Elang Private Residence

This tiny private island within Indonesia’s eco-friendly Bawah Reserve is one of six islands in the remote Anambas Archipelago, northeast of Singapore. Covered in forested hills overlooking turquoise waters, with white sandy beaches, coral reefs and protected bird and wildlife, Elang is available for single group bookings of up to 20 adults.

Named after the native eagles that nest within its confines, Elang is a short boat ride from Bawah’s main island and it’s just a 10-minute walk from one side of this tiny slice of paradise to the other. Bawah itself is only accessible by seaplane from Singapore and Batam, with a journey time from Singapore of 4-hours.

A marine conservation site, Bawah Reserve was developed with sustainability as its central focus. Elang was originally the site of the developer’s vacation home, but has since evolved into a self-contained island resort, comprising six lodges, the Club House dining room and bar, the Beach House restaurant, saltwater infinity pool with waterslide, Kayu Spa, activities lawn and private beach. While guests have exclusive use of the island, they also have access to all Bawah Island’s facilities, which are a 3-minute boat ride or a 10-minute kayak away.

Rates include full board, daily spa treatments, laundry, in-room minibar and most land and sea-based activities. The service is exceptional, and the staff are warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. With a focus on sustainability, the resort boasts solar panels, rainwater catchment, a water desalination system, a plastic-free policy and zero-waste program.

Elang comprises five standalone one-bedroom villas named after the island’s indigenous trees – Ficus, Lychee, Yucca, Cycad and Satigi. There is also the two-bedroom Longhouse. Built to minimize the resort’s carbon footprint, each lodge is suspended on bamboo stilts and frames, and crafted from resak and rattan, showcasing the best of Indonesian craftsmanship. Roofs are thatched in alang-alang grass, floors have been crafted from repurposed driftwood and low walls built from hand-cut stone.

Each lodge boasts a spacious balcony with glorious ocean views and private pathways leading down to the shoreline. Yucca, Cycad & Satigi Lodges also offer outdoor bathtubs. Interiors include spacious living areas with textured soft furnishings, handwoven ikat panelling and artisan carvings. While ensuite bathrooms all include rain showers. The Longhouse includes two ensuite bedrooms, large central living and dining room, along with a covered full-width balcony with lounge seating and partial ocean views.

Guests enjoy the services of a private butler, just a WhatsApp message away, who can be contacted using the in-room mobile phone. Other amenities include climate control, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, iPad, music docking station, IDD telephone, stocked minibar, pantry with snacks, teas and a coffee machine, board games, robes, slippers, ponchos, beach bags, towels, sun hats, safety deposit box, laundry service and daily housekeeping.

As an all-inclusive resort, guests can choose to dine in their lodge, at the Club House or Beach House Restaurants, one of the dining options on Bawah Island, or enjoy a private dining experience down on the beach or on one of the four uninhabited islands that make up the archipelago. The choice extends to the menu which can be directed by specific requests or left up to the discretion of the chef. Dishes range from lamb skewers, fresh fish in coconut broth, slow-cooked beef rendang, to wood-fired pizzas. In terms of relaxation, Elang has its own spa, Kayu Spa housed in a traditional wooden joglo house for massage and beauty treatments. Guests can also access two other spa facilities on Bawah Island. Daily Pilates and yoga are available, as well as guided meditation. There is also access to two gyms, one outdoor and one air-conditioned, as well as an onsite saltwater infinity pool with waterslide.

A wide range of sea and land-based activities is on offer from snorkeling among reef shark, sea turtles and sting rays to scuba diving and PADI courses. Between July and October, there is also a turtle nesting project. Guests can also enjoy boat trips, tennis, art and cooking classes, hiking, and stargazing.