Assessment: Bawah Reserve (Indonesia) – Luxurious Journey Professional

December 4, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters all the time function a lodge or flight evaluation.

I not too long ago loved a beautiful vacation in Singapore. You possibly can learn my journey stories right here:

Right now: Assessment of Bawah Reserve (Indonesia)

Bawah Reserve is one in every of Asia’s most unique and sustainable island resorts, a real hidden gem tucked inside Indonesia’s distant Anambas Archipelago. Recognized for its untouched pure magnificence, this eco-luxury resort combines barefoot consolation with environmental consciousness. Each facet of the luxurious resort has been rigorously designed to guard its delicate ecosystem whereas providing distinctive consolation and repair. Bawah Reserve could also be finest described as a modern-day Eden — a spot the place lush inexperienced forests meet turquoise lagoons, coral reefs teem with marine life, and visitors are inspired to disconnect from the noise of the surface world. With no tv units, automobiles, or crowds, it gives the best alternative to decelerate, reconnect with nature, and embrace a less complicated, extra significant way of life. Whether or not you’re a honeymoon couple, a wellness fanatic, or an journey seeker, Bawah Reserve guarantees serenity and class in equal measure.

Bawah Reserve options in my prime lis of the finest luxurious inns in Indonesia (past Bali).

Have you ever ever stayed at Bawah Reserve? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

I made a YouTube video with full tour of Bawah Reserve, which you’ll be able to watch right here:

On this evaluation (extra information and photographs under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Bawah Reserve is situated inside the Anambas Archipelago, a distant cluster of greater than 250 tropical islands scattered throughout Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province within the South China Sea. Regardless of being solely a brief flight from Singapore, this a part of the world stays remarkably pristine and largely untouched by tourism. Bawah Reserve’s distant location and personal island setting create a unprecedented sense of seclusion and a real castaway feeling — the sort of solitude that’s more and more uncommon in at the moment’s journey world. There are not any close by cities, roads, or business developments, which permits the islands to retain their wild, pure magnificence. It seems like a spot suspended between land and sea, the place visitors can disconnect from fashionable life and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. At evening, with nearly no synthetic mild, the sky transforms into a blinding cover of stars, making it among the best stargazing locations in Indonesia.

Bawah Reserve is made up of six non-public islands. The primary island, Bawah, serves as the center of the resort, whereas the encircling islands -Sanggah, Elang, Lidi, Murbah, and one unnamed islet – supply even larger seclusion. Collectively, they kind a marine-protected space of over 1,000 hectares that features three crystal-clear lagoons and 13 white-sand seashores. Company can discover the islands by foot, kayak, or boat, experiencing a world the place dense jungle meets glassy ocean and tropical seashores in seamless concord. Every island has its personal distinct appeal:
- Bawah Island is the primary hub, dwelling to the resort’s reception, spa, pool, eating places, bars, and lodging. Bawah means “under” in Bahasa – and refers back to the geographical location of those six islands, being essentially the most southern islands within the Anambas province. 5 of the Reserves’ 13 seashores are situated on Bawah.
- Sanggah and Elang are identified for his or her dramatic cliffs, rainforest canopies, and spectacular seashores. Elang additionally harbors the proprietor’s vacation dwelling, which could be booked for unique buyouts, providing the final word non-public island expertise for a bunch of max 22 visitors (extra on that under).
- Lidi and Murbah are small, flat islands, which give sanctuaries for nesting sea turtles and uncommon chicken species.
- Tokong means rock in native Anambas dialect and Tokong is strictly that – a large, solid-standing rock.

Attending to Bawah Reserve is a part of the journey and a spotlight of all the expertise. Most visitors start their journey in Singapore (which was additionally the place to begin of my switch to Bawah), the place the resort’s devoted group coordinates seamless transfers. The journey begins with a chauffeur-driven automobile trip to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, adopted by a 45-minute ferry crossing to Batam Island in Indonesia. Upon arrival, visitors are escorted by means of immigration and customs with help from the resort’s workers. From Batam, a personal amphibious seaplane takes off for a 75-minute flight throughout the South China Sea. The flight path gives panoramic views of the infinite blue sea, ending with a mild water touchdown proper in entrance of the resort’s jetty. The complete switch course of is rigorously timed, and most guests spend the evening in Singapore earlier than the morning flight. Each element, from immigration dealing with to baggage switch, is meticulously organized, making certain a stress-free and memorable arrival.

