Top 10 Islands in Indonesia Under $1M: Affordable Paradise Awaits

Author – Kepri Estates   |   Reading Time – 25 minutes   |   Published –:– (SGT) –/–/2025

Why Belitung Is Rapidly Becoming Indonesia’s Hottest Rising Star for Affordable Island Investments

Belitung shot into the limelight after the “Laskar Pelangi” film cast a warm glow on its white sands and granite rocks.[5] Sitting just off Sumatra’s eastern edge, this island’s gentle pace, affordable beach plots, and tucked-away inlets offer a haven for photographers, holidaymakers, and anyone after a peaceful retreat.

Prices on Belitung still surprise—beaches for $70 to $150 a square metre. With a little know-how, you can put up your own slice of paradise a short drive from Tanjung Pandan or even closer to the lively Tanjung Kelayang, a spot flagged by the government as a priority for smaller investors.[6]

Getting here’s a breeze—flights from Jakarta and plenty of links to Singapore mean you’ll touch down quickly. Roads and airports aren’t flash, but they’re improving bit by bit: perfect if you don’t want long boat rides or feeling lost at sea.[7]

Most visitors now are Indonesian, while numbers from Malaysia and Singapore keep creeping up. For a closer look at this emerging spot, check our Instagram or follow on X. If you hop in early, Belitung offers heaps of promise for anyone with a nose for value—and serenity—before prices go through the roof.

What Makes Moyo Island an Exclusive Hidden Luxury for Smart Investors Under $1 Million

Sometimes, royalty slips away to Moyo (you might’ve read about it)—but it’s actually pocket-friendly, topping lists for buyers after a little prestige but none of the Bali crowds or heavy price tags. Inland, the bush runs thick, and the sweeps of golden sand lie silent.[8] Regular plots start at just $50–100 a square metre, while the best beachfront edges closer to $300. For something with a high-end air, it’s rare to come across a bargain like this.

There’s already proof the island can float a proper resort—Amanwana carved out a stylish nook that never feels overrun. The island is managed as a nature reserve, which keeps the place peaceful and lends itself well to eco lodges or low-impact, solar-powered homes.

If you lean eco or want to keep a place wild-ish while adding comfort, the locals at Moyo expect you to think smart: solar, rainwater tanks, and local partners. It’s a green-focused investment with a difference. Eco-dream, perhaps?[9]

Getting there means a short plane ride to Bima on Sumbawa, then a ferry, speedboat, or even a floatplane (and with those views, why rush?). If you’re curious, have a squiz at our YouTube stories.

Moyo’s waterfalls, bright stars, rare creatures, and chance for sustainable setups make it a top pick for buyers wanting a real, green-leaning original.

Why Is Maratua Island a Marine Paradise for Divers and Investors Alike?

If island time means windswept beaches, abundant fish, salt air, and almost no crowds, Maratua sits near the top—especially for shining water, colourful reefs, or anyone dying to own their own sandy patch for not much money.[10] It’s Indonesia’s answer to the Maldives, with a shoestring price point.

Beach plots drop to $40 a square metre, rarely more than $120, usually on the more protected west and south edges. If you’re up for a challenge, you’ll need to sort solar, harvest rain, and keep things pared back and clever—yet the sheer potential here is hard to pass up.[11]

Maratua still fizzes with unexpected moments—Jellyfish lakes, hammerheads offshore, massed turtles, and coral beds built for divers. Here’s a quick peek at the local highlights:

Dive Site	Key Features	Difficulty Level
Channel Point	Hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, lively currents	Advanced
Turtle Town	Loads of green and hawksbill turtles, easy reefs	Beginner
Big Fish Country	Pelagics, barracuda swirls, rare whale shark sightings	Intermediate
Jellyfish Lake	Gentle jellies, safe for a leisurely snorkel	All levels

While trips are by small plane or boat, the journey adds to the charm, really. There’s not much you can’t do here, unless you count disco or crowds. Maratua remains an open territory for anyone daring enough to create something different.[12]

Resorts here are few (for now). If you like the idea of an off-grid, relaxed hideaway ready for your own twist, Maratua’s got room to spare.

Is North Lombok the Next Bali for Affordable Private Island Opportunities?

