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

21 / Aug / 2025 0 Comments. 14 minute read Written by: Bawah Reserve

Overwater bungalows vs Pool villas at Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

Planning your dream private island holiday in Indonesia? Here at Bawah Reserve, we offer some of the most stunning accommodation in the region - just check out our Instagram feed and you will see! But it seems that guests sometimes have a hard time choosing between an overwater bungalow and a pool villa… understandable, really, as they’re each magnificent in their own way.

So here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know to pick the perfect option for your Bawah getaway. Plus, we’ve included a couple of secret insider tips… this is worth the read! 🤐

Overwater bungalow: Overwater luxury

If your idea of paradise includes waking up to the sound of gentle waves and stepping directly into a crystal-clear lagoon, an overwater bungalow is perfect for you.

Why you’ll love it:

Direct lagoon access: Sink into turquoise waters, snorkel among vibrant coral or simply dip your toes in - all from your private sundeck.
Private deck: Perfect for sunbathing, reading, evening cocktails, morning yoga or even an intimate outdoor cinema experience - your deck is all yours to enjoy.
Immersive nature experience: Uninterrupted ocean vistas are just the start. With a front-row seat to the lagoon’s endless activity - from turtles and schools of bumphead parrotfish to reef sharks hunting for breakfast - you’re at the heart of a pristine marine wonderland.

🤐 Insider tip: the walls of the overwater bungalows are beautifully decorated with huge murals.

Potential drawbacks:

Slightly more exposed to weather.
No space to entertain or hang out as a group.
Most popular accommodation for couples, so you may need to book early!
If you prefer swimming in a pool, there’s no private option, but we do offer a beautiful freshwater pool by the jetty.

Explore overwater bungalows at Bawah Reserve

Pool Villas: Secluded tropical spaces

For more privacy, larger spaces and a dash of tropical greenery, a pool villa is your ideal choice. Ensconced within lush tropical forest that follows the shoreline, these villas combine superb comfort with immersion in nature.

Why you’ll love it:

Private pool: Equally perfect for family fun or romantic dips, 24 hours a day! It’s your pool, so use it whenever and however you like.
Secluded setting: Surrounded by rainforest for utmost privacy, these villas really do immerse nature lovers in the great outdoors.
Spacious living areas: Ideal for families, groups of friends or extended stays, we have pool villas with two, three or even four bedrooms, for up to eight or more guests.

Flexible outdoor areas: Enjoy your own secluded spaces in and around your private pool. Whether dining, socialising or simply relaxing, you’ll have room to spread out!

🤐 Insider tip: You can even host a private poolside barbecue in your villa.

Potential drawbacks:

Not directly over the lagoon, a few extra steps to the sea.
Forest surroundings rather than panoramic ocean views.
With so much space, you might not want to leave the villa!

Discover pool villas at Bawah Reserve

Choosing between overwater bungalows and pool villas

Ask yourself:

Do you want to wake up over water? → Overwater bungalow
Do you want a private pool and more space? → Pool villa
Are you staying as a family or as a couple? → Pool villas are more family-friendly; overwater bungalows are more romantic.
Is your priority direct access to snorkelling and the lagoon? → Overwater bungalow.

Or...... Would you love a bit of both? How about booking a couple of nights in each one? Our reservation team can help you to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Both options offer world-class comfort, privacy and the chance to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Indonesia.

Plan your stay at Bawah Reserve

Whether you choose a overwater bungalow or a pool villa, we promise an unforgettable experience. From pristine waters to lush forests, every corner of Bawah Reserver is a slice of paradise.

Start planning your holiday today.