Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide: Discover Prime Resort Investment Potential

AuthorKepri Estates   |   Reading Time – 25 minutes   |   Published 05:32 (SGT) 06/11/2025

The Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide points out top island spots in the clear South China Sea between Malaysia and Borneo. Soft white sand squeaks beneath your feet. Turquoise water glitters and coral gardens brim with colour, rivaling even the Maldives. Resort builders see promise here thanks to a few rivals and a keen government. (It’s a rare find.) With 255 isles split into seven subdistricts, each area has its own style and places to stay. As roads and jetties get better, this CNN-featured paradise will be your next holiday choice.

Siantan District: Vibrant Administrative & Investment Hub

Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide for resort investment_ siantanAt the heart of the Anambas Islands, Siantan District is the main hub for local governance and services. In Tarempa, the subdistrict’s capital, about 13,500 people enjoy banks, shops, clinics, and a lively market. This is the most urban spot among the subdistricts, with plenty of places to stay for both work and rest.

Tarempa’s port links the islands. Ferries and cargo boats sail daily, while small wooden pompongs reach out to scattered villages, keeping island life running smoothly.[3]

For anyone looking to invest or stay, Siantan offers the widest choice of hotels, permits, and daily essentials. Most lodgings suit midrange budgets, while hidden bays to the north and west await developers seeking a quiet retreat.[1]

The property prices here mirror convenience, blending town buzz with calm beaches. If you want the best of both worlds – urban ease and seaside calm – Siantan is the first stop on the Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide.

Palmatak District: Premier Strategic Gateway for Resort Developers

Palmatak district is one of the largest districts in the province.  This subdistrict hosts oil and gas offices, which have funded better roads and local services, leaving other areas trailing behind.

About 7,800 people live here, mainly in fishing or energy work. The town offers clinics, schools, and shops for everyday life.

For developers, Palmatak’s main draw is logistics. Moving gear and people is simple, while quiet beaches on the east and south coasts have yet to feel the industry’s touch.[5]

The Matak airport, once the only entry into the Anambas Archipelago continues to be used by oil and gas companies and may in the future be re opened to commercial flights [4]Land deals move along smoothly, thanks to past projects. Palmatak leads the way for investors seeking a base for resorts and private retreats.

With un improved areas like Batu Garam just a short boat trip from Matak Island, the Palmatak district offers many opportunities for eco developments close to a bustling hub.

Jemaja District Subdistrict Gems & Cultural Centre

Jemaja is the island of traditions. Around Letung, 6,500 locals celebrate Malay customs with festivals and markets. It’s where culture meets calm sea views.[1]

Letung’s airport is the main entry point to the region and small port keep connections steady. Air and sea links make Jemaja one of the standout spots in our guide.[4]

Here, boat builders work by palm-lined lagoons, and village fairs light up the shore. Accommodations can blend genuine culture with quiet beachfront scenery.[6]

  • Rich Malay heritage and daily life
  • Easy travel by air or boat
  • Welcoming homespun villages
  • Local support for gentle tourism
  • Chances for off-beat resort experiences
  • Peaceful, authentic stays

Jemaja Timur District Pristine Beaches Subdistrict Gem

Jemaja Timur District Pristine BeachesJemaja Timur has around 3,200 residents and some of the clearest shores you’ll see. White sand meets calm water, home to turtles and bright reef fish.[1]

Nearly untouched, these beaches and tiny isles are perfect for eco-led retreats or private villas.

Snorkellers will love the colourful reef life, with easy access from the beach all year round.[7]

Several nearby islets are uninhabited, ideal for exclusive resort designs.

Getting here is part of the charm: you must arrange a boat, and basic power and water need upgrading[8]. These costs keep the area raw, preserving its best beaches for years to come.

Siantan Timur District, Anambas Island Getaway

Siantan TimurSiantan Timur, with 4,100 fishers, is the spot for a quiet break. Here, you’ll find simple stays that fit right in with local life.[9]

Shorelines shift between soft coves and rocky hills, offering wide views and shelter for boutique lodges.

