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PRESERVING PARADISE

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Sustainability at Bawah Reserve, insects thriving with natural mosquito treatment, Gecko on leaf.

Sustainable practices

Bawah Reserve is a truly unique resort with a Sustainability-first ethos. Our vision is to protect and enhance our islands and their surrounding marine ecosystems, while simultaneously empowering and uplifting the village communities on neighbouring islands. We invite our guests to experience the beauty of our islands, while learning about the environmental and social challenges that may threaten their existence.

Sustainability at Bawah Reserve, insects thriving with natural mosquito treatment, Gecko on leaf.
Sustainability, baby turtles being released on the beach, Bawah Reserve.
Sustainability, baby turtles being released on the beach, Bawah Reserve.

The beauty of sustainable design

Bawah Reserve, floating solar panel farm, 6 panels in the lagoon.

Clean energy

Bawah Reserve is proud to be one of the first in hospitality to combine advanced technology with ecological conservation. Our solar energy panels float serenely in the lagoon as they harness the sun’s power to generate clean electricity. Minimising the resort’s carbon footprint while working to preserve the natural environment, the panels also help to regulate water temperature and protect aquatic life.

Building simplicity

The design of Bawah’s infrastructure is based on a ‘minimal impact’ approach: by doing as little clearing as possible along the shores of the main island, by doing the construction work without machinery, and by using only natural building materials sourced as locally as possible. For example, all mirrors, sinks and bathtubs were made on the island, using recycled copper from elsewhere in Indonesia. In addition, the stairs, paths and even foundations have been painstakingly pieced together from stones quarried on the island.
The iconic jetty is asymmetrical, because the construction process was overseen by specialist divers who ensured that the structure would not damage the delicate coral reef that sits between two lagoons.

Overwater bungalow side entrance at Bawah Reserve, Indonesia.
Bawah Reserve, no single use plastic, sustainable travel. Bawah drink bottles provided to all guests.

Single-use plastic-free environment

On Bawah, we take care of the details, as we know that small contributions can collectively make a big difference. We offer guests natural reef-friendly amenities such as sunscreen, after-sun care and insect repellent. Each guest receives a copper water bottle on arrival, which you can refill during your stay and then take home with you. This way, we avoid bringing single-use plastics to Bawah.

Preserving our water

Water is a most precious resource in our island ecosystem. Rainwater is collected from the roofs of the staff accommodation blocks and various out- buildings, and carefully stored for later use.
Drinking water is also created by our desalination plant. This facility removes salt and other impurities from seawater before using reverse osmosis, microfiltration and nanofiltration techniques to create potable and delicious water.
All wastewater is collected and pumped to dedicated treatment areas, and solid waste is sorted and sent for recycling wherever possible.
By preserving our water resources and promoting responsible consumption, Bawah Reserve strives to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Anambas Archipelago and ensure their sustainability for generations to come.

Bawah Reserve, Bath tub.
Close up of adult turtle swimming in the blue ocean at Bawah Reserve.

Marine conservation

The islands are prime nesting beaches for various sea turtle species, including Green Sea Turtles (chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (eretmochelys imbricate). Both are vulnerable to predation by humans and lizards.
Bawah’s marine biologists help to relocate turtle nests and eggs to safer locations, significantly improving the egg-hatching success rate.
Through practices like reef restoration, sustainable fishing and waste management initiatives, we work to preserve the long-term health of the surrounding waters. Our dedicated marine team regularly conducts research, educates guests and collaborates with local communities to raise awareness and strengthen conservation efforts.

Flora & fauna

The closest island being 30 nautical miles away, Bawah Reserve is home to independent ecosystems.
The islands of Bawah are ecologically significant due to the presence of rare and endangered flora and fauna, along with coral reefs and mangroves that are instrumental in stabilising the islands and supporting their rich biodiversity. For example, thriving reefs and mangroves serve as nurseries to protect juvenile fish.
On land, arboriculturists have identified the presence of 2,000-year old trees, highlighting the urgent need to protect and conserve the natural ecosystems of these wonderful islands.

Jungle tree - very tall and old.

Supporting
the anambas foundation

In line with the principles of Bawah Reserve, the Anambas Foundation (AF) was established in 2018 as an independent, not-for-profit organisation, with the goal of setting up both a marine conservation programme to protect the coral and fish in the surrounding barrier reef, and a land-based conservation programme to uplift community welfare. To learn more about AF, visit its website via the link.

Anambas Foundation, Bawah Reserve, Indonesia. Sustainability and recycling, small island community waste management.
Anambas Foundation, Bawah Reserve, Indonesia. Sustainability and recycling, small island community waste management.
We are on Instagram
Happy start of the week! Hope your Monday looked like this….. 🏝️ 💤
Private island resorts in Asia for the ultimate destination wedding: Give your wedding guests the ultimate “pinch-me” moment when they arrive—by private seaplane—at Bawah Reserve. The resort is set in the Anambas archipelago— one of Indonesia’s first marine conservation areas—and is made up of six jungle-covered islands spread across three lagoons, with just 36 luxurious villas. @Tatlerasia
STAND UP PADDLEBOARD BREAKFAST 
Indulge in the ultimate holiday experience with an array of breakfast treats atop a stand up paddleboard (SUP), floating on the calm lagoon water.
At Bawah Reserve, we believe in the power of movement for the mind. This Mental Health Day, flow with us from sunrise to sunset. Picture yourself in downward dog on the overwater deck, shavasana on the island shores, and embracing the joy of jathara parivartanasana from the jetty. #MoveForYourMind #MentalHealthDay2024 #Yoga #bawahreserve
Where are you now? But where would you like to be? How about one of the best resorts in the world as voted by you, the readers of @condenasttraveller …. Guessing you would prefer to be enjoying views of the ocean from your overwater bungalow sundeck at Bawah Reserve!  #bawah #bawahreserve #overwaterbungalow #hotel #resort