Belitung Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, the food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and more in our travel guide to Belitung, Indonesia.


Introduction to Belitung

Belitung is a small island in Bangka-Belitung province in Sumatra, Indonesia. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique granite rock formations, Belitung is a hidden gem that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism.

The island was made famous by the novel “Laskar Pelangi” by Andrea Hirata, which was later adapted into a movie. Many of the locations in the film can be visited on the island, which adds to the charm and allure of Belitung.

Belitung boasts a laid-back atmosphere, which makes it the perfect place to unwind and relax. Visitors will find it hard not to fall in love with the island’s natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people.

In this travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, the food and drink scene, local culture, and customs, and more to help you plan your dream trip to Belitung.

List of Places to Visit in Belitung

Belitung is home to many cultural and natural attractions that are worth exploring. Here is a list of some of the best places to visit on the island:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Museum Kata Andrea Hirata: This museum is dedicated to the author of the famous novel Laskar Pelangi and showcases the history of Belitung through art and literature.
  2. Andrea Hirata’s House: The house where the author spent most of his childhood is now a museum that showcases the life and works of Andrea Hirata.
  3. Tin Museum: This museum showcases the island’s history of tin mining and the process involved in tin processing.

Natural Attractions of Belitung: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Tanjung Tinggi Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Belitung, with crystal clear water and giant granite rocks.
  2. Lengkuas Island: This island features a historic lighthouse and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving.
  3. Bukit Berahu Beach: This beach features a unique rock formation called Batu Berlayar, which resembles a sailboat.
  4. Burung Mandi Beach: A secluded, serene beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
  5. Danau Kaolin: A beautiful man-made lake with crystal clear water and white sand, perfect for swimming and photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Belitung

Belitung is a beautiful island to explore on foot or by bike. Here are some popular routes for hiking and biking in Belitung:

  1. Tanjung Binga - Tanjung Kelayang: A scenic biking route that takes you through many beautiful beaches and lighthouse.
  2. Manggar - Gantung: This route offers a peek into the local life of the people of Belitung and takes you through beautiful paddy fields.

Best Things to Do in Belitung: Activities and Tours

Belitung offers a wide range of activities and tours that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are some of the best things to do in Belitung:

  1. Island-Hopping: Hop on a traditional wooden boat and explore the many islands of Belitung.
  2. Snorkeling and Diving: Belitung’s clear waters and beautiful coral reefs make it the perfect destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
  3. Sunset at Tanjung Binga: Witness a stunning sunset at Tanjung Binga Beach, and enjoy fresh seafood at the nearby traditional seafood market.
  4. ATV Riding at Bukit Peramun: Discover the rugged terrain and beautiful scenic views of Belitung by ATV
  5. Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Indonesian dishes at a cooking class in Belitung.

Week-Long Itinerary for Belitung

If you have a week to spare, Belitung is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Here is a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip to Belitung:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival and check-in. Relax and explore the local area.
Day 2 Island-hopping: Visit Lengkuas Island, Batu Garuda Island, and Batu Berlayar.
Day 3 Beach day: Spend the day exploring Burung Mandi Beach and Tanjung Tinggi Beach.
Day 4 Snorkeling and diving: Explore the coral reefs at Tanjung Kelayang and Badak Island.
Day 5 Cultural day: Visit the Tin Museum and the Museum Kata Andrea Hirata.
Day 6 ATV Riding at Bukit Peramun or hiking to Danau Kaolin.
Day 7 Departure day: Check-out and depart for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Belitung

Belitung’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese and Indonesian cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to check out while in Belitung:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Mie Belitung: A popular noodle dish made with yellow noodles, sweet thick soy sauce, fried shallots, and mackerel fish.
  2. Martabak Belitung: A crispy pancake filled with sweet or savory fillings of your choice.
  3. Nasi Goreng Belitung: Indonesian fried rice with a Belitung twist, served with fried chicken or seafood.

Local Beverages

  1. Es Kacang Merah: A sweet drink made with red bean ice, coconut milk, and syrup, perfect for refreshing on a hot day.
  2. Es Cendol: A sweet drink made with green jelly-like rice flour and coconut milk.

