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Jun 11, 20202 min read

Five Off the Map Locations Best Accessed by Helicopter

Updated: Jun 30, 2020

Escape the crowds and hire a helicopter to access some of Southeast Asia’s most sumptuous isolated spots.

Warm waters licking powder white sands flanked by wafting palms is the dream destination for many. Thankfully, there is no shortage of tropical islands to choose from across Southeast Asia. For those short on time or who simply want to travel in style, chartering a helicopter is the most convenient way to access them. Here are four delightful islands waiting to be discovered.

Gaya Island, Malaysia



Sitting 10 minutes from Borneo’s Kota Kinabalu is Gaya, an expansive island hugged by virgin tropical forest with 25km of pristine shoreline and colourful corals. The island is the largest in an archipelago of five that form Sabah’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Gaya is also home to two exclusive five-star resorts that provide the perfect holiday getaway.

Apart from lazing on the pristine shores, visitors can trek through the island’s verdant heart that takes in lowland rainforest, mangrove swamps and quaint fishing villages. Gaya is also home to a range of wildlife, including proboscis and macaque monkeys, hornbills and bearded pigs. Divers can also discover the vibrant underwater world, including the coral reef that rings the island.

Palawan, the Philippines



Stretching almost 1,930km from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest, postcard-perfect Palawan is surrounded by about 2,000 smaller islands which collectively make up Palawan province – a top celebrity destination.

The island is home to long stretches of white beaches, a rich diversity of flora and fauna, a magical UNESCO-listed underground river cave, forest-covered mountains that rise up to 6,800 feet, hidden lagoons and a collection of five-star hotels and luxury facilities. It is easy to access by helicopter from the international airport in Puerto Princesa.

Komodo, Indonesia



Hire a helicopter and explore Komodo – perfect for nature-lovers, thanks to it being home to the mighty Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Forming part of Komodo National Park, the island features striking pink beaches – one of only seven in the world.

The stunning spot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to more than 4,000 species of wild birds. Also holding the title of a diver’s paradise, the waters surrounding Komodo are home to more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of reef-building coral, manta rays, sharks, whales, dolphins and sea turtles thrive.

Pangkor Laut, Malaysia



This 300-acre tropical island paradise lies off the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Covered in rainforest, the island is home to one resort, Pangkor Laut Resort, and is famed for its pristine natural beauty.

Easily reached by helicopter, the private island encompasses a relaxed vibe. Guests can circumnavigate the island using the resort’s yacht, snorkel and fish off the coastline, indulge in pampering sessions at the village spa, feast on world-class dining and take part in sporting activities.

May 31, 20202 min read

Exclusive Sustainable Indonesian Getaways by Helicopter

Updated: Jun 30, 2020

Barefoot luxury and sustainable travel are buzzwords slated to get a whole lot bigger once travel resumes. Here are three of Indonesia’s finest exclusive hidden spots to escape the world and immerse in nature with a conscience.

The Indonesian archipelago is home to a chain of 17,508 stunning islands that form one of Southeast Asia’s most delicate ecologies. While travel can be detrimental to the environment, many resorts realise it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some of the country’s most luxurious resorts where guests can get away from it all with a conscience. From luxurious private islands, to sprawling eco-lodges hugged by rainforest, here are some of Indonesia’s exclusive spots – best accessed by helicopter.

Nihi Sumba



Sitting on the island of Sumba in east Indonesia, this private island resort launched in 1988 as a place for guests seeking an “experience” and not just a holiday. Since opening, the resort has spearheaded sustainabile and ethical tourism, sourced local produce and hired local Sumbanese.

The small island hideaway comprising 28 villas sits on 175 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, and features 2.5km of protected beach. Its excellent surfing conditions make it popular with the upmarket surf crowd and it hosts a range of other carefully-curated experiences for guests.

Through the Sumba Foundation, Nihi Sumba Island funds local healthcare and educational programmes, helps provide clean water to the island, is working to eradicate malaria and carries out a range of conservation projects.

A private helicopter can be chartered from Bali to Sumba Island, or from Sumba Tambolaka airport to the resort.

