Belitung Island: What to Do, Where to Go + Local Tips

Belitung Island definitely deserves a spot on the list of Indonesia’s most underrated destinations. This tropical island, roughly the same size as Bali, is full of natural wonders—especially its iconic granite boulders scattered along soft white sand beaches. The scenery is so unique that it’s been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Some even call it the “Indonesian Seychelles,” thanks to those giant rocks and crystal-clear waters.

Belitung is part of an island group located off the southern coast of Sumatra, between the Karimata and Gaspar Straits.

I haven’t been there myself (yet!), but my friend Sona has—and she shared a lot of great stories and helpful tips from her trip. So in this guide, I’ll take you through the best things to do and see in Belitung, how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, and some extra tips to make your trip smooth and memorable.

Is Belitung Worth Visiting?

If you’re dreaming of a tropical escape that’s peaceful, naturally stunning, and still flying under the radar—Belitung is absolutely worth a visit.

Tucked between Sumatra and Borneo, this charming island is part of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. While it may not have the global fame of Bali or the volcanic drama of Java, Belitung offers something different—a quiet beauty and an authentic feel that’s hard to find in more touristy spots.

The island’s coastline is its crown jewel: calm turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and massive granite boulders that make every beach feel like a hidden paradise. But Belitung isn’t just about lounging by the sea. You can hop between idyllic islands, hike sacred stone formations, swim in surreal blue lakes, or meet tiny tarsiers in the jungle.

One of the things Sona loved most about Belitung was its nature, quiet villages, and the people. The locals, mostly Muslim, are warm, respectful, and genuinely kind — the kind of place where a simple smile goes a long way.

Culturally, Belitung has a rich mix of Malay, Chinese, and local traditions, reflected in the food, the architecture, and the welcoming energy you feel from the people. It’s also the birthplace of Laskar Pelangi, the beloved Indonesian novel and film that brought pride and attention to this humble island.

Best of all? It’s not crowded. Even at its most famous spots, you won’t be battling tourist hordes. It still feels like a place waiting to be discovered, which makes every moment there feel more personal and special.

What To Do and See in Belitung

Island Hopping Adventures

The absolute highlight of any trip to Belitung is island hopping in the northern part of the island. Get ready to explore postcard-perfect islets like Pulau Lengkuas—with its iconic 19th-century Dutch lighthouse—alongside Pulau Kepayang, Pulau Burung, Batu Berlayar, and the bird-shaped Batu Garuda. There’s even Pulau Pasir, a tiny sandbar that only appears during low tide.

All boats depart from Tanjung Kelayang Beach, where you’ll find plenty of local operators offering both open trips (group tours) and private boat rentals. It’s super flexible—just pick what suits your vibe.

Indonesia also has exotic islands that are still rarely visited by tourists — please read more about West Sumbawa Guide: Beaches, Epic Surf & Hidden Gems

From Tanjung Pandan (the main town) to Tanjung Kelayang takes about 30 minutes by motorbike or car. Once you’re out on the water, expect to spend at least half a day hopping between islands, snorkeling in clear waters, sunbathing on hidden beaches, and soaking in all that coastal beauty.

Sona’s Tip: I had an amazing time — snorkeling, exploring quiet beaches, and traveling solo with a guide who really looked after me and took plenty of photos and videos along the way. The only downside was an extra drone service arranged through a friend of the tour operator, which didn’t meet my expectations. Still, the overall trip was great. If you’d like the guide’s contact, feel free to email us at hello@backindo.com.

Kaolin Lakes

Just 10 minutes from the heart of Tanjung Pandan, Kaolin Lake greets you with a surreal blue-and-white landscape. This former tin mining site is now filled with turquoise rainwater, surrounded by bright white clay (kaolin), creating a dreamlike contrast.

One unique feature here is the so-called “sand mountain” — a tall, white mound of clay that rises sharply above the lake. It almost feels like a piece of desert from the Middle East landed right in the middle of an Indonesian island. The powdery surface and strange textures make it a striking photo spot — just be careful when climbing, as the surface can be soft and uneven.

