Indonesia & Palau Travel Guide
Indonesia and Palau don't get the airtime of the Maldives or Bora Bora, and that's exactly the appeal. The reefs are healthier, the crowds are smaller and the resorts feel genuinely remote. We've stayed in both, and these are the trips we still talk about.
Indonesia
Indonesia is home to more than 17,000 islands, but our favorite stay is far from the Bali crowds. Bawah Reserve spans six private islands in the Anambas Archipelago, between Singapore and Borneo. You get overwater villas, beach bungalows and jungle suites, all built around a real commitment to sustainability. The snorkeling and diving are exceptional. Getting there takes a ferry from Singapore and a seaplane, and pricing is all-inclusive, so it's not a casual booking. For travelers who want seclusion even the Maldives struggles to match, it's in a category of its own.
Palau
Palau is one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. The Rock Islands rise out of impossibly blue water, and Jellyfish Lake lets you swim among millions of stingless jellyfish. Our Four Seasons Palau review covers three nights aboard the Four Seasons Explorer, a luxury liveaboard that takes you to dive and snorkel sites day boats can't easily reach. It sits at the very top of the price scale, but for divers and ocean lovers there's nothing like it.
How to Choose
Choose Bawah Reserve for a barefoot private island, all-inclusive ease and easy access from Singapore with almost no time difference. Choose Palau for world-class diving, dramatic scenery and a sense of true adventure. Non-divers will still love both, since the snorkeling alone justifies the trip.
Best Time to Visit and Book
Palau's drier season generally runs from roughly November through April, with calmer seas and better visibility. The Anambas Islands are best outside the northeast monsoon, which typically brings rougher seas over the winter months. Check seasonal schedules before booking either one. Both have very limited capacity, so book three to six months ahead, and further for holiday periods.
FAQ
Is Bawah Reserve worth it? Yes, for travelers who prioritize nature, seclusion and marine life over polished resort amenities.
How do you get to Bawah Reserve? Via Singapore, with a ferry to Batam and a seaplane transfer to the islands.
What is the best way to see Palau? A liveaboard like the Four Seasons Explorer reaches the best dive and snorkel sites in the Rock Islands.
Can you swim in Jellyfish Lake? Yes, when it's open. Access depends on jellyfish population levels, so check before you go.
When is the best time to visit Palau? Roughly November through April, during the drier season.
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