A Complete Travel Guide to Belitung Island: Beaches, Granite Rocks & Local Culture

Hello, traveler! I'm your local guide to one of Indonesia’s most underrated yet captivating destinations—Belitung Island. Located off the eastern coast of Sumatra, this tropical paradise is known for its breathtaking granite rock formations, powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich heritage rooted in tin mining and diverse cultures.
 

Belitung is quieter and less commercial than Bali or Lombok, which makes it perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature, explore hidden beaches, and experience authentic Indonesian island life.

🛫 1. How to Get to Belitung Island

Belitung is closer than you think.

By Air: You can fly directly to H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport (TJQ) from Jakarta, Batam, or Palembang. The flight from Jakarta takes just 1 hour.

By Sea: Ferry options are available from Bangka Island, but flying is faster and more reliable.

🌊 2. Top Things to Do in Belitung Island

🏖️ 2.1. Visit Tanjung Tinggi Beach

This is the iconic postcard-perfect beach of Belitung. Tanjung Tinggi is famous for:

Giant granite boulders that create natural pools

Calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming

Sunset views to remember

You may recognize this beach from the famous Indonesian film “Laskar Pelangi” (The Rainbow Troops), which was shot here.

🪨 2.2. Marvel at Tanjung Kelayang and Island Hopping

This is the starting point for island hopping tours. From Tanjung Kelayang Beach, take a local boat and explore:

Lengkuas Island: Known for its historic Dutch lighthouse and panoramic sea views

Batu Berlayar Island: A tiny islet with massive granite rocks and white sand

Pasir Island: A sandbank that appears only during low tide—ideal for photos

Kepayang Island: Great for lunch and snorkeling

Tip: Book a half-day or full-day tour with local guides right at the beach or through your hotel.

🐠 2.3. Snorkeling & Diving in Belitung

The waters around Belitung are clear, calm, and rich with marine life.

Snorkeling Spots: Lengkuas, Kepayang, and Tanjung Binga offer shallow reef access

Diving: For experienced divers, there are shipwreck sites and vibrant coral gardens

Eco-Tours: Join sustainable marine tours that protect coral and sea turtles

🏛️ 2.4. Explore the Museum Kata Andrea Hirata

A unique literary museum dedicated to the novel “Laskar Pelangi”, located in Gantung Village.

It’s the first literary museum in Indonesia

Vibrant murals, quotes, and cultural displays

Learn about local education and history

Nearby: You can also visit the replica Laskar Pelangi School, which tells the story of resilience in a rural Indonesian community.

⛏️ 2.5. Learn About Belitung's Tin Mining Past

Belitung once thrived on tin mining, and remnants of this past remain:

Open-pit mines now turned into serene blue lakes, like Kaolin Lake

Mining museums and heritage trails in Tanjung Pandan

Chat with locals who once worked in the industry

🌄 2.6. Sunset and Sunrise Views

Bukit Berahu: A serene hilltop spot for panoramic sunset views

Tanjung Pendam Beach: Popular among locals for evening picnics and food stalls

Lengkuas Island Lighthouse: Climb to the top for unforgettable sunrise photos

🍽️ 3. What to Eat on Belitung Island

Belitung cuisine is fresh, seafood-based, and full of Malay-Chinese influences.

🐟 Must-Try Dishes:

Mie Belitung: A sweet-savory noodle dish with shrimp, tofu, and thick sauce

Gangan: A yellow spicy soup made from fish and pineapple

Satam Stone Coffee: Grown locally, smooth and strong

📍 Top Restaurants:

RM Belitong Timpo Duluk: Authentic flavors in a traditional setting

Dynasty Restaurant: Known for seafood hotpot and fried squid

Warung Kopi Ake: One of the oldest coffee shops, dating back over 100 years

🏨 4. Where to Stay in Belitung

Belitung offers a range of accommodation for every traveler.

💸 Budget:

Belitong Inn: Clean and central

OYO Homestays: Affordable and comfortable

💼 Mid-Range:

Green Tropical Village Hotel: Surrounded by nature

BW Suite Belitung: Beachfront, close to Tanjung Pendam

💎 Luxury:

Sheraton Belitung Resort: High-end amenities, private beach

Arumdalu Private Resorts: A secluded eco-luxury stay

📅 5. Best Time to Visit Belitung

Dry Season: April to October (ideal for beach activities and island hopping)

Wet Season: November to March (lush scenery, but rain showers likely)

Avoid peak national holidays for fewer crowds.

🚗 6. How to Get Around Belitung

Motorbike Rental: Affordable and flexible (~IDR 100,000/day)

Car Rental with Driver: Ideal for families and small groups

Local Taxi Apps: Like Grab or Gojek (limited availability)

🧭 7. Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Tanjung Pandan

Visit Tanjung Tinggi Beach

Sunset at Bukit Berahu

Day 2

Island hopping: Lengkuas, Pasir Island, Batu Berlayar

Snorkeling at Kepayang

Dinner at Timpo Duluk

Day 3

Visit Museum Kata

Coffee at Warung Ake

Fly back from Hanandjoeddin Airport

🌿 8. Sustainable Travel Tips

Belitung’s natural charm deserves protection. Travel responsibly:

Bring a refillable water bottle

Avoid stepping on coral reefs while snorkeling

Support local businesses and family-run eateries

Join beach clean-up tours if possible

🎒 9. What to Pack

Swimwear and light clothing

Water shoes or sandals

Reef-safe sunscreen

Snorkel gear (optional)

Camera or drone for island shots

Lightweight rain jacket (Nov–Mar)

💬 Final Thoughts: Belitung is Indonesia’s Best-Kept Secret

From the granite-sculpted shores of Tanjung Tinggi to the cultural treasures of Gantung Village, Belitung Island offers a rare mix of tranquility, beauty, and heritage. Unlike more developed islands, it still feels raw and personal—like a place waiting to be discovered just by you.

Whether you're seeking a weekend retreat or a deeper island experience, Belitung is a place that leaves a peaceful imprint on your heart.