Belitung Island is one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets! Tucked away off the east coast of Sumatra, this little-known slice of heaven is bursting with breathtaking beaches, quirky granite rock formations and a rich tapestry of local culture. Whether you’re a history lover, nature enthusiast or are in the mood for some serious beach lounging, these islands provide an unforgettable experience in one of Indonesia’s most picturesque regions.Â
Here’s our pick of the 9 best places to visit in Belitung Island:
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1. Tanjung Tinggi Beach
Tanjung Tinggi Beach is where nature shows-off its artistic side with impressive rock formations, clear blue waters and soft white sands. You’ll feel as though you’re stepping into a movie set with the beach’s gigantic boulders creating a dreamy landscape that’s perfect for exploring and snapping pics.
The rocks, some as big as small houses, have been naturally carved into wild and wonderful shapes. Tanjung Tinggi Beach’s calm, shallow waters makes it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling and wading, with underwater visibility that’s crystal-clear. Just 30km from Tanjung Pandan on Belitung Island, this picturesque escape is easy to reach by car or by motorbike along a smooth, scenic road.
2. Lengkuas Island
Lengkuas Island is a true tropical treasure, featuring an iconic colonial-era lighthouse that’s still in action, standing tall at an impressive 70 metres (230 feet). Climb to the top for spectacular panoramic views of sparkling turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and neighbouring islands. The waters around the island are so crystal-clear that you can often see straight down to up to 20m – perfect for snorkelling and diving amongst colourful fish, sea turtles and other aquatic wonders.
If you’re more into relaxing than diving, the island’s serene beaches are just right for sunbathing, catching-up on a good book, or simply soaking-up the peaceful vibes! Lengkuas Island is located about 30 minutes by boat from Tanjung Kelayang Beach on Belitung Island, and is easy to reach with plenty of island-hopping tours available.
3. Tanjung Kelayang Beach
Get ready to be wowed by Tanjung Kelayang Beach, where clear waters meet stunning granite rock formations in a picture-perfect setting! This beach is your gateway to island-hopping adventures, with fantastic nearby spots like Lengkuas, Batu Berlayar and Pasir Island just waiting to be explored. The shoreline is studded with giant granite boulders – ideal for snapping amazing holiday pics, or just having fun climbing around.
If you’re keen for a bit of action, the beach is a hotspot for various water-sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing. Just an easy breezy 30-minute drive from the main town of Tanjung Pandan, reaching this piece of beachside bliss is totally hassle-fre
4. Pulau Batu Berlayar (Sailing Rock Island)
Pulau Batu Berlayar, affectionately known as ‘Sailing Rock Island’, is a charming little island located off the coast of Belitung Island. This place really lives up to its name, with unique granite rock formations that resemble sailing boats. The rocks jut-out of the sand like ship sails, creating an impressive backdrop that’s perfect for snapping photos!
With crystal-clear, calm waters all around, it’s a snorkeller’s paradise where you can spot colourful fish and other marine life close to the shore. The striking contrast of the turquoise waters against the white sand and dark rocks is simply spectacular and definitely one for the memory books! Catch a quick 10-15 minute boat ride from Tanjung Kelayang Beach and, depending on how much adventuring you want to do, there is also the opportunity to explore other nearby islands such as Lengkuas Island and Pasir Island.
5. Danau Kaolin (Kaolin Lake)
Danau Kaolin is a stunning turquoise lake formed in a former kaolin mining area. This vibrant lake dazzles with its bright blue waters, which pop against the white kaolin cliffs, creating a surreal landscape that’s popular with photographers. Unlike natural lakes, Danau Kaolin was formed as a result of kaolin mining, and its vibrant mineral-rich waters set against stark white clay banks have made it a popular tourist attraction.
On sunny days, the water’s vivid colour is even more eye-catching, creating a picture-perfect backdrop that’s like something out of a dream. Danau Kaolin is located near the town of Tanjung Pandan and just a 15-minute drive by car or motorbike.
6. Bangka Botanical Gardens
Step into the green wonderland of Bangka Botanical Gardens, where plants, animals and eco-friendly vibes come together to create a nature-lover’s dream with a splash of green-thumb magic! Bursting with diverse plants, cute farm animals and gorgeous views, this delightful garden is your ticket to exploring Bangka Island’s natural beauty whilst learning about sustainability and local farming.
Those who are keen to dive deeper into an educational experience should check-out their workshops on sustainable farming and organic agriculture, they’re open to everyone and packed full of useful tips. Situated near the town of Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Botanical Gardens is an easy drive from the town centre, so buckle-up and prepare for a nature-inspired fun day out!
7. Pantai Parai Tenggiri
Discover beach bliss at Pantai Parai Tenggiri, one of Bangka Island’s most popular sandy shores and known for its calm waters, white sands, and granite rock formations. As well as being a great spot for relaxing, the beach’s crystal-clear turquoise waters are perfect for splash-tastic water-sport’s fun where you can enjoy snorkelling, jet skiing and banana boat rides. The clarity of the water allows for excellent visibility, making it ideal for spotting interesting tropical marine life.
Like many other beaches in the Bangka Belitung region, Pantai Parai Tenggiri is characterised by its unique granite rock formations along the shoreline, with large boulders creating dramatic and photogenic landscapes. You’ll find this beach-lover’s paradise near the town of Sungailiat on Bangka Island, approximately 40km from the island’s capital, Pangkal Pinang.
8. Padepokan Puri Tri Agung
For a heavenly retreat with a view, head to Padepokan Puri Tri Agung – a tranquil hilltop temple complex with breathtaking ocean views. As well as being an important Buddhist religious site, it also serves as a spiritual centre for followers of multiple religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. The temple is a symbol of unity and tolerance, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of Bangka Island.
Padepokan Puri Tri Agung’s grand architecture and sweeping ocean views makes it a feast for the eyes and the soul, and a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper connection with both their spirituality and the surrounding nature. Whether you’re exploring its rich history, taking part in a spiritual retreat, or just savouring those gorgeous views, this spot is guaranteed to deliver a serene and soul-soothing experience. Located on a hill near Pantai Tikus, close to the town of Sungailiat on Bangka Island, the temple is approximately a 30-45 minute drive from Pangkal Pinang.
9. Museum Kata Andrea Hirata
Celebrate the literary magic of Andrea Hirata, the author of the famous Indonesian novel ‘Laskar Pelangi’. This museum not only showcases the cultural richness of Belitung, it also invites you into Hirata’s creative universe, with a chance to dive deep into the themes, characters and settings of his iconic novels.
With interactive exhibits that take you inside his creative process and workshops designed to spark your own literary passion, this museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the magic of storytelling. Just a short drive from the island’s main city of Tanjung Pandan, you’ll find the museum in the town of Gantung, where you can spend the day exploring the brilliance of one of Indonesia’s literary giants.
