Ikat: The thread that tells a story

If you’ve noticed the beautifully patterned fabrics in your villa, you’ve already...

Take the Plunge: The Bawah Reserve wild swim challenge

Ready to make a splash?For guests who are both swimming-fit and up for a challenge,...

Heat, Chill, Repeat Your guide to the new Aura Sanctuary contrast therapy circuit at Bawah Reserve

Welcome to the thermal contrast therapy facility at Aura Sanctuary at Bawah Reserve,...

Indonesia private island escape to Bawah Reserve: Insider tips for choosing between overwater bungalows and pool villas

Planning your dream private island holiday in Indonesia? Here at Bawah Reserve, we...

Love Our Reels? Here’s How You Can Share Them!

3 ways to repost or use our Instagram Reels

We love that you want to share a little...

2025 Wellbeing Trends

2024 wellness trends were exciting for sure, but it keeps getting better! The top...

The unsung garden heros: Trigona bees at Bawah Reserve

When we think of bees, honeybees often come to mind. However, at Bawah Reserve, a...

Anambas Foundation: 2024 Mid-Year Progress

What a start to 2024! Check out the mid year progress from the Anambas Foundation...

Paradise: Bawah Reserve - The Ultimate Private Island Getaway Near Singapore

In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a hidden gem that promises a retreat into nature,...

Crafting Your Signature Scent: The New Wellbeing Trend of Designing Your Own Perfume

Why settle for a fragrance that smells nice, when you can create one that speaks to your...

Escape to the Maldives of Southeast Asia – Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

It’s safe to say that if you ask someone to name a tropical island destination, they will...

Wellbeing Trends for 2024

As we step into 2024, the world of well-being is teeming with transformative trends that...

Bawah Reserve Earth Day Pledges

2 years ago for Earth Day 2022, we created 10 sincere pledges for investing in the planet...

2024/25 wedding trends you need to know!

Starting to plan your dream wedding? Some couples have a clear idea of their perfect...

When is the best time of year to visit Bawah Reserve?

We are often asked about the best time of year to schedule a trip to Bawah Reserve.Which...

How to get to Bawah Reserve

Our faraway paradise is well worth the journey and there are many ways to get to Bawah,...

Ikat: The thread that tells a story

 

If you’ve noticed the beautifully patterned fabrics in your villa, you’ve already started to appreciate one of Indonesia’s most treasured textiles — ikat. Soft, colourful and a little bit rustic, these handwoven fabrics bring warmth, texture and a touch of local culture to every corner of Bawah Reserve.

Ikat is one of Indonesia’s most cherished textile traditions, and we love it! 

 

HR-close-up-elang-bed-white-canopy-blue-runner-hand-fans-2

 

 

So, what exactly is ikat?

 

handwoven-ikat-table-runner-treetops-elang

 

“Ikat” comes from the Indonesian word “mengikat”, which means to tie, knot or bind. That’s literally how it’s made, using a resist-dyeing technique. Even before the weaving starts, sections of yarn are tightly tied off with thread or string to make them intermittently dye-resistant, after which the bundles are dyed in gorgeous colours . It is during the weaving process that those pre-dyed threads progressively create the vibrant yet softly blurred patterns that make ikat so distinctive.

Every piece is handmade, every pattern unique — a little work of original art in fabric form.



 

Isn’t that batik?

 

close_up_beef_rendang_on_stone_mortar_with_white_rice_on_ikat_cloth (1)

 

Not quite. Batik [Link to batik blog] is created by applying wax to finished fabric before dyeing it, while ikat is all about colouring the yarn before it is woven. You could think of it this way: ikat is woven art and batik is painted art.  Ikat is more about texture and movement; batik is more focused on detail and precision.

 

 

Why we love ikat at Bawah

infinity-pool-villa-blue-table-runner-candle-lantern-dine-area-2

 

Just like the threads of ikat, every detail at Bawah Reserve is woven with care, connection and a story from Indonesia’s islands.”

Paul Robinson, COO, Bawah Reserve

 

You will find both ikat and batik accents throughout the resort — in cushions, in runners, and even in the special staff uniforms. These details are a part of what connects both you and us to Indonesia’s rich culture. The colours and patterns echo the sea, the sand and the serenity of the islands — soft, natural, and effortlessly beautiful. We have a collection of handmade ikat available for sale at the Six Islands Trading Post. 

 

Where can you spot ikat at Bawah Reserve?

  • On the place mats at Treetops Restaurant 
  • The bed-runners in our Tented Oceanfront Suites
  • Cushions in various locations around Bawah
  • A fabulous woven wall, and the table-runners on Elang Private Residence

 

Next time you curl up with a book or a cocktail, take a moment to notice the fabric that surrounds you. More than just providing décor, each unique piece tells a story that has been intricately woven through every thread.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

you may also like

Ikat: The thread that tells a story

If you’ve noticed the beautifully patterned fabrics in your villa, you’ve already...

Take the Plunge: The Bawah Reserve wild swim challenge

Ready to make a splash?For guests who are both swimming-fit and up for a challenge,...

Heat, Chill, Repeat Your guide to the new Aura Sanctuary contrast therapy circuit at Bawah Reserve

Welcome to the thermal contrast therapy facility at Aura Sanctuary at Bawah Reserve,...

Indonesia private island escape to Bawah Reserve: Insider tips for choosing between overwater bungalows and pool villas

Planning your dream private island holiday in Indonesia? Here at Bawah Reserve, we...

Love Our Reels? Here’s How You Can Share Them!

3 ways to repost or use our Instagram Reels

We love that you want to share a little...

2025 Wellbeing Trends

2024 wellness trends were exciting for sure, but it keeps getting better! The top...

The unsung garden heros: Trigona bees at Bawah Reserve

When we think of bees, honeybees often come to mind. However, at Bawah Reserve, a...

Anambas Foundation: 2024 Mid-Year Progress

What a start to 2024! Check out the mid year progress from the Anambas Foundation...

Paradise: Bawah Reserve - The Ultimate Private Island Getaway Near Singapore

In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a hidden gem that promises a retreat into nature,...

Crafting Your Signature Scent: The New Wellbeing Trend of Designing Your Own Perfume

Why settle for a fragrance that smells nice, when you can create one that speaks to your...

Escape to the Maldives of Southeast Asia – Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

It’s safe to say that if you ask someone to name a tropical island destination, they will...

Wellbeing Trends for 2024

As we step into 2024, the world of well-being is teeming with transformative trends that...

Bawah Reserve Earth Day Pledges

2 years ago for Earth Day 2022, we created 10 sincere pledges for investing in the planet...

2024/25 wedding trends you need to know!

Starting to plan your dream wedding? Some couples have a clear idea of their perfect...

When is the best time of year to visit Bawah Reserve?

We are often asked about the best time of year to schedule a trip to Bawah Reserve.Which...

How to get to Bawah Reserve

Our faraway paradise is well worth the journey and there are many ways to get to Bawah,...

leave a comment