Belitung

Belitung (locally called Belitong, formerly Billiton) is one of the two main islands of the Bangka-Belitung province in Indonesia. While its big brother, Bangka, has developed as an economic center, Belitung generally remains a sleepy island. But you may consider that quiet an advantage for a resort destination which can serve as a weekend getaway from the hectic life in Jakarta, or as an alternative to Bali, if it seems too crowded for you.

Belitung Halal Travel Guide

When you book a flight to Belitung, please make sure that your ticket lists your destination as Tanjung Pandan or Tanjungpandan and has the three-letter designator TJQ. Some travel agents do not realize this and can instead book you to Pangkal Pinang in neighboring Bangka, or even Tanjung Pinang in the Riau Islands!

You might not expect it from the island whose tin mines gave their name to Australian mining giant BHP Billiton, but Belitung is one of the nicest islands in Southeast Asia. The island was pretty much asleep, underrated and was known only for its tin commodity. But it ultimately became famous in 2008 after the movie Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops), which was one of Indonesia's most watched movies, as it portrays the struggling life of some of the island's poor children in a remote school...and the unspoiled beauty of its nature. A few years coming, resorts are built, beaches are cleaned and the island ultimately puts itself in the map as a tropical paradise. Unlike the infamous Bali, everything is still laid back. You'll barely find late night restaurants, party resorts or any obvious signs of Western culture.

Pristine white sand beaches look out on a turquoise sea filled with great snorkeling and a fantastic display of offshore islands. Check out Tanjung Kelayang and Tanjung Tinggi for world class beaches without the hustle and bustle now found at beaches of this caliber anywhere else. Natural features include white sand fringed coconut plantations, elaborate granite rock formations and long temporary sand bars as smooth as powdered sugar. Offshore islands are a long swim distance from the beach but colorful local fishing boats will take you on an island tour. The main town, Tanjung Pandan, is on its west side and has adequate facilities for a small town.

Weather in Belitung

It's best to visit the island during the dry season as is most other places in Indonesia (April-September). The sun shines more often than the rain pours. It is less stormy and as a result and the shallow reefs at the outlying islands are clear enough to be snorkeled in and the waves are less (but still sometimes because of prevailing winds) choppy during your island hopping cruise. Make sure to apply sunscreen even though you are not tanning (few, if any, tans), as the UV index at the beaches is often horrendous and can result in sunburn.

Cities

There are two major city's in Belitung on each other side of the island:

Tanjung Pandan is the largest town and has adequate facilities for a small city. There is a museum, a harbor and a commercial beach
Manggar is on the east side. A city of coffee shops & undisturbed beaches without the giant rocks like its northern counterpart.
Gantung at the interior east is where the Laskar Pelangi movie was set.

How to travel to Belitung

Fly to Belitung

H. A.S. Hananjoeddin Airport IATA Flight Code: TJQ Buluh Tumbang Airport | Thit is the only airport serving the island. Sriwijaya Air, Garuda Indonesia and CitiLink will take you from Jakarta in 50 minutes with 6 daily flights. Wings Air and Sriwijaya Air connects the island with neighboring Bangka from Pangkalpinang airport twice daily. Most flights arrive in the morning, so that you can see (nearly) everything the island has to offer and leave by the following day. Be aware that seats tend to quickly fill up during a Saturday (and back to Jakarta on Sunday), June and July, days before and after Lebaran (as most Flights to other Indonesian destinations do), Chinese New Year and Tomb Sweeping Day (Ching Ming).

There is transportation to towns across the island by taxi, either official or unofficial. Street Taxi (see Get Around) is the only legal taxi company operating throughout the island. They use meters for rides and claims itself as the cheapest option, but it is highly recommended to reserve by calling when or before you arrive. If you stick to unofficial cabs, be sure to negotiate furiously or you will be ripped off. A ride to downtown Tanjung Pandan should cost about Rp70,000 in less than half an hour, up to Rp95,000 to other destinations. If you are traveling using a coach provided by your tour or have pre-arranged your transportation, most likely they will be standing by.

