The island of Lombok is preparing for the spotlight. Up until now, it has been overshadowed by its next door neighbor, Bali, known worldwide as one of the top travel destinations. Lombok is an island on the rise, and it has been for the last few years. With its proximity to Bali it is only a short trip. Its rustic and rugged lands are home to its beautiful beaches and clear waters, more than 30 surf breaks, and very simple island life. It’s very attractive side trip for Bali-goers, some using it as a stopover on their way to the Gili islands. But it was in 2017 when President Jokowi picked it as a “New Bali” that Lombok was quickly put on the map as “the next big thing” not only for tourism, but more importantly for development, real estate and property. It is about to experience a period of massive growth, improved infrastructure and millions of dollars of government funding and investment. Those looking to buy property in the booming Southeast Asia market should look past Bali, and further afield to Lombok, specifically the southern part of the island. The Kuta Beach area is where the property values are currently at very affordable rates, and are going to see very big returns as projects are completed.
With the list of “New Bali’s” Jokowi and his tourism officials hope to increase tourism numbers to Indonesia to over 20 million by the end of 2019. With Lombok, they see great potential for large-scale events and conferences. The most exciting project for the region is the Mandalika Resort Project, in Kuta Beach South Lombok. With this 1175-hectare plot of land, and a pledge of $65million, the Tourism Ministry hopes this area will become like Bali’s Nusa Dua - a home for world-class hotel brands, conference and exhibition centres. There will be more than 12,000 hotel rooms with brands such as Pullman, Paramount Resort and Club Med all having locations there. Additionally, there will be a 350,000-square-meter commercial space. The coastline will house a 78-berth yacht marina. Other attractions for Mandalika include an eco-park, water park, and theme park. The Mandalika is the island’s biggest tourism development to date, and it also coincides with the plans for South Lombok to host the MotoGP in 2021. Officials estimate that the race will bring over 150,000 spectators to watch the race, as it winds along the 4.32 km street circuit. Before that happens there will be major improvements for the infrastructure in the region, specifically for the foundation and underground utilities system, as well as roads and highways.
Another initiative for Lombok as a “New Bali” is expansion of the airport to accommodate more international flights. AirAsia recently announced a new hub in Lombok, becoming one of five in Indonesia, and now offering daily flights from Perth and Kuala Lumpur. SilkAir already offers direct flights from Singapore. Lombok is also an easy trip from Bali and Jakarta, where there are direct flights daily from major destinations like London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Dubai, and many more. Improvements to the airport will be ongoing, but current plans are to expand the terminal, and renovation for the Taxi Way and Drop Zone. Lombok and specifically South Lombok and Kuta Beach is a very accessible destination for tourists and investors.
Next door to the Mandalika Resort, about five minutes away, is the Kuta Heights Development (KHD). It is over 200 lots of land, all in various stages, for a private property development. The location stretches from Kuta Beach, near the shops and restaurants, and overlooking the bay and white sand beaches. On the 27 hectares of lush hillsides, sits the most desirable location for real estate in Lombok. KHD is only 20 minutes from the airport and conveniently accessible just off directly off a new bypass highway, and the road within the development is paved. It is perfect for anyone wanting to build a home or villa, or start a retreat or wellness venue, or host company or private getaways. The surrounding jungle and ocean settings are inspiring and stunning, with uninterrupted views for sunrises and sunsets day after day. KHD is private and exclusive, but it has something for everyone, with activities all around. The surf breaks are less than 30 minutes away in either direction, other interests that can be found are diving, golf, yoga, paragliding, or exploring the areas beaches, boutiques, shops and restaurants. Green spaces are all an essential feature, and the Kuta Green a jungle with countless coconut and cashew trees, surrounds the project.
The land sizes for KHD range from 300 m2 up to 10,000 m2. The highly-trained team at KHD can assist anyone with selecting the best lot for a holiday home or a new creative business venture. The land prices start at US $37 m2, while home build prices start at US $700 m2. From initial investment until the project - a future holiday home or wellness venue - is finished, the KHD can advise and help with every step along the way. Investing in Indonesia can be worrisome for many, but KHD are experts in this field, with all the necessary legalities, allowances and permits that are needed. This includes foreign investment (PMA), having the HGB to allow construction and ownership of buildings on the land. There is also potential for earnings on rentals and leases and KHD can also manage the property and rentals. Now is the best time to buy property in South Lombok, and the new developments will only push property values upwards. With so many options on over 200+ lots and affordable rates, KHD is an extremely attractive option. Not only are there plentiful options in the up-and-coming South Kuta region, but also because they have the team to assist with selecting the perfect spot and to guide any investor along the way. Contact the team at KHD to set up an appointment or for a brochure on buying property in South Lombok.