Wonderful Belitung Island (Indonesia)

Looking for an island getaway? Undiscovered Indonesia today! Why not choose to immerse yourself in the beauty of Belitung, also known as “the Maldives of Indonesia”.

With more than 15 million arrivals expected in Year 2019, Indonesia believes the need to spread tourism beyond Bali has become even more crucial now. Beside Bali, there are a lot of undiscovered places and the Indonesia officials are looking to promote 10 “New Bali” destinations. Due to her sheer beauty of the crystal clear water surrounding the island, Tanjung Kelayang also known as Belitung make it to one of the top 10 new destinations. It is not difficult to figure it out why it has been highly rated among visitors who has been before, a hidden paradise located in the mid-west of the Indonesian archipelago.

The other 10 “New Bali” destination the ministry hopes to nurture as “New Bali” are Lake Toba (refer link here) , Tanjung Lesung (Banten), Kepulauan Seribu (Jakarta), Borobudur , Mount Bromo (refer link here), Mandalika (Lombok), Komodo National Park, Morotai and Wakatobi National Park.

Introduction to Belitung Island 

Belitung is formerly known as Billiton, a name that deprived from Australian mining giant BHP Billiton which is related to her past history of being a mining island. In the world out there, there are places of beauty and then there are places of magic. Belitung has both elements in it. A place so enchanting, it takes hold of you as soon as you land. Featuring white sandy beaches and views like no other in the region, this is THE PLACE to relax and cleanse both your mind and soul.

Located in the Bangka-Belitung islands province of Indonesia,  it lies from east of Sumatra to northeast of South Sumatra province.  Bangka and Belitung are 2 different big islands that are relatively far apart from one another. Do not get confused if you are see promotion or travel guide promoting Bangka-Belitung province. The population on Belitung island is around 300,000 with agriculture being the main economic activity followed by fishing. An interesting fact: Do you know Belitung produce one of the best pepper in Indonesia? Thinking of what to get a gift for your loved ones back home, how about a bottle of pepper?

In this post, we will cover on the things to do in Belitung island. During my stay in Belitung Island, I noticed most of the visitors to the islands are domestic tourists (Indonesians) and very few foreigners are spotted. It often gets more crowded over weekend (Friday-Sunday) due to the influx of Indonesians from other cities. Looks like the Indonesians wanted to keep a secret that an island as beautiful as Maldives does exist.

Getting There 

There is a small airport named Hanandjoeddin Airport (Airport Code: HAS) located near Tanjung Pandan. It is a small airport served mainly by domestic flights, mostly from Jakarta. Airlines that fly into Tanjung Pandan includes Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, NAM Air and Sriwijaya Air. At present moment (Dec 2019), the only international route that flies into the island is AirAsia, which fly four times weekly services from Kuala Lumpur to Belitung. If you are departing from Singapore, the current best way is to fly from Singapore to Jakarta, transit in the capital between two to four hours and before you knew it, you will be on your way from Jakarta to beautiful Belitung Island (40 minutes plane ride).

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (April – October) is an ideal period to visit with more sunny days thou it can be very windy, resulting in choppy waters. The rainy season (November – March) experience heavy showers in the late afternoon. I was there in end November and true enough it rains in the afternoon around 2pm onward. The chances of rain in the morning is low which mean one can still head out and enjoy island hopping together with the beaches in the early part of the day. The peak season are major public holidays in Indonesia which include New Year Eve and the school holidays in Indonesia in July & August.

6  Must do Activities Within Three Days 

If you have only the weekend to spare, around 3 days like the one I managed to squeeze the time out from our hectic schedule, then Belitung island is the answer to your escape. The below are suggested activities that one can accomplish within a weekend visit.

#1: Island Hopping 

Let’s start with the number 1 activity, a must do when you are on this paradise island-*drum rolls* Island Hopping! The island hopping tour usually takes 6 to 8 hours, depending on how long one would want to swim/snorkel in the ever inviting water. Usually, it will comprises a visit to five islands/spots. The island hopping boats will start from Tanjung Kelayang Beach.

Lengkuas Island: On approach to Pulau Lengkuas island, the early- morning sun bathed the shore and lighthouse in gold. The lighthouse situated on this island is the icon of Belitung. An old lighthouse built by the Dutch Colonial Government till this date is active, being manned at night by at least 2 person. According to the guide, the night keepers often witnessed turtles laying eggs on the island.

There are turtle sanctuary as well to protect these creatures. We managed to release baby turtles into the sea, let’s pray that they are able to survive in the big world out there and return back to the island to continue breeding. Turtle come onto the shores of Belitung island to lay eggs usually in October/November period. Tourist is always more than welcome to contribute a small fee of 30,000 rupiah (SGD$3) towards turtle conservation.

Batu Garuda Island: Locals call it Garuda island, which resembles Indonesia’s legendary bird and national emblem.

Kepayang Island: Located at the North of Belitung Island, it will take 20 minutes boat ride before one can set foot on these rocks. An exotic tourist spot which is often photographed by many when they do island hopping. Nearby these islands, one can snorkel and discover the wonders of sea, truly wonderful Indonesia! Tip: Bring some bread (may take it from your hotel breakfast) and put into a bottle. Squeeze the water bottle when you are in swimming under the water and be prepared to be “attack” by this beautiful fishes.

Batu Berlayar Island: The boulders on Pulau Batu Berlayar are said to resemble stone eagle and sail. Appreciate the sheer size of these massive granite rocks , hence giving its nickname as “The Giants of Belitung”. Best time is to visit during low tide to enjoy the soft white sand, clear water and witness starfish on this island, creating an unforgettable experience.

