Bawah Reserve

I finally got to see what all the fuss was about. This exotic island has been the name on everyone’s lips (and “It Lists”) since it opened so I needed to get there… and fast.

I wasn’t dissapointed..

On Arrival

This jewel of an island resort sweeps into view on approach from your seat aboard the chic Bawah seaplane (you depart from Batam after a ferry crossing from Singapore – don’t worry, transfers are a breeze and all part of the adventure). The island is drop-dead gorgeous and nothing prepares you for those bluer than blue waters, and the jungle clad interior ringed with shimmering white beaches.

It truly is paradise.

Lay your Head

I was curious to see just how luxe these castaway tents would be and I wasn’t disappointed. I was allocated a beach suite which I thought was perfection. These spacious bamboo structures equiped with open sides that you can close down electronically at night to seal yourself away from the mozzies are genius and yes … it is air-conditioned.

The bathroom was beautiful, decked out in reclaimed timbers with brass lined tubs and shower stall – perfect lighting complimented this decidedly luxe haven. You all know I love a good bathroom (and good lighting!)

You Have to Eat

Fresh is best here in paradise so from breakfast to dinner you won’t go hungry with variety of beautiful produce including traditional Indonesian fare favourites like mie or nasi goreng. Remember, your rate includes all meals and non alcoholic beverages so eat away!

You can choose in-villa dining and also dine at a selection of restaurants around the resort… or you could always prop yourself up at the bar or by the pool to eat if you so desire – the team here at Bawah will make anything happen.

Spa Time

Everyday is spa day here at Bawah as one complimentary treatment per person is included in your daily rate. On arrival you will have a 30 minute spa experience giving you a chance to get a taste of what’s to come and chat with the skilled therapists about the future and direction of your daily treatments. It’s heaven and you will feel a million dollars after five days of rest and rejuvenation!

You won’t get Bored

From sunset cocktail cruises to exclusive beach picnic drop offs, snorkelling and diving trips, Bawah has you covered. I promise you won’t get bored.

Beach drop off and picnics are signature experiences so please pre-book these before you arrive, you won’t regret it. I got to do a sunset cruise around the island and a castaway picnic on Coconut Beach and can highly recommend both of these.

Bawah Anambas Foundation

In addition to providing a luxury vacation experience, Bawah Reserve gives the opportunity for guests to choose to participate in the work of the Bawah Anambas Foundation. A number of the initiatives that are led by BAF such as coral reefs preservation, involve work on, or in close proximity to, the islands of Bawah. Other work, such as alternative livelihoods and vocational skill development, takes place on neighbouring islands

Participation can take a range of forms, for example active assistance with marine conversation activities during guests’ vacation time on Bawah, or financial support for specific initiatives being undertaken by the Foundation. It’s a marvellous initiative run by passionate team and I love the idea of giving back while on vacation. I highly recommend catching up with the team while on island.

*Please Note: while Internet is available on the island it can be patchy but this isn’t the place to be glued to your phone. So sorry, leave your laptop and movie streaming at home!

Book Now!

For the full rundown, (I can suggest the best bungalow location for you) including an exclusive offer of complimentary transfers from Singapore to Bawah Island Reserve, please contact me here.

*Mr Wallace stayed as a guest of Bawah Island Resort.