Bawah Reserve - A Private Island Sanctuary in the Anambas

Bawah Reserve is a true private island sanctuary in Indonesia’s remote Anambas archipelago — a barefoot escape where nature takes the lead. With just 36 earth-conscious suites — thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural surroundings and ranging from one-bedroom havens to spacious four-bedroom escapes — every stay includes gourmet cuisine, non-alcoholic beverages, daily spa treatments, laundry, wellness and meditation activities, and access to thermal facilities like the steam room, sauna, and polar plunge — all seamlessly included in the room rate. 

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Set across 6 islands, 3 lagoons, 13 white-sand beaches, and over 100 hectares of untouched forest, Bawah is a natural playground for those seeking rest, reconnection, and exploration.

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Elang Private Residence – Your Island Within an Island

For those seeking an ultra-private experience, Elang Private Residence offers a six-villa retreat with its own clubhouse, saltwater infinity pool, and personal butler team — perfect for VIPs, multigenerational families, or those who simply want space to themselves. Designed for 10 to 14 people. Elang operates as its own island, yet is part of the larger Bawah experience.

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How to Get There

The closest gateway is just four hours from Singapore. Roundtrip transport is fully arranged by Bawah — this includes car transfers, ferry journeys, and a scenic flight aboard our amphibious AirFast seaplane. Pick-up typically begins at 7 AM from Singapore. The baggage allowance is 15kg per guest, and timing may vary depending on weather and schedules. Guests can also begin their journey from Batam, Indonesia.

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Guests Who Love Bawah

Bawah Reserve draws travellers looking for something different — the kind of place where there is no schedule, no crowd, and no outside noise. Our guests are often couples, honeymooners, or small groups who value privacy, sustainability, and the rare feeling of being completely off-grid.

Due to our serene setting, we have a no children under five policy to preserve the peaceful nature of the island.

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What’s on the Island

Guests can enjoy over 50 land and sea activities included in their stay — from guided hiking and kayaking to snorkeling and paddleboarding. Bawah is also a 5-star PADI dive resort and active marine conservation zone, with 13 dive sites to explore.

On land, daily wellness classes, movie nights under the stars, and complimentary access to Aura Spa’s sauna, steam, and plunge pools offer endless ways to relax. For something extra special, guests can book private experiences like our castaway picnic, chef’s table dinners, or an indulgent Hammam Ritual at the spa.

Dining at Bawah

Bawah Reserve features two restaurants, two bars, and a host of private dining experiences across the island.

• Tree Tops – Dine among the forest canopy with seasonal Indonesian and continental fare.
• The Boat House – A toes-in-the-sand seafood grill with panoramic ocean views.
• The Grouper – An all-day lounge for coffee, snacks, and cocktails by the sea.
• Jules Verne – Our treetop hideout for garden-to-glass cocktails and late-night conversations.

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Private beach dinners, jetty BBQs, or dining under the stars can all be arranged upon request.

When to Visit

Bawah is open year-round (resort is closed from 1 to 18 December each year) and offers a unique charm in every season. The best time to visit Bawah Reserve is during the dry season, which typically runs from March to October. These months offer the calmest seas, plenty of sunshine, and excellent visibility for snorkelling, diving, and enjoying the outdoors. Between July and September, the island becomes a nesting ground for hawksbill and green turtles, a magical time for nature lovers and photographers alike. For those looking to celebrate the holidays in barefoot paradise, Bawah comes alive in December with our 12 Days of Christmas — a festive lineup of experiences leading up to a New Year’s Eve gala dinner under the stars. It is a magical time to visit for couples, families, and small groups alike.