Bawah Island offers eco-friendly luxury escape, just 3 hours from Singapore

Bawah Island in Indonesia is calling for guests to be the first to step onto the untouched archipelago.

From 31 July, Bawah is inviting its first explorers to discover the rare ecosystem at this ‘naturally lux’ retreat in the heart of the Indonesian Anambas.

The ultimate hideaway, Bawah Island is just three hours from Singapore and accessible only via a short ferry ride from Batam and a 75-minute private seaplane.

Previously uninhabited, Bawah is a marine conservation area where ‘nature provides its true luxury’ across five pristine islands, three crystal clear lagoons and 13 beaches.

Bawah allows a maximum of 70 guests at any one time, with 35 eco-designed suites and overwater bungalows providing guests with a private oasis amongst spectacular scenery – enriched with Bawah’s holistic and personalised approach to service.

Bawah Island has been developed to inspire guests to get reacquainted with their ‘true nature’ by inviting them to explore the islands and leave with a renewed sense of purpose.

Immersing in experiences harmonious with nature, explorers can encounter flourishing species of corals, turtles and iridescent schools of fish, or step foot in Bawah’s primary forest that has never been cut or burnt.

Bawah’s 35 eco-designed suites are enveloped in lush scenery, with 21 Beach Suites offering breathtaking sea views, 11 Over Water Bungalows giving stunning dawn to dusk vistas and 3 Garden Suites shrouded by idyllic, natural scenes.

Each accommodation features a beautifully appointed bedroom, spacious bathroom and a relaxing outdoor living area with incredible views across the lagoon.

Within Bawah’s crystal clear waters, all are welcome to experience a variety of water activities or for those wanting to slow down their time, Bawah’s beach-fronted infinity pool invites a cool, gentle dip.

Bawah’s holistic wellness centre, Aura, houses a spa and a yoga pavilion, providing complete mind and body programmes designed to enlighten the senses so one can explore, or relax, with a rejuvenated state of mind.

Aura will also offer personalised yoga, pilates, meditation, and reiki sessions from sunrise to sunset.

The Tree Top restaurant at Bawah will serve bespoke Asian-fusion cuisine with locally-grown ingredients alongside a curated drinks menu to showcase authentic flavours.

The lower deck of the restaurant offers an alternative relaxation spot for diners to relax as they take in spectacular views of the ocean.

Guests can also unwind with bespoke cocktails at the Grouper Bar, Jules Verne Bar, and Boat House Bar. These uniquely-themed bars are situated at different zones on Bawah, each offering beautiful and distinctive sights of the surrounding islands.

In addition, Bawah houses a wood-panelled Library up in the tree tops, where a diverse collection of natural history, architecture, classic literature, maps and guidebooks are available for literary lovers to browse and indulge in.

Retaining Bawah’s mission of providing a luxurious, authentic travel experience in a sustainable and community-enriching manner, all tented suites and public areas are made of materials like bamboo and recycled teak; while the bath and shower areas are constructed of recycled copper.

Indigenous materials like ‘driftwood’ have been reinvented to create unique finishes and everything on the island has been created by hand, as no heavy machinery is allowed.

Fishing and anchoring in Bawah’s waters are also forbidden and to protect the abundance of flora, fauna and butterflies on the island, no pesticides are used.

This dedication towards conservation ensures that Bawah offers a naturally lux experience like no other, where guests can explore Bawah’s true nature – above, below and around them.

The Bawah Island experience, which can be booked now from USD1,960 for two people per night, includes:

• Eco-designed accommodation for two to share
• Round trip transfers from Singapore via Batam (car, ferry and 75-minute private seaplane)
• Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and ala carte dinner) and non-alcoholic beverages
• Daily laundry service (no dry cleaning on island)
• Minibar (unlimited Bawah mineral water)
• Non-motorised water sports – kayaking, sailing, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, and boat trips around the lagoon
• Beach towels and snorkeling equipment
• Other island activities including spa, yoga, pilates, meditation, and reiki sessions at Aura wellness centre, hiking in the forests of Bawah, and open-air cinema session

Book your next travel destination here. 

Top image features Over Water Bungalows at Bawah Island.