Underwater gardens abound, with turtles drifting past coral heads.[10][7]

The capital, Tarempa, lies an hour away by boat, so you can choose solitude or head into town with ease. Key villages in this subdistrict:

Village Population Distance from Tarempa Main Features
Air Sena 850 32 km Stilt houses, fishing hub
Teluk Siantan 720 28 km Sheltered bay, coral beds
Tanjung Datuk 560 35 km White sand, hill views
Telaga Biru 490 40 km Lagoon, coconut groves
Pulau Temawan 380 42 km Marine Park Village

Siantan Selatan District Luxury Corner & Anambas Islands Subdistricts

Siantan Selatan District Luxury CornerSiantan Selatan, with about 2,700 residents, is the high-end slice of the islands. Quiet reefs and granite outcrops shape its coast.[11]

Bawah Reserve, a six-star eco retreat, put this corner on the map. You fly in by seaplane from Singapore to reach these private lagoons.[12]

Nearby granite isles and hidden coves host unspoiled beaches, perfect for exclusive eco-lodges.[13]

Developers here handle private access and on-site utilities, but Bawah’s success proves the effort pays off.[14]

Land deals may need national approvals, yet bold investors see top returns. Siantan Selatan remains the luxury pick in the Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide.[8]

Demographics & Island Population Subdistricts & Anambas Islands Overview

Demographics & Island PopulationAcross the islands, over 45,500 people live in towns and remote villages. Siantan is the busiest, while Siantan Selatan feels almost empty.

Most residents (88%) are Malay, with Bugis, Javanese, and Chinese communities. Fishing is the main trade, shaping life and tourism here.[15]

Young people form a third of the population, so the labour force is eager to learn skills, though senior figures make up only eight per cent.

Two-thirds hold a secondary diploma. English is common in hotels and shops. Visitors should respect local customs, especially during Ramadan, when island life slows.

Tarempa and larger towns draw migrants, and some locals go abroad to study, then return with fresh ideas to share.

Current & Future Infrastructure Subdistrict Attractions Anambas

Current & Future InfrastructureNew work on airports, roads, and ports is changing the islands. Investors focus on faster links and fresh facilities for rising tourism.[8]

Today, Matak and Letung handle ATR72 aircraft. Plans aim for larger planes and extra flights, easing access and lifting visitor numbers.

Boat travel remains vital: Tarempa’s deepwater port is adding berths for ferries, cargo ships, and private yachts. Letung and Palmatak see small upgrades too.[3]

Road networks vary: Siantan has 85 per cent sealed routes, but Jemaja has 60 per cent. In other areas, sandy tracks or boats remain the norm.

Power is nearly constant in town. Diesel sets run island side, while solar arrays in Jemaja add cleaner energy for resorts.

Rainfall tops 2,800mm each year, so wells and rain-collection tanks supply water. Future resorts plan their own systems.

Phone signal and fibre cable reach about 65 per cent of settlements, making it easier to work or share island photos online.[17]

Waste collection is patchy beyond Tarempa, but a new scheme aims for sorting and recycling by 2026, a key step for green tourism.[18]

Investment Opportunities in Sub-Districts & Anambas Islands

low risk private island investmentsInvestors are keen on the islands. Special economic zone status brings tax breaks, foreign ownership rules, and easier permits for resorts.[2]

Benefits include tax exemptions, fast approvals, duty-free imports of materials, and flexible ownership terms.

  • Major tax relief on large builds
  • Quicker permits and licences
  • Open to outside investors
  • No import duties on key goods
  • Faster asset write-offs

Land types vary: private, state, village, forest, or marine. Typical steps for investors:

Land Type How to Acquire Time Cost (USD/m²)
Private (Hak Milik) From an owner or agent 3–6 months $15–80
State lease (HGU) Lease from GOV 12–18 months $5–20 annual
Village (Tanah Adat) Community deal 6–12 months $10–40 + benefit share
Forest conversion Permit process 24–36 months $5–15 + fees
Marine rights Zone permit 6–12 months Annual fee

Funding often mixes owner equity and loans at a 50:50 or 60:40 split, with local and foreign partners on resort builds.[19] High-end rooms at $1,800+ per night show demand, but midrange stays are still open, drawing guests from Singapore, Malaysia and China.[20]

Training locals and sourcing supplies well are vital, especially in remote spots. Self-sufficient power and water set apart the best projects.[21]

Early comers enjoy lower land prices and first pick of the coast as amenities spread over the coming years, securing a lead in the growing tourism market.[22]

