How to pack for Bawah Reserve in less than 15kg

Island life at Bawah Reserve requires little more than a sarong and swimsuit. As our seaplane has a weight limit, this is the perfect time to narrow down that packing list to the bare essentials.

Free laundry is provided so resist the urge to over pack, and remember it’s hot out here (no matter what time of year – so no coats or heavy jumpers!). Not sure where to start?

Here’s our smart island holiday packing guide:

Bawah Reserve Beach Holiday Packing List
- Sunglasses – the soft sand on our 13 beaches shines bright in the midday sun (smug snigger) so you’ll need some good sunglasses!
- We provide shampoo, conditioner and shower gel so save your weight allowance for a few makeup essentials.

- Any medication needed, suncream and mosquito repellent (non aerosol only), the island shop; Six Island Trading Post,  stocks reef friendly suncream and natural insect repellent  if you prefer to buy here.
- 2 pieces of swimwear and a rash vest (optional) for snorkeling and kayaking
- 1 pair flip flops – barefoot luxe Bawah certainly is, however as the suites are  spaced along the long beach you may need some beach wear/flip flops to walk on the sun-soaked wooden decks.
- 1 pair sports shoes (if you plan to hike the forested hills of Bawah Reserve, it's worth it for the views! )
- Underwear, sports bra (note free laundry and you’ll be in your swim gear most of the time)
- For ladies: a few sundresses (can be used as day wear or jazzed up for evenings, with accessories like statement jewellery)
- For gents: a few t-shirts and shorts for the day and light shirts and one pair chinos for evenings. There’s no strict dress code for either restaurant or beach bar so shorts are welcome if you prefer.
- Yoga wear/sports clothes – for daily yoga/pilates sessions or you may want to go for a beach run
- Your phone (only for the camera – you’ll be wanting to take a million snaps) wifi is available all over the island.
- A good book, magazine or kindle (charging points are all universal)
- Passport

What you don’t need

- Diving & snorkeling equipment
- Beach bag – all rooms come with a cute beach bag for you to use during your stay
- Straw sun hats are provided in each suite or bungalow, although you may want some waterproof hats for water sports
- Beach towels - Turkish towels and robes are provided and you can wear these after a swim in the sea
- Hair dryer – provided (or go for beach babe hair and dry au naturel)
- Heavy shoes/heels – no need for these at Bawah Reserve one of our restaurants even has the beach as its floor so no shoes necessary!
- Jeans – the climate is fairly hot and humid and the restaurants and bars are al alfresco (air con is only available in bedrooms) so you won't need warm clothes – light fabrics and breathable cottons are best
- Strong liquor over 24% proof is not permitted on the seaplane by airline regulations
- Visas - Indonesia now provides special Short Stay Free Visa for tourists who are nationals of a total 169 countries who wish to travel to Indonesia. Check if your country is on the list here