The Indonesian island of Sumba remains an affordable prospect for land investors despite its rising profile, according to Invest Islands.

Located about 90 minutes east of Bali, Sumba has proven popular among celebrities across the past few years, with the Beckhams, actor Christian Bale, and supermodel Heidi Klum among those to grace its shores.

Its attractions include a luxurious resort that was twice named Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure and combines uniquely designed villas with activities such as night-swimming with horses and releasing sea turtles into the ocean.

The mangrove trees of Walakiri. Source: Invest Islands

It is with the same blue ocean views in mind Lombok-based property developer Invest Islands is selling beachfront plots in Sumba for as little as $15 per square metre, even in the midst of what co-founder Kevin Deisser tells WILLIAMS MEDIA is a "sharp rise in popularity" for the island.

"Even with the success of some high-end resorts and the support of the Indonesian government, land prices in Sumba remain low, especially compared with other islands,” he said.

"We have already noted plot prices rising 100 percent year-on-year since 2017 and that rate of growth looks sustainable.

“Recent stories about celebrity visits mean global interest is growing while the infrastructure is also improving all the time."

One of the views from Sumba. Source: Invest Islands

Sumba has built up a reputation as one of the most culture-rich islands in Indonesia with centuries-old traditions still evident and tribal villages constructed around ancestral tombs.

The Nihi resort is regularly listed among the world’s best eco-resorts, while traditional Sumbanese clan houses — called uma — are appearing more regularly on short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

Mr Deisser said there had been a growing trend of developers and private investors looking to purchase beachfront land and build eco-friendly hotels and villas. Traditional Sumbanese clan houses — called uma — are also appearing more regularly on short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and booking.com.

One of the houses in Sumba. Source: Invest Islands

“Resorts such as Lelewatu and Alamayah have already opened their doors, while the design plans of various other projects all incorporate the island’s natural essence and values," he said.

With one of Sumba’s two airports expected to welcome its first international flights next year, Mr Deisser said Invest Islands has accumulated more than 10,000 square-metres of land on the East Nusa Tenggara island with an intention to buy more. 

“It is clear to us that Sumba is positioning itself as one of — if not the — future of Indonesia’s ultra-luxurious travel market,” he said.

“We are investing in that vision by not only offering investors step-by-step support with their own land purchase and development, but also providing guidance to those looking to buy land, hold it, and ultimately benefit from the high rate of growth.”

The views and opinions expressed in this article are of Invest Islands and readers should rely on their independent advice in relation to such matters. 

Click here for more information about Invest Islands 

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