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PRESERVING
PARADISE

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

our sustainable practices

Bawah Reserve is a truly unique, Sustainability-first resort. Our vision is to protect and enhance our islands and its surrounding marine ecosystem, and to empower the communities who inhabit the neighbouring islands.   Bawah Reserve invites our guests to experience the beauty of these untouched islands, whilst learning about the environmental and social challenges that 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 preserving the natural environment, the panels provide shade while regulating water temperature and protecting aquatic life.

Building Simplicity

The design of Bawah is based on a ‘minimal impact’ approach: by clearing only what was needed along the shores of the main island, doing construction work without machinery and using only locally-sourced natural building materials. All mirrors, sinks and bathtubs were made on the island using copper recycled from elsewhere in Indonesia, and the stairs, paths and foundations are pieced together with 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 sun cream, bug spray and aftersun. Guests are also given a copper water bottle on arrival, which they can refill during their stay and beyond. This way, we can avoid bringing single-use plastics to Bawah.

Preserving our water

Water is a highly precious resource in our island ecosystem. Rainwater is collected from the roofs of the staff accommodation blocks and other back of house buildings, and carefully stored for later use. Drinking water is also created using a desalination plant. This plant removes salt and other impurities from seawater and uses reverse osmosis, microfiltration and nanofiltration to ensure the water is potable. All wastewater is collected and pumped to dedicated treatment areas and all solid waste is sorted and sent for recycling, where possible.

 

By preserving water our sources and promoting responsible consumption, Bawah Reserve strives to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Anambas Archipelago and ensure its 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 the Green Sea Turtles (chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill (eretmochelys imbricate). Both vulnerable to predation by humans and lizards, Bawah’s marine biologists have helped relocate turtle nests and eggs to safer locations, significantly improving the success rate of an egg hatching. Through practices like reef restoration, sustainable fishing and waste management initiatives, we 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 next closest island being 30 nautical miles away, Bawah is home to an independent ecosystem. The islands of Bawah are ecologically significant due to the presence of rare, endangered flora and fauna, coral reefs and mangroves that are are instrumental to stabilising the islands and supporting their rich biodiversity (e.g., by acting as a nursery to protect juvenile fish). Arboriculturalists have identified the presence of 2000-year old trees, reinforcing the criticality of protecting and conserving the islands’ natural ecosystems.
Jungle tree - very tall and old.

Supporting
the anambas foundation

Aligned 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 a marine conservation programme to protect the coral and fish in the surrounding barrier reef and a land-based conservation programme to help lift the communities’ welfare. To learn more about AF, visit their website by 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.