Bawah Reserve options 36 rigorously crafted villas and suites, every designed to replicate the resort’s sustainable ethos. Company can select from a number of distinct lodging sorts: Tented Backyard Suites nestled inside lush vegetation, Tented Oceanfront Suites simply steps from the water’s edge, Tented Seaside Suites with direct entry to sandy white shores, and Overwater Bungalows that appear to drift above the turquoise lagoon. Every suite has been designed utilizing renewable supplies reminiscent of bamboo, recycled teak, copper, and stone sourced regionally from the area. Inside, visitors will discover open-plan layouts with pure air flow, handcrafted furnishings, and decor impressed by the encircling panorama. The interiors function impartial tones that complement the colourful greens and blues outdoors. Each suite contains a non-public veranda or terrace that gives uninterrupted views of the lagoon, seashore, or jungle. Loos are spacious and open-air, with rain showers and eco-friendly facilities. With no televisions or digital distractions, the main focus is fully on rest, connection, and the fantastic thing about the pure world.

Throughout my vacation at Bawah Reserve, I stayed in one of many resort’s stunning Tented Seaside Suites. Nestled alongside the primary island’s pristine shoreline, the safari-style tent provided the proper mixture of barefoot luxurious and pure simplicity. With direct entry to the delicate, sandy seashore and panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon, the Tented Seaside Suite felt like a personal oasis surrounded by lush jungle and the light rhythm of the ocean. Every morning, I woke to the sound of waves washing ashore and the nice and cozy glow of daylight filtering by means of the canvas partitions. The lagoon-facing verandah was my favourite spot for a day spent studying whereas the ocean shimmered within the distance. Inside, the suite was elegantly furnished with handcrafted particulars and designed for rest. The spacious rest room featured a placing copper bathtub, a separate rain bathe, and double vanities. Staying within the Tented Seaside Suite really captured the essence of Bawah Reserve – non-public, peaceable, and completely in tune with the encircling pure magnificence.

For bigger teams or households, Bawah Reserve additionally gives multi-bedroom pool villas that present shared residing areas, non-public swimming swimming pools, and direct seashore entry. For these looking for the head of privateness and indulgence, Elang Personal Residence gives probably the most unique island experiences in Indonesia. Initially constructed because the proprietor’s non-public vacation dwelling, this secluded retreat is now open for unique buyouts, permitting visitors to take pleasure in a whole island to themselves. Positioned only a quick boat trip from the primary Bawah Reserve, Elang Island combines barefoot luxurious with the consolation of dwelling. Company staying on Elang Personal Residence are handled to a variety of bespoke providers, together with a devoted non-public butler, customised eating menus ready by private cooks, and tailored actions designed round their preferences. The residence contains fantastically designed villas, non-public lounges, a saltwater infinity pool, and direct entry to hidden coves and seashores. Regardless of its exclusivity, visitors nonetheless take pleasure in full entry to the amenities and experiences of Bawah Reserve, from the award-winning spa to the varied water sports activities and nature trails.

Eating at Bawah Reserve is a sensory journey that celebrates Indonesia’s wealthy culinary heritage whereas embracing world influences. The resort’s cooks emphasize freshness, sustainability, and native sourcing. A lot of the produce comes from close by islands or is grown organically on-site. Seafood is caught day by day by native fishermen, and menus are designed to adapt to seasonal availability. Most packages embrace all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, permitting visitors to completely indulge with out worrying about additional prices. Bawah Reserve options two eating places and tow bars:
- The Tree Tops Restaurant serves as the primary eating venue, providing elevated Asian-fusion delicacies in an open-air setting surrounded by the rainforest cover. Company can take pleasure in à la carte breakfast with views of the lagoon and romantic candlelit dinners.
- The Boat Home, situated on the seashore, gives a extra informal environment the place visitors can leisurely lunches barefoot within the sand whereas savoring grilled seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and tropical cocktails. The Boat Home can also be open for dinner on chosen nights.
- Named after the placing fish that swims within the surrounding lagoons, The Grouper Bar is Bawah Reserve’s vibrant social hub. Positioned subsequent to the resort’s important pool, it serves as a handy spot for all the pieces from an early-morning espresso to mild afternoon bites or pre-dinner drinks.
- Perched atop the resort’s highest level, The Jules Verne Bar pays tribute to the Nineteenth-century creator whose tales of fantastical islands and faraway worlds have impressed dreamers for generations. Infused with recent, garden-to-glass substances like lemongrass, chilli, pandan, and pink peppercorns, the drinks right here seize the adventurous spirit and tropical essence of Bawah Reserve itself.
- The resort additionally focuses on personalised eating experiences, reminiscent of non-public seashore picnics, floating breakfasts, or candlelit dinners on a secluded jetty.