Where to Stay in Belitung: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Belitung offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Belitung:

  1. Santika Premiere Beach Resort: A luxury beach resort located in Tanjung Binga
  2. Fairfield by Marriott Belitung: A modern hotel with comfortable amenities located in Manggar
  3. MaxOneHotels at Belstar Belitung: A budget-friendly accommodation option located in Tanjung Pandan
  4. Rumah Kalimera: A traditional guesthouse located in Kampung Dedaun, surrounded by beautiful paddy fields.

What to Buy in Belitung: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Belitung is an excellent destination for souvenir shopping. Here are some of the best local products to bring home from your trip to Belitung:

  1. Kaolin Clay: A natural mineral that is believed to have skin-soothing properties, you can find it in souvenir shops all over Belitung.
  2. Belitung Coffee: Coffee lovers must try Belitung’s locally produced coffee, known for its rich and earthy flavor.
  3. Belitung Batik: Unique and beautiful batik made in Belitung is a must to bring back home.
  4. Snacks: Try Belitung’s delicious snacks like krupuk and dodol, which are made from local ingredients.

Local Culture and Customs of Belitung

Belitung is a cultural melting pot with a rich history and diverse traditions. Here are some cultural customs and etiquette to keep in mind while traveling in Belitung:

  1. Greetings: It is customary to greet people with a smile and a handshake in Belitung.
  2. Clothing: When visiting cultural or religious sites, it is recommended to dress modestly, covering the shoulders and knees.
  3. Shoes: It is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone’s house or a mosque.
  4. Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia, but rounding up the total bill is considered polite.

Best Time to Visit Belitung

The best time to visit Belitung is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, visitors can expect sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach hopping. However, keep in mind that this is also the most crowded time of year, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Belitung

While traveling in Belitung, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure a respectful and safe trip:

Do:

  1. Observe local customs and traditions.
  2. Respect the environment and dispose of waste properly.
  3. Bargain when shopping at local markets.
  4. Try to use Bahasa Indonesia, the local language, to communicate.

Don’t:

  1. Take pictures of people without their permission.
  2. Leave your trash on the beach or in public areas.
  3. Over-tip, as it is not customary.
  4. Leave valuables unattended or unsecured.

Safety and Health

In general, Belitung is a safe destination with minimal crime. However, travelers should take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while traveling in Belitung:

Safety in Belitung

  1. Keep your valuables secured and out of sight.
  2. Avoid roaming around late at night, especially in isolated areas.
  3. Use only reputable transportation services when traveling.

Health in Belitung

  1. Drink bottled water and avoid tap water.
  2. Apply mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever.
  3. Pack sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be intense in Belitung.

Getting to Belitung: Transportation Options and Logistics

Belitung is well-connected by air and sea transport. Here are the transportation options to get to Belitung:

Airports Near Belitung

H.A.S Hanandjoeddin International Airport is the main airport in Belitung, located in Tanjung Pandan. Many airlines offer daily flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities in Indonesia.

Bus Stations Near Belitung

There are several bus stations in Sumatra that offer bus routes to Belitung from Jakarta, Bandung, and other major cities in Indonesia.

Other Options

Ferry services are also available from Sumatra, with regular services from Palembang, Padang and the city of Bangka.

How to Get Around in Belitung

The best ways to get around Belitung are by taxi, motorcycle rental, or car rental. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through a ride-hailing app. Motorcycle rentals and car rentals are also readily available throughout the island.

Where to Go Next from Belitung: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Belitung is a small island, and there are limited nearby destinations to explore. However, here are some excursions worth taking from Belitung:

  1. Bangka Island: Belitung’s neighboring island, and famous for its pepper and tin mining
  2. Palembang: A city with rich cultural heritage and traditional food, located on the island of Sumatra.

Conclusion

Belitung is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, with its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique rock formations. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be sufficiently equipped with all the information you need to plan your dream trip to Belitung. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful island paradise!

Downtown Tanjung Pandan Downtown Tanjung Pandan Tanjung Tinggi Beach Tanjung Tinggi Beach Kaolin Lake, just outside Tanjung Pandan Kaolin Lake, just outside Tanjung Pandan Lengkuas Island Lighthouse Lengkuas Island Lighthouse Rocks along the Belitung coast Rocks along the Belitung coast