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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.
Jungle tree - very tall and old.

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.

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.

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

purchasing with purpose

Sustainable Supply Chain & Partnerships​

retail icon

BCORP PARTNERSHIPS

Bawah Reserve strives to collaborate with BCorp-certified brands. One such partner is Indosole, an Indonesian footwear company that transforms discarded tires into stylish shoes sold in our retail store.

SUSTAINABLE AMENITIES

Bawah prioritises conscious living by sourcing sustainable guest amenities from Sensatia Botanicals, a Bali-based natural skincare company. Founded as a profit-sharing cooperative, it empowers the local community, with 20% of its revenue still going directly to employees.

OCEAN PROTECTION

Protecting our oceans is central to Bawah Reserve. We partner with Sandbar, whose swimwear—sold in our retail store—is made from recycled ocean plastic, with each piece removing 1 KG of plastic from the sea.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

At Bawah, we empower local communities by partnering with Batik Losari, an Indonesian foundation that trains women in traditional craftsmanship. This initiative helps them develop skills and earn income close to home.
retail icon

BCORP PARTNERSHIPS

Bawah Reserve strives to collaborate with BCorp-certified brands. One such partner is Indosole, an Indonesian footwear company that transforms discarded tires into stylish shoes sold in our retail store.

SUSTAINABLE AMENITIES

Bawah prioritises conscious living by sourcing sustainable guest amenities from Sensatia Botanicals. a Bali-based natural skincare company. Founded as a profit-sharing cooperative, it empowers the local community, with 20% of its revenue still going directly to employees.

OCEAN PROTECTION

Protecting our oceans is central to Bawah Reserve. We partner with Sandbar, whose swimwear—sold in our retail store—is made from recycled ocean plastic, with each piece removing 1 KG of plastic from the sea.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

At Bawah, we empower local communities by partnering with Batik Losari, an Indonesian foundation that trains women in traditional craftsmanship. This initiative helps them develop skills and earn income close to home.

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.
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Two seaplane flights a day from Batam to Bawah! Pssst did you know @jejuair_official has a new flight to Batam everybday! check out @_tripgoing for the news! ✈️ meet our seaplane at Batam for an awesome getaway!!
When your chess game is on point, but the view steals the real checkmate! ♟️ 🏝️