Exclusive Sustainable Indonesian Getaways by Helicopter

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Environmental advocates praise Bawah Reserve, Anambas Islands for its effort in sustainable development

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

Redefined luxury glamping at Amanwana, Indonesia

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

Pristine beaches and breath-taking ocean views make Banwa Private Island the last paradise

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

All villas are built of sustainable materials at 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

Myanmar Andaman Resort is one of the only two private islands in Myanmar

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.

48 hours in Jakarta

Home to more than 10 million people, Jakarta is a vibrant melting-pot of culture and religion, and boasts a wealth of attractions to squeeze into 48 hours. The best way to round out two days in the Indonesian capital? Soaking up bird’s eye views from a helicopter.

Jakarta is a sprawling city home to a wonderful blend of people with roots from across the world, ranging from local Javanese to European and Chinese. As capital of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, Jakarta also sees a wealth of other religions harmoniously live side-by-side, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.

The tolerant city houses a range of restaurants, lively bars and night spots, as well as an ever-growing collection of attractions that showcase Jakarta old and new. Traffic is the city’s main bugbear, with huge swathes of the road network gridlocked. This makes hiring a helicopter to enjoy aerial views of the bustling city from the sky a must.

Day 1: Morning

No trip to Jakarta is complete without a visit to Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest mosque and the third largest Sunni mosque in term of capacity – its six floors can accommodate up to 200,000 worshipers at one time. The vast national mosque was built to commemorate Indonesian independence and named "Istiqlal", Arabic for "independence". It opened in February 1978 and sits close to the National Monument, making that the ideal next stop after a tasty local lunch at one of the many eateries that dot the area.

Day 1: Afternoon

The National Monument is a must. Standing proud as the country’s symbol of independence, the 132-m tall landmark sits in the center of Merdeka Square and is popular with visitors who flock there to take a lift to the top to soak up the spectacular 360-degree panoramas. The base of the monument houses a museum detailing Indonesia’s fight for independence, with a well-manicured park surrounding the monument.

Day 1: Evening

Spend the evening on a high and head to 56-story BCA Tower. Sitting on its top floor is stylish SKYE, dubbed a lifestyle resort in the sky. The exclusive rooftop restaurant and bar boasts a sumptuous menu comprising a blend of Southeast Asian, Japanese, Italian and Mexican dishes accompanied by breath-taking city views.

Day 2: Morning

Start the day delving into Jakarta’s rich heritage at Kota Tua, which sits as the capital’s Old Town. Kota Tua is home to a collection of Dutch buildings that give a glimpse into Indonesia’s colonial days. The area is home to Jakarta History Museum aptly on the site of the original town hall, which was the capital of the Dutch East Indies in the 17th century and served as the epicenter of the Asian spice trade during the time.

Day 2: Afternoon

After visiting Jakarta’s main attractions by foot, skip the traffic and take to the skies to enjoy unparalleled views of the city sprawling below. There are several sight-seeing helicopter tours that take in outlying neighborhoods of the vast city and beyond. Alternatively, private helicopters can be booked through Yugo for hand-curated itineraries. Either way, forge unforgettable memories and spend the final afternoon exploring Jakarta from the sky.