Anambas Islands, Indonesia
Bawah Reserve: Private archipelago reserve in the Anambas with 36 overwater bungalows, 6 islands, and 3 turquoise lagoons
Encompassing six private tropical islands, three turquoise lagoons, and 13 powder-white sand beaches in the remote Anambas Archipelago of Indonesia, Bawah Reserve opened in 2017 as an extraordinary eco-luxury sanctuary designed by architect Sim Boon Yang of ECO-ID. Set within a protected marine conservation area 160 nautical miles northeast of Singapore, the retreat was constructed by hand over five years using sustainable bamboo, reclaimed teak, and local stone without the use of heavy machinery. Thirty-six standalone suites, overwater bungalows, and infinity pool villas provide complete barefoot castaway luxury immersed in virgin rainforest and vibrant coral reefs.
Arrival on the reserve is magical: guests arrive via Bawah’s private amphibious seaplane, landing directly on the calm turquoise waters of the main lagoon. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating marine and island adventures: snorkeling and scuba diving on pristine coral gardens with blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles, sea kayaking to uninhabited sister islands, guided rainforest treks to scenic lookout points, and scheduling daily treatments at Aura Spa.
Island wellness and gastronomy are designed around all-inclusive harmony: Aura Spa provides daily holistic treatments, yoga, and meditation included with every stay. Dining is centered in Treetops Restaurant, nestled in the forest canopy serving modern Asian cuisine, and The Boat House, serving Mediterranean seafood with toes in the sand on the beach.
Accommodations comprise 36 suites (ranging from 70-square-metre Garden and Beach Suites to 105-square-metre Overwater Bungalows and 200-square-metre Two-Bedroom Pool Villas). Each suite features hand-crafted bamboo architecture, canvas canopy roofs, open-air sun decks, king beds, and copper soaking tubs.
Eco-luxury travelers, divers, and romantic couples seeking private archipelago isolation, overwater bungalows, and pristine coral lagoons should book Bawah Reserve without hesitation. Travelers seeking high-speed terrestrial road access or large casino nightlife should look elsewhere. Grounded review consensus confirms legendary standing with a 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 290 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 on Google across 190 reviews.
First day
- Arrive by private amphibious seaplane with a breathtaking water landing on the turquoise lagoon.
- Check into your overwater bungalow, unpack, and swim directly from your private deck.
- Dine on fresh grilled lobster at The Boat House with your toes in the powder-white sand.
What guests say
Hotel Flock Score
Exceptional
Based on 424 published ratings
Category breakdown
Guests Love
Pristine 6-Island Archipelago
Guests describe the 3 turquoise lagoons, hand-crafted bamboo architecture, and seaplane arrival as paradise on Earth.
All-Inclusive Spa & Hospitality
Reviewers praise having daily spa treatments included and the intuitive warmth of the entire island team.
Guests Warn
Multi-Step Island Transfer
Visitors note that reaching Bawah involves coordinating the ferry from Singapore to Batam and the seaplane flight.
Eco-Luxury Nature Focus
Travelers appreciate that the property is an eco-sanctuary with natural wood walkways rather than golf carts.
The overall score is a review-count-weighted average of named public platforms, normalized to /10. Category scores — including cleanliness and location — are Hotel Flock editorial readings of those reviews, not a platform's private formula. Hotel Flock is not affiliated with Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Trivago, or any other review site.
Awards & Recognition
World Sustainable Luxury Icon
World Luxury Hotel Awards
In the stay
- Daily spa treatment per guest at Aura Spa throughout your stay
- All daily gourmet dining, picnics, and non-alcoholic beverages across all venues
- All water sports (snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing) and island trekking
Usually extra
- –Private amphibious seaplane flights between Batam and Bawah Reserve
- –PADI certified scuba diving boat trips and private boat charters to outer islands
Good to Know
- The private archipelago reserve spans 6 islands, 3 lagoons, and 13 beaches with 36 suites, designed by Sim Boon Yang.
- All-inclusive stay includes daily spa treatments, water sports, guided island treks, and amphibious seaplane transfers from Batam.
- Accessible via a private ferry from Singapore to Batam, followed by Bawah’s private 80-minute amphibious seaplane flight.
Editor's Note
Book an Overwater Bungalow for direct ladder access into the turquoise coral lagoon, and enjoy an evening cocktail in the Jules Verne Bar tucked in the treetop canopy.
Reviewed by Hotel Flock · Last updated September 2026