Amanwana




This secluded tropical paradise is set on Moyo Island and in true Aman style offers a unique luxurious escape. This time in the form of glamping in deluxe spacious structures dotted below a jungle canopy.

Guests can choose from a range of activities. These include snorkelling or diving among the colourful reefs, hiking through ancient tropical rainforest, a jeep exploration of the island and exploring the seas by boat.

In 2008, the resort launched the Moyo Conservation Fund to help preserve the reefs and marine life. This also includes a sea turtle conservation programme. A deer reserve was also created to put a stop to illegal hunting, fishing and logging. An educational initiative provides children with English, maths and nature conservation classes.

Amanwana operates scheduled charter flights from Bali to Sumbawa. Private helicopters can be arranged to the resort’s helipad.


Bawah Reserve




Since opening in 2017, Bawah Reserve has been wowing high-end clientele from across the world. The exclusive resort spans six islands that sit about 300km from Singapore in Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago.

Boasting three turquoise lagoons and 13 blissful powder white beaches, the reserve offers a new level of sustainable luxury. Each of the 35 overwater bungalows are hand-crafted from bamboo and recycled materials, with the Bawah Foundation funding a range of community-driven and sustainable initiatives.

Activities include hiking through the primeval forest that hug the archipelago, exploring the islands by boat, diving into the vibrant underwater world, and discovering more about local culture.

The only way to access the resort is by private seaplane provided by the resort. There is also a helipad for guests wanting to charter private transport.

May 22, 20202 min read

Take quarantine to the next level: fly to private islands with a helicopter

Updated: Apr 27, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting the world , and the number of cases does not seem to be going down anytime soon. A lot of celebrities and officials are in tycoon-style self-quarantine, and while the superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo takes it to the next level: staying in a private island with his family.


If you think this is unattainable - you’re wrong. Island escapes are more affordable than you can imagine. We have hand-picked 5 private islands for your next vacation.


Indonesia

Bawah Reserve, Anambas Islands



Bawah Reserve is a sprawling 6-island resort that can only accommodate up to 70 guests. The island offers a guest-only clubhouse with private dining rooms, saltwater infinity pool, spa and private beach. Each villa has a dedicated butler to satisfy guests’ every need. Since Bawah Reserve welcomed its first guest in 2017, environmental advocates have given high praises to the Indonesian resort for its effort in sustainable development.


Amanwana



Amanwana has redefined “glamping” - with 20 tents set up in secluded locations, guests can choose to stay in a rainforest setting, or on the white sand beach by the shore. All safari-style tents offer an abundance of 21st-century comforts in the wild.


Amanwana is the only resort operating in the protected nature and marine reserves of Moyo Island. Located in the east of Bali, the 350-square-kilometer Moyo Island is surrounded by turquoise waters and untouched coral reefs, making it one of the world’s best destinations for PADI certified professional divers and snorkelers.


Philippines

Banwa Private Island, Palawan Islands



Banwa Private Island is a small 6-hectare private island, with only 6 villas for 48 guests. Well-appointed with a private infinity pool and hot tub deck, the resort offers tailored experiences, from private Pilates lessons to farm-to-table organic cuisines.


Banwa’s relatively untouched nature is the gem amongst all it has to offer. Its perfect location in the Palawan Islands makes Banwa the last paradise, with pristine beaches and breath-taking ocean views.


Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island



Song Saa Private Island Resort consists of 24 villas, of which guests can take their pick from luxury water villas, tropical rainforest villas and beach villas. All villas are built of sustainable materials, echoing the resort’s vision to offer an eco-friendly stay experience, getting up close with the ocean, the rainforest, and local culture.


Myanmar

Myanmar Andaman Resort, Macleod Island



Macleod island is a rare gem tucked away in the Mergui Archipelago. Due to its special geographical location, the island is kept away from modern civilisation, and remains as the most original form of nature. It’s also one of the only two private islands in Myanmar.


Myanmar Andaman Resort boasts 22 apartments. From there, guests can appreciate the local fauna and flora thriving in their own ways. As the perfect diving spot, Macleod island naturally has soft white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and colourful marine creatures.



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