Bawah Reserve
Castaway feeling,
Exclusive island retreat
Solo,
Couples,
Families
Bawah Reserve honestly earns the cliché, ‘island paradise’. Hidden deep in the Anambas archipelago, it’s about as remote as it gets and all the better for it.
The arrival sets the tone: a seaplane from Singapore, skimming over a chain of jungle-covered islets and luminous lagoons, until you touch down somewhere that feels gloriously far from the rest of the world.
High-end without feeling stuffy. This is a place for proper calm, barefoot living, and being looked after brilliantly.
There’s a real sense that every architectural decision has been made with the fragile environment in mind: all the villas are made from reclaimed wood, and even the jetty curves asymmetrically around the reef beneath it.
Bawah suits travellers who want true castaway beauty without giving up any comforts. Couples will appreciate the privacy and romantic setting, while families and groups of friends will love the balance of discovery and downtime.
It particularly appeals to those who value thoughtful sustainability and distinctive design. The jellyfish-inspired chandeliers are a talking point for good reason. Dining is another strong suit: four restaurants and bars serve a varied mix of Indonesian flavours, fresh seafood and lighter Mediterranean dishes.
Spread across five islands, there’s plenty of ways to explore the remarkable natural setting: snorkelling among parrotfish and bright coral, paddleboarding across calm lagoons, hiking through untouched rainforest. For slower moments, the spa offers complimentary massages alongside yoga and meditation sessions overlooking the sea.
The Rooms
With just over 30 suites and villas scattered across the reserve, Bawah retains an intimate feel. Each is crafted from natural and reclaimed materials, designed in sync with the surrounding forest and shoreline. Interiors are impressive too, with billowing canopy beds, tropical wallpaper and beautiful copper bathtubs.
Tented Garden Suites are tucked among tropical greenery, while Tented Oceanfront and Beach Suites sit closer to the shore with easy access to the lagoon. Overwater Bungalows are perched above the turquoise waters: wonderfully atmospheric and a natural choice for couples.
For those wanting more space, two-bedroom villas come with generous living areas and private pools, making them ideal for families or groups.
What You’ll Find:
Why You’ll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Indonesia
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas of what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Bawah Reserve on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
ETG perfectly arranged a complicated itinerary taking the stress away
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ETG look outside the box
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