Travel by boat to Belitung

Most visitors arriving by ferry come from the neighboring Bangka Island at Pangkalpinang harbor. The Express Bahari has 3 classes of service for a range between Rp 600,000 and Rp 600,000 and will take 4-5 hours, depending on weather. There is a high risk of cancellation during the rainy season, so plan ahead. It is also feasible to get on a ferry from Jakarta, Cirebon or Pontianak (Kalimantan), but might take more than 12 hours.

How to get around in Belitung

Belitung is small enough - about 4/5 the size of Bali - that more or less any point on the island can be visited in under two hours from Tanjung Pandan. As public transportation on the island is hard to find and the only practical way of moving around is by taxi, or hire a vehicle or a motorcycle. Expect to be asked for Rp600,000 - Rp600,000 per day (all inclusive) for a good vehicle with driver. A common and fair deal for both parts is between Rp600,000 and Rp900,000 for the whole weekend including airport drop-off the last morning.

Keep in mind that with that they have enough for the whole month; overpaying only causes greed. Motorcycle rentals are even easier, typically available for Rp190,000 per day + Rp45,000 for the delivery to the airport (excluding petrol). Alternatively, a local can take you aboard an ojek (motorcycle taxi) for generally Rp45,000 to the nearest point of attraction.

Street Taxi The only legal taxi company in the island. Claims to have the cheapest fare to everywhere around the island because of their use of meters. Drivers are courteous and wear batik brown or orange uniform. However the fleet size is small and consequently, it is advisable to book at least 24 hours in advance. They also provide a 7-seater rent vehicle that you can pick at the airport only if you call ahead.

Belitung Car Rental Registered company that offers airport pickup and dropoff and free rental dropoff to your hotel if you are staying in the main town. They also apparently offer insurance, which some other operators do not offer.

If you don't want even the slightest hassle and there are a number of tour companies that can take you on a group tour to the whole island, up to a duration of 4 days and 3 nights. They will most often provide everything, including transportation, hotel and meal recommendations.

Local Language in Belitung

All people of Belitung Island have proficiency of Bahasa Indonesia as the lingua franca of the nation it rests in, Indonesia. But the local dialect sometimes makes things go complicated yet amusing, with word shortenings and quick speeches, inquire if you need to make yourself clear. A large minority of the population is Chinese Hakka, with a somewhat good grasp of Mandarin. It's not uncommon to see such languages spoken when fellow Chinese descents do meet until a long talk follows, even in a formal situation. English is spoken only within hotels, tourist areas or high school students, even then expect only basic or fair proficiency.

What to see in Belitung

Beaches

The north side of the island has white powdery beaches.

Tanjung Tinggi Beach The most famous beach in Belitung. White sand & granite rocks of all sizes alternating, left you wonder where all these lumps of boulders came from. You can even climb on them or enter the gaps of the giant rocks.
Tanjung Kelayang Beach There are 2 sides on the beach: the mainly sandy east, or the more rocky west. The rock formations are not as big, but some of them are in the middle of the sea and qualifies as islands. Fisherman boats are waiting on the east side if you wish for an island-hopping tour (no rocks on the vegetated islands).
Tanjung Binga Beach Not a very scenic beach, no white powdery sand or rocks, but there's a marina full of fishing boats. Thit is the primary departure point for island hopping tours to the northwest islands, especially Lengkuas Island.
Tanjung Pendam Beach So called the city beach of Tanjung Pandan. It's where the city local residents typically go during the weekend to watch the sunset, play at the playground or dine at the seafood restaurants.
Penyabong Beach An enchanting beauty at the island's southern coast if you are bored with rigid rocks. There is a giant organized flat row of stones that everyone can step in.
Burung Mandi Beach If you are bored with rocks, any rocks, thit is the place. More quiet, more laid back. Literally means "bathing bird", it faces a mountain for its namesake. There is a Buddhist temple as a landmark and the largest in the island.

