7 Best Overwater Bungalows In Indonesia

Updated: September 30, 2023 | Overwater Bungalows

Imagine waking up to the gentle whispers of the ocean. Walk onto your private deck and soak up the vibrant life of Indonesia’s crystal-clear waters.

That’s the beauty of staying in an overwater bungalow.

Bawah Reserve

Location: Anambas Islands, Indonesia
Number of Bungalows: 11

overwater bungalows at Bawah Reserve
Bawah Reserve

The Bawah Reserve is spread across six islands, three lagoons and 13 beaches. It was founded in 2012 as a rescue mission from illegal dynamite fishing. Bawah is committed to protecting the marine life in the area.

Getting to Bawah: Fly to Singapore, where a private limousine will pick you up. From there, take an 80-minute seaplane ride to the Bawah Reserve island. (Located about 130 nautical miles from Singapore)

Papua Paradise

Location: Birie Island – Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Number of Bungalows: 26

Papua Paradise overwater bungalows
Papua Paradise

Papua Paradise eco-resort combines sustainability and luxury into something uniquely beautiful. Its rustic overwater villas are built in the traditional Indonesian style The resort is nestled in the most biodiverse ocean system in the world and offers vacationers the unique opportunity to swim through pristine coral reefs. More adventurous types may even have a rare encounter with an endangered Dugong, also known as a “sea cow”. 

Getting to Papua: Fly into Sorong from Jakarta or Singapore. From Sorong, take a two-hour boat ride.

Misool

Location: Misool Island – Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Number of Bungalows: 8

Misool resort overwater bungalows
Misool

If you’ve been dreaming of a remote tropical island far from any trace of civilization, Misool delivers. This resort is tucked away in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Misool has its own marine reserve that protects the local ocean life. Around Misool you’ll find ten times more marine species than that of the Caribbean.

A visit to these incredibly rich coral reefs helps to protect them through the resort’s innovative initiatives. Contributing to environmental sustainability while vacationing in a tropical paradise is a dream come true.

Getting to Misool: Fly to Sorong Airport – located in West Papua, Indonesia. Then take a 3.5-4hr boat to Misool.

Telunas Private Island

Location: The Riau Islands, Indonesia
Number of Bungalows: 15

Telunas private island overwater bungalows
Telunas Private Island

Telunas Private Island has luxurious overwater bungalows that have breathtaking views of the tropical sea. Whether you’re looking for a bit of pampering or an unforgettable adventure, Telunas has it all. Their kayaking trips, jungle hikes, and other outdoor activities are plentiful. And for foodies, Telunas’ restaurants blend Western and Asian cuisine into one of the finest culinary experiences. 

Getting there: If you’re visiting from Singapore, then you can take a ferry to access the resort. However, if you’re flying internationally, then your best bet is to fly into Hang Nadim Airport. From there, you can take a 45-minute taxi to a ferry terminal which will then take you to Telunas.

Pulocinta Eco Resort

Location: Gorontalo Province, Indonesia

Pulocinta Eco Resort

Located on Celebes, or the “Island of Spices”, Pulocinta Eco Resort has an abundance of exotic sights, sounds and smells for the intrepid traveler to take in. This small island destination is found within the Tomni Gulf, just north of Indonesia, and has a rich history that’s perfect for culturally hungry guests.

Previously serving as a spice trade port for the Dutch, this region is packed with remnants from days passed. Guests can pass the time with excellent diving and snorkeling through pristine coral reefs during the day and dreamy stargazing in the evenings.

Getting to Pulocinta: Take a flight to Menado and connect to Jalaluddin Airport via domestic airlines. Then take a 2-hour car ride to Boalemo Harbour. Finally, a 30-minute boat ride will get you to Pulocinta

Doberai Eco Resort

Learn more about Doberai

Location: Doberai Private Island – Raja Ampat, Indonesia

indonesia bungalow
Doberai Eco Resort

Getting there: Fly into Sorong Airport and take a 15min taxi to Sorong Harbor. From there you’ll take a 2-hour ferry to Waisai (Capital of Raja Ampat). The resort’s speedboat will then pick you up at Waisai Harbor for a final 25min ride to the resort.

For a taste of true Indonesian hospitality, Doberai Eco Resort is a superb choice. The resort is owned and run by locals and prides itself on delivering authentic Indonesian accommodation. Found in Raja Ampat, Doberai is surrounded by some of the best, most biodiverse dive sites in the world. On land, untouched rainforests are just waiting to be explored by adventurous guests.  

While Doberai’s surroundings are quite wild, its amenities are certainly not. Visitors can enjoy the unique and delicious flavors of local dishes that are only found in this corner of the world. If you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience and true island getaway, Doberai Eco Resort is the place to go.

Maratua Paradise Resort

Learn more about Maratua

Location: Maratua Island, Indonesia

indonesia huts over water
Maratua Paradise Resort

Getting there: Fly into Balikpapan (BPN) and then to Berau (BEJ). Take a taxi to Berau jetty, where you can finally take a boat to Maratua Island.

Maratua Paradise Resort is situated on a stunning coral atoll off the East coast of Borneo. Surrounded by an ocean that boasts the third-highest biodiversity of any marine area on Earth, visitors have no shortage of beauty to explore. At Maratua, nature-loving guests can swim alongside hundreds of tropical species. 

In addition to diving opportunities, the resort offers dolphin and whale shark spotting excursions that bring guests up close and personal to the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. A turtle spotting station is also on-site, and sightings of turtles occur almost daily. All told, visitors at Maratua have unparalleled access to a truly untouched tropical paradise. 

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