Wellness is on the coronary heart of the Bawah Reserve expertise. The Aura Spa & Wellbeing Heart gives a holistic method to rest, combining conventional Indonesian therapeutic practices with fashionable therapies. Every visitor is entitled to a minimum of one complimentary therapy per day, making it simple to combine self-care into each keep. Remedies use pure, regionally sourced substances reminiscent of sea salt, coconut oil, and important herbs. The spa options open-air therapy rooms surrounded by tropical foliage, making a soothing setting enhanced by birdsong and ocean breezes. Company may also take part in day by day yoga and meditation lessons held on a picket deck overlooking the lagoon. The Aura Sanctuary gives superior wellness amenities, together with a sauna, steam room, and a novel distinction remedy zone with a chilly plunge pool and ice tub for rejuvenation and muscle restoration. Bawah Reserve additionally locations emphasis on conscious motion and reference to nature. Wellness itineraries can embrace guided hikes, respiration workshops, diet consultations, or vitality therapeutic periods.

Bawah Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers and journey seekers. The encircling marine park gives infinite alternatives for exploration, each above and under the floor. Company can snorkel or dive amongst vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. There are greater than a dozen dive websites inside simple attain of the resort, appropriate for each inexperienced persons and skilled divers. For a gentler expertise, kayaking and paddleboarding by means of the calm lagoons enable visitors to benefit from the surroundings at their very own tempo. On land, Bawah’s community of climbing trails leads by means of dense jungle to scenic viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, and secluded seashores. Cultural and artistic experiences add one other dimension to a keep at Bawah Reserve. Company can be taught the normal Indonesian artwork of batik, take part in cooking lessons, or take pleasure in open-air film nights beneath the celebs. The resort additionally organizes stargazing periods, sustainability workshops, and even “castaway” picnics on uninhabited islands. Whether or not you search peaceable reflection or high-energy journey, Bawah Reserve gives the proper steadiness.

What really defines Bawah Reserve is its unwavering dedication to conservation and neighborhood. The complete resort operates with minimal impression on its environment. Photo voltaic panels generate clear vitality, whereas rainwater harvesting and desalination techniques present recent water. A state-of-the-art waste administration facility ensures that nothing dangerous enters the ecosystem. Plastic use is strictly prohibited, and all visitor facilities are biodegradable or reusable. The resort sources a lot of its meals regionally, supporting farmers and fishermen whereas decreasing its carbon footprint. Bawah Reserve is situated inside a marine conservation zone, and its group works tirelessly to guard coral reefs and marine habitats. Conservation applications embrace reef restoration, turtle safety, and monitoring of endangered species. The resort additionally helps the Bawah Anambas Basis, which funds environmental training and neighborhood improvement in close by villages. By means of these efforts, Bawah Reserve demonstrates how tourism could be a power for good — preserving pure heritage whereas empowering native communities.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

One potential disadvantage of Bawah Reserve is its excessive price, which locations it firmly within the ultra-luxury class. Whereas the value tag displays the pristine setting, excessive staff-to-guest ratio, curated experiences, and powerful sustainability initiatives, it may nonetheless really feel steep even for seasoned luxurious vacationers. Nonetheless, the speed does embrace all meals, choose actions, and beneficiant perks reminiscent of day by day spa therapies – which means visitors obtain (significantly) extra worth than at many equally priced luxurious inns the place these facilities typically come at an extra price.

Whereas the eating at Bawah Reserve is extensively praised for its freshness, presentation, and deal with native substances, the resort does have a restricted variety of eating venues, which can really feel repetitive throughout an extended keep. Throughout my three-night go to, the one restaurant open for dinner was Tree Tops, and the menu didn’t change from evening to nighttime. On some evenings, the resort gives a barbecue at The Boat Home, which provides welcome selection, however sadly this wasn’t accessible throughout my keep. Company spending per week or extra may due to this fact discover that the menu rotations – although considerate – don’t supply the breadth of alternative discovered at bigger island resorts with a number of eating retailers. The meals itself was wonderful—fantastically ready and persistently pleasurable—however not fairly mind-blowing or Michelin-star stage, which some vacationers may anticipate from a resort of this caliber. IMHO, a number of rotating specials might improve the sense of culinary pleasure, particularly for longer-stay visitors.

