Bawah Reserve: A Sanctuary of Barefoot Luxury
Tucked away in Indonesia’s Anambas Islands, Bawah Reserve is where castaway dreams meet quiet, confident luxury — no shoes, no stress, just six wild islands and the kind of welcome you never forget.
A Short Introduction
In November 2024, I was fortunate enough to experience one of the world’s most exclusive island escapes — Bawah Reserve, located in Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago, nestled between mainland Malaysia and Borneo. It’s beautifully secluded, yet accessible via a private seaplane from Batam, Indonesia — meaning you can travel in from Singapore or other nearby gateways with ease.
Our journey began at the elegant Fullerton Hotel Singapore, where we were met for a seamless, entirely private transfer — ferry to Batam, followed by a scenic 80-minute seaplane flight that lands directly in Bawah’s calm turquoise lagoon. I was lucky enough to be travelling with Tim Hartnoll, the owner of Bawah Reserve, who shared with us not only the logistics but the soul of this remarkable place.
Tim’s passion for the island — and its preservation — is present in every detail. Bawah isn't just a luxury resort — it’s a destination with heart. Tim and the team are deeply committed to sustainability, protecting the local environment and marine ecosystem through ongoing conservation efforts. From the resort’s construction to its daily operations, every detail is designed to tread lightly and preserve the beauty of this rare setting.
Accommodation
Set across six islands with 13 beaches and three lagoons, Bawah Reserve offers a thoughtfully designed selection of 36 suites and overwater villas. Accommodation options include Tented Garden Suites, Tented Beach Suites, Overwater Bungalows, and multi-bedroom options such as the Two-Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villas and the expansive Four-Bedroom Infinity Pool Villa. Each space is built from sustainable materials, offering complete privacy and beautiful views of the natural surroundings.
For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, Elang Private Residence — Bawah’s private island — is a destination in itself. Available exclusively for buyouts, Elang comprises five one-bedroom lodges and a two-bedroom Longhouse, sleeping up to 14 guests. With its own Club House, Beach House restaurant, Kayu Spa, and a private beach, it’s a luxurious yet discreet retreat ideal for families or small groups.
Bawah Reserve
‘‘Unspoilt, Soulful, Seamless’
Life on Bawah flows at its own gentle rhythm. Mornings began with paddleboarding or hiking, followed by a spa treatment each day, held in the island’s serene open-air spa pavilions. The therapists were exceptional, and the atmosphere — elevated by natural surroundings and the sound of the sea — was as relaxing as it was restorative.
The dining experience was equally memorable. All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and the food was truly outstanding — thoughtful, creative, and made with fresh, local ingredients. While alcohol isn’t included, there’s a curated list available on an à la carte basis, or you can opt into a drinks package.
What stood out most was the genuine warmth of the team. By our second day, everyone greeted us by name — not out of formality, but out of care. There’s something very special about being known, without needing to be 'seen'.
For those who have already “done” the Maldives and are seeking something a little more soulful, private, and grounded in purpose, Bawah Reserve is the natural next step.
This isn’t just where you go to switch off. It’s where you go to reconnect — with nature, with others, and with yourself.
Reflections
Visiting Bawah was more than a holiday — it was a reminder of how travel should feel. Quiet luxury, thoughtful details, and a sense of purpose threaded through everything. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected — not just to the place, but to the kind of travel I want to create for my clients. It was the sort of experience that stays with you long after your suitcase is unpacked.