And this is just one of many. From the plane, you’ll see countless turquoise lakes dotting the landscape — remnants of Belitung’s mining history.

Did you know that Indonesia has a lake with an island almost as big as Singapore? It’s called Samosir Island, located in Lake Toba — we’ve written all about it in Medan: What To Do and See in North Sumatra.

If you’re up for more, head east to Lake Biru Kampit, another former mining site turned natural wonder. Like Kaolin Lake, its bright blue water comes from a mix of rainwater and underground springs filling in the old excavation pits. 

Tanjung Tinggi & Laskar Pelangi Beach

Back on Belitung’s northern coastline, you’ll find two of the island’s most beautiful and photogenic beaches.

Tanjung Tinggi Beach sits in a bay, which means calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you venture toward the edges where the giant rocks meet the sea, you’ll discover colorful coral reefs waiting beneath the surface. The granite boulders here are truly something else—some are the size of cars, others as big as small houses. As the sun begins to set, the whole beach transforms into a scene of golden light and shadow dancing across the rocks. It’s pure magic.

Just a short walk away is  Laskar Pelangi Beach, made famous by the 2008 Indonesian film Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops). The dramatic granite formations by the water became iconic after the film’s release, and the area has since grown into a popular tourist spot. You’ll now find food stalls, public toilets, and even jet ski and canoe rentals. Wooden walkways wind through the rocks, leading to scenic viewpoints and photo spots—so have your camera ready.

Sona’s Tip: The local community really looks after this place — it’s clean, peaceful, and very welcoming. Since it’s a predominantly Muslim area, I wouldn’t recommend wearing a bikini. Instead, bring a cover-up or choose more modest swimwear when you go for a swim.

Batu Baginde 

Down in the southern part of Belitung, rising high above the jungle, you’ll find two towering granite formations known as Batu Baginde and another one called Batu Baginde Bini. These massive stones offer sweeping views of dense forest that stretch all the way out to the sea.

Batu Baginde is around 208 years old, stands tall and proud, but it’s Batu Baginde Bini, its twin nearby, that you can actually climb. The hike to the top is short—just about 15 minutes—but it’s quite steep. You’ll be climbing using flat iron steps and a single rope for support. While it might look a bit intimidating at first, it’s manageable (even in sandals if you’re careful).

At the summit, you’ll find a flat area where you can walk around and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle and coastline. These rocks are located about 1.5 hours south of Tanjung Pandan, on the way toward Penyabong Beach.

Backindo Tip: Since the location is deep in the forest and palm plantations, and there’s only one narrow trail to reach the top, it’s best to go with a local guide who knows the route well. You’ll get there safely—and probably hear some cool local stories along the way.

Alam Batu Mentas

Not far from Kaolin Lake, you’ll find a hidden pocket of rainforest magic called Alam Batu Mentas — a nature reserve where Belitung’s wild heart truly comes alive. This sanctuary is home to endangered plants and rare animals, including one of the island’s shyest residents: the tarsius (tarsier), a tiny primate with big, curious eyes.

Here, you can dip your feet in a crystal-clear river framed by granite boulders, go rafting through the jungle, or simply unwind to the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. It feels a bit like a campsite, but with a stronger ecological focus.

Sona’s Tip: I was lucky enough to see a tarsier up close — and even hold one gently, under the supervision of a local guide.

Exploring the Other Side: Belitung Timur

If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, Belitung Timur (East Belitung) offers a different kind of adventure. It’s the farthest part of the island from Tanjung Pandan, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. The vibe here is less about dramatic beaches and more about cultural stories and local life.

One of the main draws in East Belitung is the replica of the Laskar Pelangi elementary school—a nostalgic spot tied to that iconic film. Nearby, you can also visit the Museum Kata Andrea Hirata, a quirky and colorful tribute to the author of Laskar Pelangi, filled with quotes, art, and inspiration.

For a more hands-on experience, swing by Kampung Wisata Fifi, a small creative village where locals sell handcrafted souvenirs and traditional crafts.

While the beaches in East Belitung have soft white sand, they’re not quite as unique or striking as those on the northern coast, like Tanjung Tinggi or Laskar Pelangi Beach. But they’re peaceful and quiet.