If Bali feels fraught or jammed with tourists, North Lombok’s slower rhythms sit quietly in the wings—waiting. It’s a sharp choice for thrifty buyers, set beneath cloud-draped volcanoes, with new roads snaking along untouched coasts, and beach blocks that still go for $100–250 per square metre.[13]

Tanjung and Sire Beach look towards the Gili Islands and keep guest bookings ticking over all year. This is a spot for anyone wanting something more personal, authentic, and not overrun—equally suited to villa rental or more casual, off-grid resorts.

The airport can now be reached in two hours on a smooth, sealed road (about time), and island infrastructure is less of a headache these days.[14]

Sweeping views, bold Sasak customs, and black beaches mean it stands out for those wanting a true getaway—along with stable visitation and untapped potential for the clever buyer.

What Makes Wakatobi a Diver’s Sanctuary and Emerging Investment Hub?

Wakatobi sits on every marine lover’s bucket list—good news, it’s also affordable, with beach blocks selling for just $30 to $100 per square metre.[15] Here, biodiversity is wild, and the seasoned but simple infrastructure means you don’t have to “rough it” (unless you choose).

Head for Tomia or Wangi Wangi for practical investments and mid-range or eco-friendly stays. The sea is alive with more colours than you can shake a stick at.[16][17]

Wakatobi’s main joy is how easy it is to keep busy: world-class reefs, affordable stays, and reliable sunshine. It’s unusual to find private islands here so cheaply.[18]

Marine Feature	Why It’s Special
Coral Diversity	Over 400 types of corals—world-leading
Fish Species	Over 700 identified rainbow fish
Reef Structure	Walls, nice slopes, and pinnacles—close together
Visibility	Usually 20–30 metres, water’s often crystal clear
Protected Area	Marine Park keeps it protected for years to come

Divers, flower-chasers, fishers, and nature-minded folks keep coming—long sunny periods and strict local protections mean your investment feels a bit safer here, too.

Why Is the Bawah Reserve Region Attracting Eco-Luxury Developers?

The glitzy Bawah Reserve often steals headlines, but the broader Anambas region, hiding next door, slips under the radar, studded with private islands (5–15 hectares) for much less than you’d think—try $500–950K for a whole island.[19]

Sitting surprisingly close to Singapore, Anambas is ideal for buyers in need of regular escape or thinking small-scale eco stays. There’s only so much available, and once it’s gone, well, you’ll be kicking yourself.[20]

Bawah’s unhurried pace and crackling reefs remain a strong lure, made easier with new eco-minded rules, which favour overseas buyers keen to try “barefoot luxury” or pocket-friendly resort plans.

If you fancy outsmarting the crowd, look at “soft luxury” options—off-grid, light-footprint, solar-powered cabins or weekenders for those from Singapore.

To peep behind the curtain of these secret Indonesian island havens, the Kepri Estates guides ought to be your first port of call.

How Does Sumba Combine Cultural Authenticity with Modern Investment Appeal?

Sumba remains the laid-back answer to Bali’s glitzy throng—uncrowded, rough at the edges, breathtaking. People after colour, folklore, or a real local connection all seem to wind up here—even a few surfers, mystics, and eco buffs.[21]

Eastern parts often have the best deals, $50–200/sqm, sometimes much less (especially once you wander inland or away from the hot spots).

Nihi Sumba’s splashy eco lodge proved the island has legs for unique, personal investments—now it’s time for smaller, more original stays.[22] Sumba’s got the makings of true, hard-to-find Indonesian holidays, with a generous dose of luxury if you want it.

Tradition is living and breathing on Sumba: stone villages, wild horse ceremonies, wildlife—unlike anywhere else. Flights connect to Bali daily, too, so straying here takes hardly any planning at all.

Still, logistics can bite, with patchy roads or power, so work closely with locals and think ahead (otherwise, you’ll wonder why you did it). Check our Instagram for new stories, projects, and actual buyer tales.[23]

Why Are the Anambas Islands Perfect for Investors Near Singapore?

