Rooms

Hand-built from recycled teak, bamboo and driftwood, the 36 bungalows and suites were carefully designed to immerse guests in nature. Simple yet stylish, the wooden structures have high-pitched ceilings and bamboo lattice walls, which allow a gentle breeze and natural ventilation. Canopied four-poster beds feature luxury cotton linens, while open-air bathrooms have rain showers and deep copper tubs.

The real showstoppers are the Overwater Bungalows, stilted above a picturesque lagoon, with huge daybeds on wooden decks and idyllic views of sunsets or sunrises. Ideal for honeymooners.

Dotted along the water are the safari-style Beach Suites, with canvas roofs stretched across their private verandas. The Pool Villas are ideal for families with older children, with two (or three) suites, a separate living area and a private plunge pool.

Behind the beach suites are the Garden Suites, and the Jungle Lodge nestled in the jungle foliage, where you’ll wake to the sound of tropical birds flitting among the trees.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Food at Bawah is a real highlight, with a focus on contemporary Indonesian-Mediterranean cuisine. Fruit and vegetables come from the island’s permaculture garden, including pak choi, wild figs and lemongrass.

Breakfast is a buffet affair of fresh fruit, homemade yoghurt and scrambled eggs made with coconut milk. Lunch and dinner are à la carte - menus feature Indonesian favourites such as nasi goreng and seafood laksa, as well as more creative options of crab tartare with spicy mango salsa or cod fish steamed in banana leaves. Finish with delicious pandan ice-cream or tropical fruit

With a choice of four restaurants, you can dine according to your mood. The beachside Boat House is a casual affair; ideal for a sundowner with sand between your toes. For panoramic views choose the spectacular Treetops restaurant, high up in the jungle canopy with an exclusive ‘Lookout’ area just for two. Overlooking the ocean and the infinity pool, The Grouper is the spot for all day light bites and drinks, while the Jules Verne Bar has a wildlife viewing platform and great cocktails.

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• Enjoy a complimentary daily treatment at the open-air Aura Spa spa: massages, scrubs, yoga and meditation
  
• Snorkel in the shallow lagoon with its colourful coral walls; you might come face-to-face with parrotfish, turtles, even a blacktip reef shark
  
• Learn to dive at the on-site dive centre (not included in the price); the surrounding waters hide world-class dive sites. You can also help preserve and maintain the reef with their marine conservation dives
  
• Hike through the jungle interior to a deserted beach; trek up to the ridge for stunning island views
  
• Try windsurfing and Stand-up Paddleboarding; we also love the sound of see-through kayaks
  
• Take a boat and picnic to Turtle Beach and spend a relaxed afternoon in complete privacy
  
• Cosy up on a beanbag at the outdoor cinema; once a week a huge outdoor screen shows classic hits on the beach
  
• Peer through the resort’s telescope at one of the clearest night skies imaginable. Truly breathtaking

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Meditation
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Stargazing
• SUP
• Well being

Kids

Though families with children over 5 are welcome, Bawah Island Reserve isn’t suitable for young children due to its remote location and rugged terrain. Older kids will love having a deserted island and natural playground at their disposal, and playing on the beaches, snorkelling or sailing in the shallow lagoons, and taking cooking classes, guided jungle walks or playing tennis.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

All Suites can fit an extra single bed, though booking two suites is a more comfortable option as they are really designed for two. The Pool Villas comprise two (or three) suites, so are suitable for teenagers wanting a little independence (beds can be made up as twins - note that the suites are a little way apart).

Distances:

• Airport: 300km (Singapore)
• Hospital: Three hours

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Bawah Island Reserve is part of Indonesia’s Anambas archipelago, 300km northeast of Singapore in the South China Sea. The islands are accessible by private yacht, but otherwise a private 4.5-hour transfer from Singapore. These flights operate seven days a week, and up to four times a day.

By Sea and Air:
A private chauffeur will pick you up from your accommodation in Singapore at 7am and drive you to the Tanah Merah ferry terminal. Here you will be escorted on a short ferry ride to the Indonesian island of Batam. Fast-tracked through immigration, you’ll take an 80-minute private seaplane to Bawah Reserve and land on the lagoon outside your suite just in time for lunch.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.