Discovering Sumba: A Worthy Rival to Bali?

Indonesia continues to expand its tourism horizons—and one destination is gaining notable attention: Sumba, often dubbed the “new Bali.” With its raw beauty, unspoiled beaches, and emerging luxury hideaways, the island has sparked global curiosity and growing media coverage.

So how does Sumba really stack up against Bali, a well-established giant in Southeast Asia’s tourism and investment landscape? Is it worth shifting your sights from a proven performer to a rising contender? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison that uncovers the strengths and opportunities of each.

1. Accessibility: Bali’s Structural Advantage

Flight Connections

Bali is directly connected to over 35 international destinations, with frequent flights from Singapore, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Tokyo, Sydney, and more.
Sumba, on the other hand, can only be reached via domestic flights from Bali or Jakarta (to Tambolaka or Waingapu airports), with only 1–2 flights daily.

Verdict: In terms of accessibility, Bali is miles ahead. For premium tourists and digital nomads, seamless travel is non-negotiable.

2. Infrastructure: Comfort vs. Emerging Potential

Bali boasts reliable infrastructure:

• High-speed internet in key zones (fiber and 5G in Canggu)
• International schools, modern hospitals
• Concierge services, private security, cleaning and maintenance teams

Sumba, meanwhile, is under-equipped. While main roads are decent, electricity, water supply, and mobile networks remain inconsistent outside resort areas.

Verdict: Modern travelers are better served in Bali.

3. Real Estate Market: Attraction vs. Immediate Profitability

Bali: A Mature Yet Profitable Market

• High short-term rental demand (Airbnb, Booking)
• Net yields around 8–12% per year, depending on management and location
• Easier resale thanks to strong expatriate and investor demand

Sumba: Exotic Appeal… With Risk

• Lower property prices (30 to 70% cheaper than Bali)
• But… a non-liquid market, few comps, higher legal uncertainty
• Rental profitability hard to estimate due to low volume

Verdict: Sumba is enticing but speculative. Bali remains the pragmatic choice.

4. Property Management: Professional vs. DIY

In Bali, trusted players like Gravity Bali offer:

• High-end rental management
• International digital marketing
• Multilingual guest relations

In Sumba, professional management is almost non-existent. Owners are left to handle everything themselves or rely on untrained local teams.

🔗 Read also: Why Entrust the Rental Management of Your Villa to Gravity Bali?

Verdict: For non-resident investors, Bali provides structure and reliability.

5. Tourism: Volume, Visitor Profiles & ROI

Bali: A Strong Tourism Base

• Over 5.5 million international visitors per year (pre-Covid), with a 75% recovery in 2024
• Diverse tourism: backpackers, families, luxury, wellness, digital nomads
• High seasons during Christmas, summer, and Balinese festivals

Sumba: A Niche Destination

• Fewer than 150,000 tourists annually
• Mostly luxury resort guests (e.g., Nihi Sumba)
• No mass tourism (an advantage, but also a commercial limit)

Verdict: Sumba has charm, but Bali delivers steady, high-volume demand.

6. Sustainability: Ethical Image vs. Operational Reality

Sumba: The Eco-Narrative

• Brand story built around pristine nature, Marapu culture, and wild horses
• Potential for eco-friendly developments

But there’s a catch: little structure, no short supply chains, and few professional service providers.

Bali: Depth and Execution

• Numerous green projects (self-sufficient villas, sustainable materials, permaculture)
• Growing guest demand for eco-credentials

Read also: Eco-Friendly Villas in Bali: Fad or Long-Term Investment?

Verdict: Sumba sells the dream, Bali makes it real.

7. Legal & Land Risks: Sumba Still the Wild West

In Bali:

• Leasehold system (25–30-year leases) is well-structured
• Specialized notaries, agents, and lawyers are available
• Zoning maps are reliable and up to date

In Sumba:

• Ambiguous protected zones, unresolved land conflicts
• Limited documentation, higher risk of local disputes
• Foreign land ownership rules largely untested

Read also: How to Avoid Real Estate Scams in Bali

Verdict: Sumba remains a legal gamble. Bali inspires trust.

8. Timing: Invest Now, But Where?

• Sumba might become “the new Bali” in 15–20 years—if the government invests massively.
• Bali is already mature, profitable, and growing fast (2025–2030) in high-end tourism, digital services, and wellness.

🔗 Read also: Bali 2025: Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Luxury Real Estate

9. Conclusion: Dream vs. Stability