Close to Singapore, Anambas is the secret ace up Indonesia’s sleeve—a pocket-sized club of islands for those needing sun, surf, and blissful peace (all on a practical budget).[24] Think palm trees, soft beaches, ancient granite, and little to fuss over except what to eat at lunch.

Small islets, often 3–10 hectares, run between $400K–900K all-in. Demand for quiet weekend escapes from Singapore or playful eco resorts means this area’s set to be rediscovered soon.[25]

Snorkelling here can give you 30+ meters of clarity—your mask will fog before murk touches the lens. Here’s how to arrive from elsewhere:

Route	Frequency	How Long	Notes
Ferry from Bintan/Batam	3 per week	7–8 hours	Best on a shoestring
Flights from Jakarta to Batam	Twice a week	2 hours	Connection to Letung reqd
Flights from Batam to Letung	3 times a week	1.15 hours	Flight dates due fluctuate
Yacht/private vessel	As you wish	10–15 hours	Pleasure for the boat crowd

As anywhere in the archipelago, you’ll want tricky water, power, and rubbish sorted before anything else. The clever ones win by pitching both to Singapore expats and intrepid global holidaymakers. If in doubt, peek at our listings and the Instagram stories—fresh deals often appear out of the blue.

What Makes the Togean Islands a Top Pick for Off-Grid Beach Investment?

Togean isn’t for the impatient—it’s for the nature-minded, the quiet type, or the ones who enjoy a little hardship now and then. Plots are often just $20–80 a square meter, and full islets change hands for $300K–$700K. Not bad, considering the magic on offer.

It takes a combo of flights and boats to reach the main islands—the hurdles are part of the charm. Togean is made for people eager to settle for a week or more, never in a rush, and fond of the laid-back life.

• Fly into Gorontalo, then a long boat ride (about 6–8 hours)
• Fly Luwuk way, then catch a shorter boat (4–5 hours)
• Few private charters float in now—likely more soon

Rain falls often (good for water), most eco stays use solar or backup battery, and leave as few marks as possible. If you’re out for a bargain eco retreat, you might struggle for a better spot.[29]

How Is Bangka Island Emerging as Indonesia’s Next Coastal Investment Frontier?

Bangka has quietly dodged the hype until now—more famous for mining than sunbathing—but underneath, there’s beach after empty beach, surprisingly well wired for visitors. Beach blocks here run from $40–120 per square metre, mind you—that’s often barely a tenth of what Bali asks.

Tanjung Pesona and Matras Beach are top picks for easy escapes, and buyers love the painless infrastructure that leaves most other islands in the dust.

• Crisp, clean water and solid power
• Direct flights breeze in from Jakarta
• Decent roads and supply links
• Permits are nowhere near as headache-inducing as elsewhere
• Visitor numbers are nudging up, but nothing like the south

Bangka’s story is shifting—those with an eye for beach plots (not mining) find bargains easily, so long as you keep an eye on environmental checks and go for places with a good future. You might even snap up the right spot, despite the odd typo in the paperwork.

Bangka’s position and handy access put it in the sights of buyers scoping for new opportunities—not long from now, demand may rocket and prices might jump.

Key Takeaways: Top Indonesian Islands Under $1M for Your Next Affordable Retreat

These 10 often overlooked islands in Indonesia all slip in under that $1M budget—each one a secret haven, a place open for new ideas, or just a perfect escape. You don’t need buckets of cash to find somewhere extraordinary, with real, raw beauty and potential for a laid-back life.[23]

Pick your winner by thinking green (eco-wise), getting mates with the local crew, and dreaming up a spot that feels as good as it looks. Working with locals is a must as rules change, and, to be honest, you’ll hardly regret it.[29] Usually, those islands closest to Java, Singapore, or Bali are first to climb in value among affordable sea escapes.

Don’t dally on these out-of-the-way island escapes—latest updates on the top 10 Indonesian islands under $1M land on our Instagram, YouTube, and X. That dream Indonesian retreat of yours? It could be just an email away (spelling mistakes and all).

Message Kepri Estates to kick off your search for a genuine Indonesian island retreat under $1M—we’d love to point you in the right direction before everyone else catches wind of it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best affordable private islands in Indonesia under $1 million?