One other facet to bear in mind is the excessive variety of stairs all through the property, significantly when accessing the upper ranges of the spa and the Tree Tops restaurant. Each are perched at elevated vantage factors to benefit from panoramic island views, however reaching them typically requires climbing a number of steep steps. For visitors with mobility issues, knee points, or those that merely choose flatter terrain, the ascent can really feel difficult—particularly within the island warmth. Whereas the workers is all the time useful and there are golf buggies accessible for sure routes, the final structure nonetheless includes frequent elevation modifications. Vacationers who worth accessibility or ease of motion could wish to think about this when selecting lodging or planning actions.

It’s nearly inevitable to examine Bawah Reserve with the Maldives, as each supply overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and seaplane arrivals. In some ways, although, Bawah’s setting is much more spectacular: as a substitute of a single flat island, you get six islands to discover, linked by impossibly clear water, with pockets of jungle and hills that enable for climbing—one thing you received’t discover in most Maldivian atolls. That mentioned, the resort itself isn’t as overtly luxurious because the top-tier Maldivian properties. The vibe leans extra towards eco-chic, understated moderately than ultra-opulent, and each the amenities and villas really feel extra modest as compared. Eating, too, aligns with this less complicated, nature-focused ethos. However maybe that’s the intention: Bawah prioritizes sustainability, serenity, and a way of uncooked pure magnificence over polished extravagance, making the expertise really feel distinctive in its personal proper.

Lastly, Bawah Reserve’s sturdy emphasis on tranquility, nature conservation, and low-impact actions could really feel restrictive to visitors looking for nightlife or high-adrenaline recreation. The resort deliberately avoids motorized water sports activities to guard its fragile marine ecosystem, which suggests no jet skis, parasailing, or loud seashore actions. Evenings are typically peaceable, centered on stargazing, quiet cocktails, and wellness. This serene environment is ideal for vacationers craving solitude, romance, or rest, however these on the lookout for a extra energetic or energetic setting may discover the tempo slower than desired.

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 8/10
Rooms: 9/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Wow issue: 10/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
General expertise: distinctive – 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the perfect deal at a luxurious lodge like Bawah Reserve (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

One of the best time to go to Bawah Reserve is mostly from April to October, when circumstances are sometimes drier, the seas are calmer, and visibility is at its finest – excellent for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and having fun with the lagoons at their clearest shades of blue. The height months of June to August supply among the most steady circumstances, although they’re additionally the busiest, so advance reserving is advisable.

Nonetheless, it’s necessary to keep in mind that Bawah sits within the equatorial zone, the place climate could be unpredictable year-round. Even in the course of the so-called “dry season,” temporary rain showers and occasional thunderstorms are frequent and may go by means of at any time of day. Happily, they’re often short-lived and sometimes give solution to sunshine rapidly.

From November to March, the northeast monsoon brings extra frequent rain, choppier seas, and a barely increased likelihood of seaplane schedule changes. Nonetheless, the resort stays open year-round, temperatures keep heat, and the islands change into lush and vibrant from the moisture—plus it’s a quieter time to go to.

General, if you’d like the clearest waters and smoothest sea circumstances, April by means of October is right—however anticipate a mixture of sunshine and fast tropical showers regardless of while you go.

HOW TO GET THERE

Attending to Bawah Reserve in Indonesia could sound complicated, however the resort makes it surprisingly seamless. Most vacationers fly into Singapore, the place a Bawah consultant meets you and guides you thru every step of the journey. From there, you’re taking a 30-minute ferry to Batam, adopted by a clean transition to the non-public aviation terminal, the place you board the resort’s 75-minute seaplane flight to Bawah. The aircraft lands straight within the lagoon, and workers greet you on arrival. In whole, the journey sometimes takes 4 to five hours door-to-door from Singapore, and because of the attentive steering all through, the expertise feels far simpler and extra pleasurable than it seems on paper.

PHOTOS

Under is a number of my photographs from Bawah Reserve in Indonesia. To see extra pictures, together with breakfast and dinner on the varied eating places, click on right here.

Seaplane flight to Bawah Reserve