As you drive through the east, you’ll pass wide-open tin mining areas, palm oil plantations, and wetlands. Be cautious near the coastal marshes—some parts are still home to wild crocodiles.

Sona’s Tip: Belitung is also famous for its high-quality white pepper — known for its bold flavor and strong aroma. If you’re into cooking (or just love local spices), this is a must-buy souvenir.

How to Get to Belitung Island

There are two main ways to reach Belitung Island: by plane or by ferry.

The most convenient and reliable option is to fly directly into Tanjung Pandan Airport (TJQ). Daily flights are available from Jakarta (CGK) and Pangkal Pinang (PGK), with a flight time of around one hour. If you’re coming from other cities like Medan, Padang, or elsewhere, you’ll need to transit through one of those two airports before continuing on to Belitung.

Read more about: Guide to Domestic Flights in Indonesia

If you prefer traveling by sea, there are ferry and speedboat options from Palembang (South Sumatra) to Bangka Island, and then another speedboat ride to Belitung. Ticket prices for the speedboat range from IDR 200,000 to 270,000, and while it’s a more scenic route, it does take significantly longer. From Palembang to Bangka takes about 2–3 hours, and from Bangka to Belitung is around 4 more hours. Speedboats only operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so be sure to plan ahead.

There’s also a long-haul ferry from Jakarta to Belitung, but the journey can take up to 17 hours, and delays are not uncommon. 

Note: One of the main reasons for delay is the difficulty of docking at Tanjung Pandan Port—the sea around the harbor often becomes too shallow during low tide, so the ferry must wait until the water level rises before it can safely dock.

How to Get Around Belitung

Belitung isn’t as busy or hectic as cities like Medan, Palembang, or Padang. It’s much quieter and more relaxed, and that includes the traffic. Getting around is pretty easy, especially if you plan ahead.

The best way to explore the island is by renting a scooter or hiring a car with a driver. Roads in Belitung are generally smooth, wide, and not crowded at all—which makes driving here quite pleasant.

Sona’s Tip: If you're a backpacker traveling light like me, one easy way to get from the airport is to rent a scooter in advance via WhatsApp and arrange for pickup right at the terminal. It saves time, gives you freedom to move around from day one.

If you’re staying in Tanjung Pandan, the island’s main town, most attractions are fairly close to each other, so getting around doesn’t take much time. Just a heads-up though: public transportation is very limited. You’ll find a few taxis and a DAMRI bus that runs between the airport and downtown, but that’s about it. So for convenience and flexibility, renting is your best bet.

In Tanjung Pandan itself, Grab and Gojek are available, but once you’re outside the town, they become much harder to find. So it’s better to have your own ride sorted for the day—whether that’s two wheels or four.

Where to Stay in Belitung

If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring Belitung, I recommend staying in Tanjung Pandan, the island’s main town. It’s a strategic base—there are plenty of restaurants, minimarkets, ATMs, and it’s close to many northern beach attractions. It’s especially convenient if you plan to go island hopping, since most boat tours start nearby.

For budget travelers, Belitung Backpacker, Joyfull Hotel or Harmony Inn (where Sona stayed) are great value options offering a cozy stay without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for something mid-range, Grand Hatika Hotel is a solid choice. It’s located just a stone’s throw from Tanjung Pendam Beach and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

For a more upscale stay, check out Fairfield by Marriott, a beachfront property with its own private beach—perfect for those seeking a bit of luxury and relaxation.

You can also find great stays near Tanjung Binga or Tanjung Kelayang, especially if you want to be closer to the starting points for island hopping tours. These areas are quieter and give you a more laid-back, seaside atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Belitung isn’t the kind of destination that pops up in every Indonesia itinerary — and that’s exactly why it deserves a closer look. It’s easy to reach, especially if you’re already traveling through Sumatra or Java, and offers a completely different experience from the country’s more crowded hotspots.

Here, you won’t find big resorts or packed tourist routes. Instead, you’ll get quiet beaches, surreal blue lakes, welcoming local communities, and plenty of space to slow down. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to explore beyond the usual map pins, this island might be exactly what you’re looking for.