Some of the best affordable private islands include Belitung, Moyo Island, Maratua, North Lombok, and the Anambas Islands. These destinations offer pristine beaches, eco-investment potential, and strong tourism appeal at budget-friendly prices.

2. Is it possible for foreigners to buy private islands in Indonesia?

Yes, foreigners can invest in Indonesian islands through long-term lease agreements and local partnerships. Many investors choose locations like Belitung or Lombok for their clear legal frameworks and improved infrastructure.

3. Which Indonesian islands are ideal for eco-luxury development?

Moyo Island, Wakatobi, Togean Islands, and the Anambas region are prime spots for eco-luxury resorts. These areas feature natural beauty, coral reefs, and sustainable investment opportunities for eco-conscious buyers.

4. Why are Indonesian islands under $1M attracting investors?

Islands under $1M offer affordable entry into the tropical real estate market, rising tourism demand, and high growth potential. Locations like Maratua and Anambas combine natural charm with strong investment appeal.

5. How do I choose the right Indonesian island to invest in?

Consider location, infrastructure, accessibility, and tourism trends. Islands close to hubs like Bali or Singapore—such as North Lombok and Anambas—are ideal for first-time investors seeking growth and value.

Top 10 Islands in Indonesia Under $1M: Further Research

[1] Island purchase opportunities at Kepri Estates
[2] Exquisite Hotel Consultants blog on Asian hotel investments
[3] Hidden gem holiday resorts for sale in Indonesia
[4] Kepri Estates private island services
[5] Affordable Belitung
[6] – Kepri Estates
[7] – Kepri Estates Blog
[8] – Islands for Sale
[9] Moyo Island hidden Luxury
[10] – Hidden Gem Holiday Resorts for Sale
[11] – Private Island Service
[12] – Kepri Estates
[13] – Hidden Gem Holiday Resorts
[14] – Kepri Estates Home
[15] – Hotel Blogs
[16] – Kepri Estates YouTube Channel
[17] – Hidden Gems
[18] – Islands for Sale
[19] – Islands
[20] paradise Islands
[21]Kepri Estates
[22] Hotel Blog
[23] Islands for sale
[24] About Kepri Estates
[25] Anambas Beach
[26] Buying Guide
[27]Dream paradise
[28]Islands under $1M
[29] Bespoke Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best islands in Indonesia under $1M for private island buyers?

Top 10 Islands in Indonesia Under $1 Million typically include regions like Belitung, Moyo Island, Maratua, North Lombok, Wakatobi, the wider Anambas area near the Bawah Reserve region, Sumba, the Anambas Islands, the Togean Islands, and Bangka. These locations stand out for affordability, natural beauty, and early-stage upside in tourism and eco-development.

Can foreigners buy islands in Indonesia under $1M and what structure is usually used?

Foreign buyers can invest in islands in Indonesia under $1M through compliant legal structures such as long-term leasehold arrangements and locally structured ownership models, often supported by professional advisors. While outright freehold ownership is restricted, long-duration rights and correct structuring can still support development and resale strategies.

Which Indonesian islands under $1M are best for eco-luxury resort development?

Top 10 Islands in Indonesia Under $1 Million include several eco-luxury candidates such as Moyo Island, Wakatobi, Maratua, the Anambas Islands near the Bawah Reserve region, and the Togean Islands. These areas offer coral reefs, biodiversity, and off-grid viability, which suit low-impact villas, solar-powered cabins, and eco-resort concepts.

What hidden costs should buyers expect when purchasing an Indonesian island under $1M?

Islands in Indonesia under $1M often require additional capital for access, utilities, and compliance. Buyers typically budget for solar and battery systems, rainwater capture or desalination, waste treatment, staff housing if operating commercially, transport logistics, and professional due diligence on zoning and licensing.

How do I choose the right Indonesian island under $1M based on access and investment upside?

Choosing among the Top 10 Islands in Indonesia Under $1 Million depends on proximity to flight hubs, infrastructure readiness, tourism momentum, and development permissions. Islands nearer to major gateways, such as North Lombok and the Anambas Islands near Singapore routes, may offer stronger near-term occupancy potential, while more remote options like Togean or Maratua can deliver outsized uplift if you can manage logistics and off-grid systems well.

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.