Key Takeaways from Sub Districts & Anambas Islands

  • Each subdistrict tells its own story: town life, luxury hideaways, cultural gatherings, or silent beaches. Use this Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide to choose your niche among hidden resort gems and top island spots.
  • Major upgrades to transport, energy, and internet are underway. The special economic zone makes investment simple, opening the islands wider than ever.[2]
  • Now is the time: build with respect for land, people, and reef. Mid-range stays, family resorts, and eco retreats are set to grow. Though a few subdistricts are famed, the best chapters lie ahead.
  • Discover the full Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide for escapes and investment. Contact us at [email protected] to see what lies under those turquoise waves.
  • Curious about private island deals and current listings? Visit Kepri Estates[2], view islands for sale[1], or join us on Instagram, X (Twitter) & YouTube for the latest on island life and resort ventures.[23]
  • See real visitor feedback at TripAdvisor, Anambas Islands[7].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many subdistricts make up the Anambas Islands?

The Anambas Islands comprise seven subdistricts that structure administration, infrastructure delivery, and resort development zoning across the archipelago. These subdistricts define how population, transport access, utilities, and tourism services are distributed, creating distinct investment profiles ranging from urban administrative hubs to remote coastal districts suitable for boutique or luxury resort projects.

Why is Palmatak District considered the main gateway for resort developers?

The Anambas Islands rely on Palmatak District as a logistics gateway because the area concentrates energy-sector infrastructure, air access through Matak Airport, and relatively advanced roads and services. This concentration reduces development friction, supports transport of materials and staff, and enables efficient staging for projects located on nearby undeveloped islands.

What makes Jemaja District suitable for cultural and eco-tourism resorts?

The Anambas Islands position Jemaja District as a cultural centre anchored by Letung, combining airport access with active fishing villages and preserved Malay heritage. This balance of transport connectivity and traditional lifestyle supports low-impact beachfront accommodation that integrates community participation, making the district attractive for eco-tourism developments that prioritise authenticity and local engagement.

Which subdistrict is best suited for luxury private-island resort development?

The Anambas Islands identify Siantan Selatan District as the primary luxury enclave because its sparse population, granite coastlines, and sheltered lagoons favour exclusive resort formats. This subdistrict supports private access solutions, over-water facilities, and controlled development footprints, enabling high-end projects that require isolation, privacy, and bespoke infrastructure beyond municipal networks.

How does special economic zone status affect investment in the Anambas subdistricts?

The Anambas Islands benefit from special economic zone designation that streamlines approvals, provides tax concessions, and enables flexible foreign investment structures within defined subdistricts. This regulatory framework reduces entry barriers for resort construction, accelerates licensing timelines, and aligns infrastructure expansion with private development objectives across emerging tourism corridors.

Anambas Islands Subdistricts Guide for Resort Investment: Further Research

  1. [1] Anambas Islands Guide & Practical Info
  2. [2] Kepri Estates Private Islands & Discover Luxury Islands for Sale
  3. [3] Anambas Islands Infrastructure
  4. [4] Anambas Islands Airports
  5. [5] Private Island Development & Services
  6. [6] Anambas Islands Culture & Festivals
  7. [7] TripAdvisor: Anambas Islands Natural Attractions
  8. [8] Infrastructure in the Anambas Islands
  9. [9] Destination Summary for Anambas Districts
  10. [10] High Value Add Potential in Anambas Islands
  11. [11] Bawah Reserve & Air Access
  12. [12] Bawah Reserve (Luxury in Anambas Islands)
  13. [13] Key Locations in the Anambas Islands
  14. [14] Villas & Resorts for Sale
  15. [15] Population Demographics
  16. [16] Anambas Islands Education & Community
  17. [17] Anambas Communication Infrastructure
  18. [18] Waste Management in Anambas
  19. [19] Investment & Private Island Support
  20. [20] Tourism Markets & Opportunities
  21. [21] Sustainable Development on Islands
  22. [22] Tourism Infrastructure Forecast
  23. [23] Kepri Estates YouTube Channel

To learn more about this amazing archipelago and the exceptional yields it offers for sustainable resort development, don’t miss the comprehensive Anambas Islands Guide – the ultimate guide for travellers and developers.

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