Pasir Island: The island of Pulay Pasir is technically not an island, but a sandbar which will disappear during high tide. Dotted by giant starfishes, this is one of the spot that you should not miss out too!

By the way, if you are looking to catch sunrise, it will be around 5.30am, while the sun call it a day around 5.30pm. Oh, did I also mention that during the trip, we were lucky to catch dolphins swimming around our boat.

 The boats that bring tourist out to these islands are managed by local boatmen. Boats were originally used for fishing and some of them have since been converted into one that is able to comfortably accommodate visitors for island hopping. A general guideline of the boat packages for a full day island hopping tours:

If there are a total of 10 pax , rate start from 100,000 rupiah (approx. Singapore Dollars SGD$10) per pax. This include 20,000 rupiah (SGD$2), an entry fee for one of the island admission. Usually, this will include free flow of coffee and a lunch. 

#2: Kaolin Lake 

When I first set foot on the edge of Kaolin Lake, I thought I was back in the ever famous Pamukkale (literally means “cotton castle”) in Turkey. First of all, this is not a lake. In fact, this is a witness to the many mine which can be found all over the island. Belitung island was first discovered by the Dutch to have abundance of raw materials. Ever since, a large part of the island population main activity was involved in mining in the past. Do you know this had also lead to an influx of Chinese immigrants from China who had came onto this island in search of mining jobs and have since make the island their home for generations thereafter.

Located in Air Raya Village, it becomes a ‘lake’ that attracts tourists. Kaolin lake is famous for its crystal blue water and rising white mounds. Needless to say, this place is Instagramable and is near to the airport, with it being only less than 10 minutes away from the center of Tanjung Pandan.

#3: Kong Djie Coffee Shop 

Established since Year 1943, this is the original shop location where the famous Kong Djie coffee was first founded. It has since become the top selling coffee across the whole of Indonesia and has seen several outlets opened in major cities. One can view how the coffee is being brewed and sample local snacks.

#4: Geopark Museum 

Located just 3 minutes drive from Kong Djie coffee shop, there lies the Belitung Geopark museum. Newly opened in August 2019, here one can discover the wonders of this amazing island. There are only 6 UNSECO Geopark in South East Asia and right here in Belitung, they have submitted the application to be considered as one. Do you also know Belitung is the only place in Indonesia that one can find Tektite, which are stones generated from Meteors that hit the Earth.

#5: Bukit Peramun 

Bukit Peramun is one of the perfect place to witness sunset over Belitung water. Immerse yourself in a medicine discovery tour as one walk through the rain-forest (20 minutes hike) and be dazzled by 140 plant species , of which 60% found in this area are believed to be able to cure different types of illness. Standing at approximately 129 meters above sea level on the top of granite rocks, the guide told us to walk barefoot on these rocks to enjoy free foot therapy that stimulate our blood flow circulation. True enough, the next day, my leg felt much lighter. 

The best has yet to come when the sun set. One would be able to witness Tarsier, small leaping primates found only on various islands of Southeast Asia. This reminds me of the time back in Bohol, Philippines when the locals there told me only in Bohol, one could find Tarsier. Guess I was being “conned” all these years, as a hidden treasure is undiscovered on Belitung Island, with us waiting in the dark while rangers goes about hunting for wild Tarsier. Do note there is no guarantee that one can see Tarsier, it all depends if you had pray the day before! However, if you do manage to see Tarsier, the local villagers will then collect 100,000 rupiah (SGD$10) per pax.

This is a tad much better as the one in Philippines are kept in a cage while these in Belitung are wild which increase excitement level as we witnessed first hand of how these creatures goes about hunting for food in the dark. Do note that if you are looking to arrange for such activity, please make prior arrangements. I would strongly encourage one to book through local travel agents as such tours are conducted by a group of villagers. They conduct such activity for only 3 times a week, restricted on group size.  Oh, did I also mentioned that while waiting for Tariser to be spotted by rangers, one can stare up the sky and do stargazing.

#6: Massage

Yes, you are right! What is the best relaxation activity one can find on this island? You are on a holiday/ retreat and massage definitely comes into your itinerary. If you think a 60 minutes massage in Bali or Batam (usual price at Singapore Dollars SGD$18) is reasonable, then you will be in for a shock that a 90 minutes massage on Belitung island makes you poorer by SGD$13! Having experienced not once but twice on 2 different nights, I have to say the massage feels like heaven. Superb!   That is what I call a retreat/break from work.

Accommodation 

Big hotel brands like Sheraton who sees great tourism potential are starting to ramp up properties. Sheraton will be having a soft launch in December 2019 while the newly opened SwissBel and Marriott (opened in Year 2018) are some of the better hotel choices to choose from.

I stayed in Fairfield Marriott with rooms facing the sea and swimming pool right at my balcony doorstep. 

Top Tier resort:  Eco Beach Tent by Billiton

Prices start from Singapore Dollars SGD$350 onwards per night.

With environmental friendly practices in mind, this resort is located not far away from where the island hopping tours boats are harbour. The resort were crafted and built from local surrounding wooden materials and natural material that they can gather. We had a fun insightful first hand experience of creating our very own souvenirs to take home through gathering of local woods/materials. The GM of the hotel getting down to guide us on how to create our masterpiece. 

The dinning area is set with comfort carpets and have a multi million dollar view, facing the blue water. Having your food in such a place is truly like a dream come true. Not to mention, the rooms are super comfortable with fantastic sea views that I could literally read my book all day long. Truly a place to relax.

Belitung island will likely only be more accessible in the near future for international travellers. The best time to explore the island is right now, before it gets over touristy! At the present moment, there are time when you can have the whole sea view to yourself!

Here is a video on what to expect when one travel to Belitung Island.

This trip is make possible with the support from Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. 

Categories: Asia Region