Lombok or Bali: where to invest in 2026?
In 2026, Lombok offers what Bali no longer can: beachfront land that is still available, affordable entry prices and a fast-growing market. Bali remains Indonesia’s busiest destination, but its high prices and tightening rules squeeze the margin for a new investor. Lombok, less than an hour away by plane, is now drawing investors who want to get in early on a rising market.
The figures side by side
| Bali | Lombok | |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitors (2025) | 6.95 million | 1.2 million |
| Minimum price of a house under Hak Pakai | IDR 5 billion | IDR 3 billion |
| Small off-plan villa projects | — | USD 150,000 to 350,000 (Kuta, Selong Belanak) |
| Short-term rental occupancy, South Lombok | — | 61% (Sept 2025 – Sept 2026) |
| Land value growth, South Lombok | — | +50% to +200% depending on the area |
Why Lombok is the bet for 2026
- Entry prices that are still affordable: small off-plan villa projects sell for USD 150,000 to 350,000 in Kuta and Selong Belanak. The legal threshold to buy a house under Hak Pakai is IDR 3 billion, against IDR 5 billion in Bali.
- Fast-rising visitor numbers: Lombok went from 1.6 million visitors in 2014 to over 3.6 million in 2024, and welcomed 1.2 million foreign visitors in 2025. The airport handled almost 2.5 million passengers in 2025, up 5%.
- Land that is gaining value: according to Horwath HTL, land values in South Lombok have risen by 50% to 200% depending on the area, driven by foreign demand.
- Rental demand already in place: in the south of the island, a short-term rental is occupied 61% of the year on average, at USD 109 per night (AirDNA). We break these figures down in our article on holiday rentals.
- A tourism hub in the making: the Mandalika Special Economic Zone and its MotoGP circuit, which hosts the Indonesian Grand Prix on 9–11 October 2026, give South Lombok international visibility.
Bali: a mature but saturated market
Bali welcomed almost 7 million foreign visitors in 2025, up nearly 10%. Demand runs deep, but the island is already heavily built up: prices are high and competition between villas is fierce.
The rules are tightening too. In September 2025, after deadly floods, the governor announced plans to ban the construction of villas and hotels on productive farmland.
What to know before investing in Lombok
Lombok’s market is younger than Bali’s: there are fewer transactions, and a resale can take longer. That is why choosing the right location and checking the title are decisive.
Who is it for?
Lombok suits investors with a horizon of several years who want to combine rental income and capital growth, with an affordable entry ticket and a beachfront location that is still available. Bali remains an option if you prefer an established market and are prepared to pay for it.
Can’t decide between the two? Speak to an advisor on WhatsApp: we’ll show you the current opportunities in South Lombok.
Sources
- BPS Bali — Bali’s foreign arrivals Jan–Dec 2025
- Horwath HTL / C9 Hotelworks — Lombok Hotel & Branded Residences Report, April 2025
- AirDNA — Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, short-term rental overview
- BCA Sekuritas — Penumpang Bandara Lombok capai 2,49 juta pada 2025
- Indonesia.travel — MotoGP Mandalika 2026
- The Jakarta Post — Bali to issue regulation banning villa and hotel construction on agricultural land
- Hukumonline — WNA bisa beli rumah hunian dengan harga minimal berikut ini
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