JULES VERNE'S LEGACY LIVES ON IN INDONESIA

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the death of Jules Verne, the legendary writer whose imaginative tales have inspired generations of travelers and adventurers. Nestled in the heart of the Anambas Archipelago, Bawah Reserve pays tribute to this visionary through its iconic Jules Verne Bar – a place where exotic flavors meet the timeless spirit of exploration.

A Literary Toast to Jules Verne in the Heart of Indonesia

Deep within the Anambas Archipelago lies a remote hideaway that channels the spirit of one of the greatest literary explorers of all time. At Bawah Reserve, guests can raise a glass to the imagination and legacy of Jules Verne, the legendary French author whose fantastical journeys have inspired generations.

From Fictional Worlds to a Real-Life Paradise

Often referred to as the father of science fiction, Jules Verne is best known for his adventure-packed novels like

Journey to the Center of the Earth,

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,

Around the World in 80 Days.

His collaboration with publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel gave birth to the Voyages extraordinaires series – an anthology of escapades that transported readers to the most far-flung, mysterious corners of the Earth.

Interestingly, one of those far-off destinations – the Anambas Archipelago – forms the stunning natural backdrop for Bawah Reserve. In the 19th century, French naval officer Baron de Bougainville chronicled his voyages through this region along the trade routes to China. His writings, some say, may have inspired parts of Verne’s richly imagined worlds. Today, the Anambas Islands remain just as wild and unspoiled as they were back then – a real-world counterpart to Verne’s fictional frontiers.

The Jules Verne Bar: Where Stories Come to Life in a Glass

Atop Bawah Reserve’s highest point sits the Jules Verne Bar – a tribute to adventure, discovery, and timeless storytelling. With panoramic views of the ocean and jungle, this destination bar offers a cocktail experience unlike any other.

The menu draws direct inspiration from Verne’s most beloved novels, with each signature drink crafted to reflect the mood, setting, or theme of a different story. Guests are invited to sip their way through literary history:

The Nautilus

(20,000 Leagues Under the Sea): A deep, oceanic blend of Arrack, Blue Pea Flower vodka, Dry Vermouth, Lime, Spiced Palm Syrup, and Vanilla Anisette – topped with soda.

The Jungle Phantom

(Journey to the Center of the Earth): Earthy and untamed, with Bawah Citrus Gin, Tamarind, Tangerine, Pineapple, and a dash of Cardamom Bitters.

The Lost Island

(The Mysterious Island): Smoky and mysterious, made with Smoked Coconut Rum, Mango, Cinnamon, Aromatic Bitters, and Lime.

Passepartout’s Punch

(Around the World in 80 Days): A globe-trotting concoction of Bawah Spice Rum, Tamarillo, Bitter Grapefruit, and Honey.

The Sand Sailor

(Five Weeks in a Balloon): Light, airy, and citrus-forward – combining Vodka, Passion Fruit, Pandan, and Sparkling Wine.

Each cocktail tells a story, served in an atmosphere that merges exotic flavors with a sense of exploration worthy of Verne himself.

The World of Bawah Reserve

More than just a resort, Bawah Reserve is an eco-luxury sanctuary set across six private islands, part of a protected marine conservation area in Indonesia. Since opening in 2018, it has stood as a leader in sustainable hospitality, where barefoot luxury meets environmental integrity.

Guests stay in one of 36 handcrafted suites and bungalows, built from natural materials and designed to blend into the surrounding jungle and shoreline. For those seeking ultimate seclusion, the Elang Private Residence offers a completely separate island experience – complete with six villas, a personal butler, and its own wellness center.

Whether it’s paddleboarding across turquoise lagoons, practicing yoga at sunrise, dining treetop-style, or enjoying a cocktail at the Jules Verne Bar, Bawah Reserve offers something for every kind of adventurer – literary or otherwise.

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