100 Indonesian islands near Bali are up for auction at Sotheby’s: inside the uninhabited Widi Reserve archipelago, which is set to become an luxury eco resort – but you’ll need US$100,000 just to bid

Nov 30 , 2022

The ecologically significant Widi Reserve near Bali is set to be auctioned off on December 8. Photo: Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

The Widi Reserve is an uninhabited collection of 100 islands near Bali that could get turned into a luxury eco resort by the lucky buyer, as bidding starts on December 8

One of the most ‘ecologically significant places left on Earth’, it’s home to rare species, from blue whales to giant squid, and colonies of parrots and falcons

The Widi Reserve, a nature reserve and archipelago of more than 100 islands in Indonesia, is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s. The reserve is uninhabited and is known for its white sandy beaches, rainforests and marine life. Included in the sale are development plans to transform the reserve into a luxury resort.

The Widi Reserve, northeast of Bali, comprises more than 100 islands. Photo: Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

According to the online listing, bidding for the islands begins on December 8. And while it doesn’t state an expected starting price, those interested are required to submit a US$100,000 deposit just to bid, according to the listing.

Totally uninhabited

The Widi Reserve is likely to be home to several luxury eco resorts in future. Photo: Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

The reserve is uninhabited with no permanent local population, although it is visited occasionally by two small communities from the mainland villages and travelling fisherman, a spokesperson for Sotheby’s has said.

The future buyer will be able to access the reserve via a private airstrip that is included in development plans, according to the listing. The reserve is around a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Bali, an almost four-hour flight from Singapore, and a four-hour and 30-minute flight from Hong Kong, according to the listing.

Home to hundreds of rare and endangered species

The Widi Reserve is located in the Coral Triangle that’s known for its spectacular coral and marine life. Photo: Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions

The reserve is located in the Coral Triangle, a marine area in the western Pacific Ocean that’s known for its coral and marine life. The area has 600 different species of reef-building corals alone, according to the WWF, the world’s leading conservation organisation.

The Widi Reserve could be considered “one of the most biodiverse and ecologically significant places left on Earth,” due to the hundreds of rare and endangered species that inhabit it, including blue whales, whale sharks, leatherback turtles and giant squid, a Sotheby’s spokesperson has said.

Meanwhile, the reserve’s rainforests have colonies of parrots, kingfishers and falcons, the spokesperson added, as well as rare plants which have never before been officially documented.

Development rights for a luxury resort

A private seaside on the Widi Reserve. Photo: Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions