9 Best Things To Do On Belitung Island, Indonesia

things to do in belitung island indonesia
Paolo
Paolo 
Updated
| 5 min read

Bali and Lombok are not the only towns in Indonesia that consist of the greatest white sand beaches. Just a one-hour flight from Batam is the equally marvelous Belitung Island. What makes the tiny island special is that most of its beaches are secluded, giving you your well-deserved tranquil moments. You can go for a relaxing swim, explore the underwater world, or just marvel at the sight of the granite rocks. There’s also a place where you can learn more about the local history and literature through colorful exhibits. This list promises to make your vacation a truly memorable one. Come to Belitung Island and check out these 9 best attractions.

1. Lengkuas Island

Tiny stone island, Lengkuas Is, Belitung " - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JS Barry used under CC BY 3.0

Lengkuas Island in the Sijuk Sub-district will amaze you with its palm trees, soft white sand, turquoise sea, and large granite rocks. Thanks to the calm flow of the water, it’s the perfect spot to go swimming and snorkeling. Exploring the underwater world is your opportunity to see the different types of aquatic creatures, colorful coral reefs, and more granite wonders.

The island is also well-known for its Dutch lighthouse, which was constructed in 1882. Standing at 50 meters (164 feet), the structure offers awe-inspiring views of not only Lengkuas, but also the surrounding natural attractions. You can reach the island in just 20 minutes by boat from Tanjung Kelayang and 30 to 45 minutes from Tanjung Tinggi or Tanjung Binga. Boat rides cost around 27 to 38 USD.

Lengkuas Island

Address: Belitung, Belitung Island, Indonesia

Price: Free

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2. Kepayang Island Conservation Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Kepayang Island is unique because apart from the exhilarating snorkeling, diving, and kayaking activities, it also gives visitors a chance to help protect Belitung’s natural environment. You can plant corals in the beautiful coral gardens or visit the turtle sanctuary to free the baby reptiles once they’re strong enough to face the waters. Not only will you have fun, but you will be contributing to a good cause as well. Seaside tents and bungalows are available if you want to spend a night on the island. Accommodations cost around 34 USD. Airport transfers and boat rides can be arranged by contacting the Conservation Center.

Kepayang Island Conservation Center

Address: Belitung, Belitung Island, Indonesia

Phone: +62 81280180246; +62 81949189456

Website: Kepayang Island Conservation Center

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3. Danau Kaolin

Danau Kaolin Belitung
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ayufib used under CC BY-SA 4.0

When the mining activities in the area stopped, it created a place similar to a snowy paradise. Danau Kaolin, which is located in Perawas, is sure to mesmerize you with its blue lake and pure white landscapes. The water temperature is mild, which makes it ideal for a refreshing swim. You can also just walk around and take pictures of the dream-like surroundings. Your Instagram account will definitely have a lot of new entries. Since it’s not a crater lake, you don’t have worry about the smell of sulfur. Danau Kaolin can be reached by car in just 10 minutes from Tanjung Pandan’s center.

Danau Kaolin

Address: Perawas, Tanjung Pandan, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Website: Danau Kaolin

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4. Batu Berlayar Island

Batu Berlayar
Source: Photo by Flickr user Yugo used under CC BY 2.0

Near Lengkuas is another island that will certainly capture your imagination. Visit Batu Berlayar and let its granite rocks astound you. The rocks are one-of-a-kind because if you look at them from afar, they resemble a sailing ship. You can also dip your body into the clear water and see all of the beautiful starfish up-close. Apart from swimsuits, you definitely shouldn’t forget to bring your camera here. Batu Berlayar can be reached by boat in just 10 minutes from Tanjung Kelayang.

Batu Berlayar Island

Address: Belitung, Belitung Island, Indonesia

Price: Free

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5. Pasir Island

Belitung Island
Source: Photo by Flickr user Eviyani Lubis used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Pasir Island is a small sand bank that appears only during low tide. When you stand on the white sand, you will get an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscapes. Marvel at the sights and then go for a swim in the clear shallow water. Just like Batu Berlayar, the island is also famous for its adorable starfish. Don’t forget to take pictures of the colorful sea creatures on your visit. It only takes a 15-minute boat ride from Tanjung Kelayang to reach Pasir Island. Morning is usually the perfect time to drop by.

Pasir Island

Address: Belitung, Belitung Island, Indonesia

Price: Free

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6. Museum Kata Andrea Hirata

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

In 2007, beloved local author Andrea Hirata published a book entitled The Rainbow Troops. Not only did the novel inspire readers to follow their dreams, but it also introduced the beauty of Belitung Island to the world. Because of the book’s success, the author decided to use some of the profits to build a museum. Museum Kata Andrea Hirata finally opened in 2010, and it’s the only museum in Indonesia that is dedicated to literature.

The structure is a replica of the elementary school where Hirata attended. Inside, you will see colorful exhibits about the rich history of the island as well as different literary works. There are also copies of The Rainbow Troops in various languages. The museum is just 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Tanjung Pandan.

Museum Kata Andrea Hirata

Address: Lenggang, Gantung, East Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands 33516, Indonesia

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Website: Museum Kata Andrea Hirata

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7. Open Pit Kelapa Kampit

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

It used to be a tin mining site, but now, it’s a place for photographers or anyone who just wants to appreciate nature. Hike to Open Pit Kelapa Kampit and let the sight of the red cliffs leave you in awe. You will also see rare plants, abandoned mines and a turquoise lake, which is in the center of the picturesque landscape. For safety reasons, exploring the mines and swimming in the lake are not allowed. No need to worry because you can take as many photos as you want. The serene atmosphere will also make you say that the trip is worth it. By car, you can reach Open Pit Kelapa Kampit in just one hour.

Open Pit Kelapa Kampit

Address: Senyubuk, Kelapa Kampit, East Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands 33571, Indonesia

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8. Swim in the serene and secluded beach of Tanjung Tinggi

Tanjung Tinggi Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Othello95 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Belitung is crawling with gorgeous beaches one or too many tourists flock to when on summer vacation. You can look left and right and you will find a stunning beach to set ground in for a few hours. Whether you’re there to go sunbathing, swimming, or doing some water sports, there’s definitely a hot spot for everyone. Tanjung Tinggi is a rather quiet beach best for swimming and has become a tourist attraction in itself in the Belitung Island region in the last few years since the launch of the movie “Laskar Pelangi.” This now renowned beach boasts turquoise and royal blue waters that are surrounded by huge granite boulders on both peninsulas nearby as well. The white sand is just another plus for tourists who visit this secluded little hot spot. Catch the morning sunrise as it is the best time to get an Instagram shot, with the golden yellow sky waking the rest of Belitung with a smile.

Swimming at Tanjung Tinggi

Address: Tanjung Tinggi BeachBangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia

Website: Tanjung Tinggi

Opening hours: 12:00 am to 11:59 pm, Sundays to Mondays

Price: free

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9. Sip on iconic Manggar Coffee

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Caffeine lovers will have a ball at this part of Indonesia. Belitung culture is huge with coffee and its local brewed have attracted many tourists and locals to purchasing its authentic coffee. When in Belitung, make time to try their famous Manggar Coffee, the coffee that the whole city in itself takes the utmost pride in. Manggar coffee is present throughout all coffee shops and cafes in Belitung. It gained popularity due to its strong and alluring aroma, best without any milk or sugar. Belitung coffee stands out in its own right for how it is made, first placed into a filter made of cotton and then brewed with boiling water into the filter to solidify the taste, finished off with sweetened condensed milk for those who like it with a bit of sweetness; truly a unique cup of joe to have when in Belitung, Indonesia.

Try Manggar Coffee in Beitung Cafes

Address: Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia

Opening hours:

Price: 0.28 USD to 0.43 USD (4,000 Rp to 6,000 Rp)

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See how lovely Belitung Island is

Bangka-Belitung Province, Indonesia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user HeyFromINDO used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Belitung Island also has a diverse culture, and you will see it through the traditional wooden houses of the fishing villages. Another town you should explore is Manggar, which was the center of tin mining during the ancient times. You can admire the well-preserved Dutch colonial homes or have a cup at one of the coffee shops.

Dry season is from April to October and while it’s generally sunny, it can also be very windy. If you want to experience fewer winds, then November to March are the ideal months to visit. However, expect a few rains in the afternoon. December is where you can witness the Tour d’Belitung bike race while October or November is the month where the outrigger boat race is held. Whatever date you choose, Belitung Island will surely fulfill your fantasy of a perfect getaway.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Freelance writer by day, rap artist by night. When he's not making music or joining rap battles, Paolo writes about anything under the sun. Throughout his eight-year experience as a copywriter, he...Read more

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