Where the Streets Have No Name

By Samira Sheth
What’s New, Dubai
April 2005

Page 4: Bintan Islands

… the “island experience” before purchasing. Many owners have developed their island into resorts that can be rented out, thus earning them a nice little income while maintaining a balance between the need for seclusion and the desire for company.

“Island living has held an appeal since novels like Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe were published,” says Hanno Soth, Chairman of Pt. Hanno Bali, the real estate developer behind the luxurious Bintan Islands, 30 minutes by helicopter from Singapore.

Dubbed the “Caribbean of the East,” the Bintan Islands are being developed as the perfect vacation escapes or private island hideaways - they are still close enough to civilization if one wants to step back into reality. The company also wants to develop islands in “James Bond” style, complete with high tech gadgetry and inclusive of such toys as a one-person helicopter, two person submarines, underwater jet bikes and private luxury yachts for charter. Pt. Hanno Bali also hopes to sell developed private islands in the future to the right buyer.

“Buying an island depends on your budget and what you want out of life. Developing an island is a serious commitment,” cautions Bali.
“Renting is easier as building the infrastructure necessary to enjoy a property can be a daunting task without the proper connections and understanding of the process. Developing infrastructure includes helicopter and yacht transfers. I have always admired Richard Branson’s approach to Necker Island in the Caribbean. Branson saw the island, decided it was so beautiful he should buy it. He developed it as a retreat for himself and his family. Now he also rents it to the rich and famous.”

While natural islands may be hard to come by, innovation has led to the creation of man-made ones to keep up with the demand. Dubai-based real estate developers Nakheel have responded to the island craze by creating The World, a collection of 300 man made islands strategically positioned to represent the face of the world map.

These exclusive properties will be offered only to select clientele, say Nakheel spokespersons. Buyers will be screened and only those who meet the necessary criteria as stipulated by Nakheel will have the chance to own their own island. They must possess the ability to purchase, develop and maintain an island as they cannot be resold. Owners must also share a passion for creating the extraordinary.

Once reclamation finishes by 2007, each owner will be able to commence development and mold his own island as he desires. Only reachable via boat or helicopter, the islands of The World will range between 120,000 sq feet to 450,000 sq feet in size and depending on the size and location of the islands, prices range in total from AED 40 million to AED 135 million.

There is a Gaelic saying, “Islands, like women, will always turn a man’s head.” Man-made or natural, ultra luxurious or super basic, whichever kind of island you buy, one thing is certain - you are guaranteed your own slice of sky and your own place in the sun.

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