On Monday, March 24, the world will commemorate the 120th anniversary of the death of Jules Verne, the legendary writer whose imaginative tales 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 Legacy in a Tropical Paradise
Jules Gabriel Verne, often hailed as the father of science fiction, is best known for his thrilling adventure novels such as Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and Around the World in 80 Days. His collaboration with publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel gave rise to the Voyages extraordinaires series – richly detailed tales of far-flung corners of the world.
The Anambas Archipelago, home to Bawah Reserve, was once one of these remote destinations featured in Verne’s works. In the 19th century, the region was explored by French naval officer Hyacinthe Yves Philippe Potentien, Baron de Bougainville. His notes, which influenced some of Verne’s most iconic novels, described this distant area along the sea routes to China. Today, the Anambas Islands remain a pristine paradise, untouched by time and steeped in natural beauty.
A Cocktail Menu Inspired by Adventure
Perched at the island’s highest point, the Jules Verne Bar draws inspiration from the author’s most celebrated stories, offering guests a cocktail menu that pays homage to his epic adventures. The menu features signature drinks, each crafted in tribute to a different Verne classic – a creative celebration of imagination, discovery, and the art of storytelling:
- The Nautilus (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) A deep, oceanic cocktail with tropical Indonesian flavors. Arrack, Blue Pea Flower Infused vodka, Dry Vermouth, Lime Juice, Spiced Palm Syrup, Vanilla anisette, Soda.
- The Jungle Phantom (Journey to the Center of the Earth) A wild, earthy, jungle-inspired cocktail. Bawah Citrus Gin, Tamarind, Tangerine, Pineapple, Cardamom Bitter.
- The Lost Island (The Mysterious Island) A smoky, tropical cocktail symbolizing a deserted island. Smoked Coconut Rum, Mango, Cinnamon, Aromatic Bitter, Lime.
- Passepartout’s Punch (Around the World in 80 Days) A tropical, globe-trotting punch inspired by the journey. Bawah Spice Rum, Tamarillo, Bitter Grapefruit, Honey.
- The Sand Sailor (Five Weeks in a Balloon) A light, airy, citrus-forward cocktail inspired by flight, Vodka, Passion fruit, Pandan, Sparkling wine.
Guests are invited to enjoy these one-of-a-kind cocktails in an atmosphere that captures the adventurous spirit of Verne’s tales – with panoramic ocean views and the lush embrace of the surrounding jungle.
