The wilderness hideaway of Amanwana (peaceful forest) is the only resort on the Indonesian island of Moyo, a nature and marine reserve 15 kilometres off the coast of Sumbawa, east of Bali. Surrounded by the turquoise waters and untouched reefs of the Flores Sea, the island is 350 square kilometres with vegetation ranging from savannah to tropical jungle. It is blessed with a variety of animal and bird life, from deer to wild boar, macaque monkeys, sea eagles and osprey.
Tucked away beneath the canopy of tropical forest, Amanwana offers 20 tents linked by sand pathways.
Amanwana’s tents (ocean-front or jungle) are elegantlyproportioned 58-square metre living spaces with solid wall foundations roofed by soaring waterproof exteriors and interior ceilings of canvas. The tents are not walled off from the rest of the island, which is also a protected deer sanctuary for the indigenous Rusa Deer. Amanwana’s deer breeding programme has ensured the steady increase in numbers of these shy creatures which can be spotted in the reserve.
Each tent is airconditioned, with hard wood flooring, a king-sized bed draped in flowing mosquito netting and a ceiling fan. Large banks of windows let in light and look out on jungle or beach settings.
Wheat-coloured divans provide plenty of space for relaxing, while large bathrooms contain twin vanities. Amanwana’s tents also feature writing desks and are decorated with fine examples of Indonesian artwork.
An open-air pavilion offers dining and all-day lounging. The Dining Room (right) which serves a daily menu of fresh Asian and Western dishes has a Sumbawan epil wood floor, a lofty bamboo roof and pillars of solid coconut. The teaktop Bar (above) extends to cosy banquette seating.
Amanwana’s facilities include the Jungle Cove Spa, a library, a boutique and the bamboo-roofed music pavilion (above).
Moyo is a haven for hikers, nature lovers and birders, with a number of walks beginning directly from the camp. A highlight is the guided excursion to a series of spring-fed waterfalls and cool freshwater pools. Another is watching sunset over the Flores Sea from Crocodile Head viewpoint.
The Jungle Cove Spa (above) features views of Amanwana Bay and an open-air massage area shaded by tamarind trees. A large selection of wellness and pampering treatments are on offer, ideal for easing away muscle aches after jungle treks or invigorating mountain bike rides. Moyo boasts many scenic island trails, some along the coast (right) and others inland to picturesque waterfalls.
Overlooking Amanwana Bay, the Boardwalk is furnished with sun-loungers and shade umbrellas. A fresh water dipping pool is set against a wall of coral rock nearby, and a shower is set into the cliff face.
Amanwana maintains a variety of boats for cruising, sport fishing and diving the waters off Moyo Island. Guests can choose their vessel and explore nearby coral coves and beaches or cruise to the island of Medang. After a day’s activity on the water, relaxing sunset or starlight dinner cruises can be arranged on the calm waters of Amanwana Bay.
Amanwana is surrounded by the pristine reefs of the Flores Sea, making it a paradise destination for scuba divers and snorkellers alike. The camp has its own Dive Centre and offers a variety of PADI certified dive courses. Some of the world’s most renowned scuba diving sites are only minutes from the camp, while just off Amanwana’s Boardwalk lies a marine wall featuring a colourful panorama of tropical fish, sponges and gorgonian coral fans.
Amanwana offers boats for cruising, fishing and diving. Explore nearby coves and beaches, cruise to the islands of Medang and Satonda (left & top right) or head south into Saleh Bay. Other possibilities include sunset dinner cruises on the calm waters of Amanwana Bay.
The star of the fleet is Amanikan (right), a custombuilt 32-metre coastal cruiser, which hosts the Aman Komodo Expeditions (MarchOctober) and the Aman Spice Islands Expeditions (NovemberJanuary). During the sevennight Aman Komodo Expedition, the islands of Rinca and Komodo are visited to see the legendary Komodo dragons (above), while the Aman Spice Islands Expedition takes in Banda’s seven volcanic islands.
Moyo Island, West Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia Tel: (62) 371 22233 Fax: (62) 371 22288 E-mail: amanwana@amanresorts.com www.amanresorts.com
Surrounded by pristine reefs and situated on one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands, Amanwana is a wilderness hideaway at one with nature.