Belitung Island in Indonesia: everything you need to know about a holiday

Belitung is an Indonesian island in the Malay Archipelago, between the South China Sea and the Java Sea. Although it is not as popular as, for example, Bali, it is known for some of the country's best beaches with powdery white sand. It is a place of remarkable cultural diversity, where a community of Balinese settlers preserves its traditions. All around is an amazing underwater world and white-sand beaches. The main island is surrounded by a hundred small islands, many of which are uninhabited. The beauty and authenticity of Belitung deserve special attention!

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Infrastructure of Belitung

Belitung is developing gradually, and this corner of the planet has not yet fully absorbed the spirit of civilisation. There are two major settlements, one on each side of the island:

• Tanjung Pandan is a town with sufficient infrastructure, including a museum, port and commercial beach.
• Manggar is a town on the eastern side of the island, known for its coffee shops and untouched beaches.
• Among the smaller towns, Gantung in the east is of interest. The film Laskar Pelangi was shot there.

Rizal H.

Beaches of Belitung

• Tanjung Tinggi is the most famous beach in Belitung, impressing visitors with its combination of white sand and majestic granite rocks of many different sizes and shapes.
• Tanjung Kelayang (northwestern coast. The shore is decorated with rocks. The eastern side serves as a harbour for fishing boats offering tours to nearby islands.
• Tanjung Binga (western coast): unlike the other beaches, Binga cannot boast white sand. However, it has a lively marina for yachts and fishing boats and serves as a starting point for sea excursions to the northwestern islands.
• Burung Mandi is an ideal place for a peaceful holiday. The main attraction near the beach is the largest Buddhist temple on the island.

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Travelling around the islands of Belitung

• Lengkuas Island. The main attraction of Lengkuas is its working lighthouse. Picturesque rocks and a rich underwater world await you here. Large fish can be caught in the waters around the island, making it very attractive to anglers.
• Kepayang Island. A true treasure for diving enthusiasts. This island is located directly within a marine reserve. Young turtles are raised here until they are released into the ocean, and damaged coral gardens are also restored.
• Burung Island is known for unique rock formations shaped like birds. The scenery is not especially picturesque, but the calm water is ideal for swimming.
• Pulau Pasir. This unique place is accessible at low tide. A boat can take you directly to this sandbank, where you can see starfish before the tide hides them under the water again.

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Things to do in Belitung

• Glamping at Billiton Eco-Beach. This is not simply camping, but a glamorous outdoor holiday with comfort. Romantic dinners and barbecues can be arranged.
• Trekking to the top of Batu Baginda. The climb takes less than 30 minutes. The route is fairly easy even for beginner hikers. The breathtaking views from the top are worth the effort.
• Visit Indonesia's "Pamukkale", Danau Kaolin, a former mining area known for its beautiful blue lake. This place is striking in its beauty. Kaolin was known as the world's second-largest tin producer after China. The site has now turned into a picturesque sky-blue lake.
• Gurok Beraye Waterfall. The route requires caution because of the deep ravines. However, the experience is worth it: you can swim in the wide lake at the foot of the waterfall and enjoy magical views.
• Tanjung Pandan. Its centre is steeped in history. Many buildings have retained their Dutch colonial appearance. The pier and fish market are lively and colourful places where you can see traditional Bugis fishing vessels and other boats.
• Batu Malang Penyu. Between Lengkuas and Kepayang islands is a unique diving and snorkelling site, Batu Malang Penyu. Bright corals and numerous fish will impress you with their splendour. A dive to a sunken vessel adds a sense of adventure. It is one of only two places in the world, the other being in the Seychelles, where you can dive among granite rocks.

Billiton Ekobeach Retreat

How to get to Belitung

By plane.

The island's only airport, H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport (TJQ), is located in Buluh Tumbang. Flights from Jakarta depart from Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The flight takes 45 minutes. Wings Air and Sriwijaya Air also provide connections with the neighbouring island of Bangka through Pangkalpinang Airport, operating two flights daily. To travel from Singapore, visitors first fly to Jakarta and then take a domestic flight to Belitung.

By sea.

• Travelling by sea is cheaper but slower. From Jakarta, the PELNI passenger ship departs from Tanjung Priok port. The journey takes about 24 hours. Services to Belitung operate only once every two weeks.
• From Pangkalpinang on Bangka Island, the more convenient sea option is the Bahari Express fast boat. It operates daily between Pangkalpinang and Tanjung Pandan in Belitung. The journey takes 4 hours, and the boats are air-conditioned. Schedule: departure from Pangkalpinang at 14:00 and from Tanjung Pandan at 7:00.
  
  

Transport in Belitung

Belitung is quite small, only one fifth the size of Bali. Any point on the island can be reached from Tanjung Pandan in less than two hours. Public transport is difficult to find on the island. The only practical ways to get around are by taxi, rental car or motorbike. The last option is 3-4 times cheaper.

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Practical information

• It is best to visit the island during the dry season.
• Accommodation. The island offers different options for every budget. You can find simple but comfortable cottages, wooden bungalows or beach houses. There are also suites with pools and restaurants.
• Choose your accommodation carefully, especially when travelling alone. Consider its distance from other attractions and the level of safety at night.
• There are not many ATMs belonging to foreign banks on the island. It is best to use BCA, BRI or Bank Sumsel Babel ATMs/
• Currency exchange is difficult on the island. It is better to exchange money in Jakarta in advance.
• English is spoken only in hotels and tourist areas.
• Always apply sunscreen, even when you are not sunbathing, because the UV index on the beaches is high.
• As a souvenir, consider items made from tektite, known locally as Batu Satam. It is a smooth-surfaced stone formed as a result of asteroid impacts. It is most often used in jewellery.

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