Widi Reserve: These uninhabited Indonesian islands are up for auction

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(CNN) – A group of Indonesian islands known as the Widi Reserve is about to go up for auction in what could be one of the most eye-catching real estate sales ever to take place in Asia.

The 100-plus islands in eastern Indonesia’s “Coral Triangle” span over 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres), roughly the same size as Bora Bora.

Indonesian law states that non-Indonesians cannot officially purchase islands in the country. Widi Reserve overcomes this by having the eventual owner acquire an interest in the PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII), a holding company.

From there, the owner will be free to develop the island as they wish.

The Widi Reserve is located in the Coral Triangle of eastern Indonesia.

Courtesy Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

However, if they feel a little overwhelmed by the prospect, some experts — handpicked by LII — are already waiting in the wings to support the construction of a resort in the Widi Reserve. The lineup includes Bill Bensley, the star designer behind some of Asia’s most exclusive hotels and resorts.

Charlie Smith, executive vice president for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) at Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions, clearly expects the bidding for this archipelago to be significant.

“Any billionaire can own a private island, but only one can own this exclusive opportunity spread across over 100 islands,” he said in a press release.

The Widi Reserve includes numerous coral atolls like this one.

Courtesy Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

While the eventual buyer of Widi Reserve is not obligated to work with Bensley, the Thailand-based designer has already worked on several design concepts for a hypothetical island resort, and a Sotheby’s representative tells CNN that the architect is “an advocate of responsible development of the reserve”.

Regardless of what happens to the Widi Reserve, it contains some of Indonesia’s most beautiful scenery, including coral reefs, mangroves and about 150 kilometers (93 miles) of coastline.

The reserve is only accessible by private plane. Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour flight away.

The auction starts on December 8th and will run until December 14th. There is no reserve price, but bidders are required to put down a $100,000 deposit to prove they are serious.

Widi Reserve offers dramatic Indonesian landscapes.

Courtesy Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

Sales of private islands have boomed in recent years.

Already a popular option for ultra-wealthy individuals (Shakira and Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly own one), the desire for privacy and safe distancing made them an even more coveted asset during the pandemic.

However, some islands are extremely cheap.

As Stacy Fischer Rosenthal, president of high-end travel company Fischer Travel Enterprises, explained to CNN, it’s the cost of maintenance and infrastructure that makes owning an island really expensive.

Many islands have no existing structures, and some owners not only have to build houses, but install plumbing, electricity and other infrastructure if they want to live there.

Add to that transportation, the cost of flying food and staff in and out, and owning an island can get very expensive very quickly.

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