities and spa treatments all included, and an eco-friendly mission that I appreciate.
Nicole, Google Reviews
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"Eco paradise"
Our beach villa had everything you could possibly wish for and 20 paces from the beautiful beach. Listen to the ocean from your comfortable bed, take a guided jungle trek, snorkel in the outstanding lagoon against coral I have never seen before. The Wellness centre is the icing on the cake! We only wish we could have stayed for longer or maybe just move out there.
Sue, Facebook
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"Where the Maldives meet the Seychelles"
We spent a wonderful 8 days in the resort, which to us is a perfect blend of Maldives (with the reef) and Seychelles (with the forest) and it's in Indonesia! The resort was on a large Atoll consisting of 6 islands, providing a lot of nook and crannies to explore by kayak, SUP or swimming. The house reef was wonderful to snorkel and just steps away from the beaches or the jetty
Baselerin, TripAdvisor
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"Experience in mindfulness"
A stay at Bawah is undoubtedly a luxury holiday but without realising, it almost from the moment you get your first glimpse of the islands from the seaplane, it embraces you in what I now realise is an experience in mindfulness. The whole ethos of sustainability, impact on the environment, and leave only footprints, take only memories thinking is what sets Bawah apart from other destinations.
Kim, Facebook
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"Stunning"
Absolutely stunning island resort with lovely staff, beautiful waters, plenty of activities and amazing food
Mar, Google Reviews
Video
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