The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1126069
L ocated 160 miles from Singapore, a band of six re- mote islands lie within the Anambas Archipelago in Indonesia. Unbeknownst to most of the world un- til very recently, these unspoiled isles of white-sand beaches and tropical forests are now home to the luxurious Bawah Reserve. When Tim Hartnoll–a Singapore-based fi- nancier–happened upon the chain of remote islands in 2012, his intention was to rescue them from imminent destruction. In his efforts to protect the Indonesian islands from illegal fishing practices, he developed a conservatory, naming the six recently discovered islands a protected place area where fish- ing would be prohibited. As a part of this conservation effort, Bawah Reserve was built from local, sustainable resources, making every effort to respect and conform to the natural en- vironment. While the journey to Bawah Reserve is not a quick one, the resort takes pride in spoiling their guests with five-star service throughout their long journey from personal chauffeurs to travel coordinators who will escort them to the Batam International Airport by ferry. e next stop is an 80-minute ride aboard the resort's private seaplane which touches down in Bawah's Cerulean Lagoon, just a stone's throw from the guest villas. e resort is comprised of 35 private guest villas, all of which overlook or sit directly atop the crystal blue waters of the lagoon. When booking a stay at Bawah Reserve, guests can choose from an overwater bungalow with direct access to the lagoon, or a beach or garden suite equipped with outdoor showers and private verandahs. From the adventurous ride in to the luxurious, secluded accommodations and locally sourced cuisine, Bawah Reserve is a world traveler's fantasy come true. We were fortunate enough to speak with Germaine Ttran–a world-renowned travel blogger and influencer–and gain an inside perspective into the hidden gem that is Bawah Reserve. Ttran traverses the globe sharing her travels with an extensive following (@germaine.ttran), and Bawah Reserve stands out in her mind as one of the most unforgettable places she has visited. She revealed to us the details of her recent stay and let us in on some of the most memorable moments of her trip. V U E N J . C O M 138