Island hopping

Most of the island-hopping activities are at the northwest side of the island, still with their white beaches. Each island has its own unique rock formations. Even though most islands other than the list below would consist of standalone rocks only (with sand during low tide), it is still a good idea to at least get a picture of this mesmerizing feature. Most boats depart from Tanjung Binga beach.

Lengkuas Island An outlying island famous for its century-old lighthouse that is still active to this day, get up its 18 flights of stairs to capture the image of the whole outlying island(s). You can also walk on the rock formations on the shallow water, swim or snorkel to see the reefs and fishes. At the sandy beach, you are facing Aji Island, reachable by swimming or by boat.
Kepayang Island A great place to dive, a resort open for a visit and a marine conservation where baby turtles are bred until old enough to plunge into the open seas and coral gardens are restored.
Burung Island Known for its rock formations that shapes like a bird. Nothing else very scenic but the water is calm enough for a swim.
Pulau Lutung Actually they are two islands, but at low tide you can walk between the two. The south side of the bigger island has a cape of sand half the size of a football pitch and no rocks.

At low tide, your boat will even take you to a heap of sand (geographically called a shoal, locally called Pulau Pasir) that you can step on and spot starfishes before it's gone back to sea.

Other than beaches

Batu Baginde A unique bulging formation of two granite rocks, as if they were husband and wife.
Kaolin Lake Thit is what is left of a kaolinite mine. A lake with blue water and white rocks around it deceives you as if you are near the Poles or a volcano crater.
Museum Kata Andrea Hirata The author of Laskar Pelangi sequel, Andrea Hirata, erected Indonesia's literature museum here. Behind the scenes of Belitung in year 1978 with his memorabilia and a corner of tin mining equipments. Periodically, Andrea himself comes to his hometown giving art and band lessons to local community.
Replica of Muhammadiyah Primary School If you did watch Laskar Pelangi, you will find this place memorable. Remember the struggle and fun of the author (Ikal) and 9 other children taught by one single teacher (Ms. Muslimah). The real school was destroyed by wear and tear to its roots so a replica was built and used for the movie.
Gurok Beraye The waterfall was sourced from Belitung's highest point, Mount Tajam (510 above sea level). Be careful along the way for deep gorges but the journey is worth the beauty. The water falls to a wide lake perfect for a swim.
Lake Mempayak Used to be called "open pit" by mining company BHP Billiton and the mine is now abandoned. What still lefts is a beautiful brown ground, green lake and trees and local residents mining by traditional equipment. The road that leads here is not very good.

Downtown Tanjung Pandan is quite interesting due to the many Dutch Colonial buildings and shop houses. Most of the governmental buildings are the original Dutch buildings and the old Dutch tin mining housing compound is still kept up. Traditional Bugis fishing craft and an odd assortment of other boats make the wharf and fish market an interesting place, certainly for your nose, to visit.

Cultural Belitung has a rich diversity of people. Check out the cool Malay-style wooden houses that may remind you of the Caribbean or the Bugis traditional raised houses that are half dock to dry fish. A Chinese Buddhist temple is said to be one of the oldest in Indonesia, built by the survivors of an ancient Chinese trading vessel. Balinese transmigrants have a thriving community that carries on Bali's traditions and religion.

Top Travel Tips

At the islands

During the island hopping tour, do not waste the opportunity to enjoy the pristine blue sea! At the beach, climb its monolith stones to your best high. In the water, go for a swim or snorkel above its rich species of reefs and fishes. Further from the island(s), go fishing and you can often get a medium to large-sized fish.

Batu Malang Penyu At the waters between Lengkuas and Kepayang Island, it is a prime spot for both snorkeling and diving in Belitung, with colorful corals in between schools of fish. A nearby shipwreck is also worth visiting. It is one of the two places in the world where you can dive between granite rocks and the other is at Seychelles on the other side of the Indian Ocean.
Batu Mentas Conservation Center A conservation center at the foot of Mount Tajam. A few last meters to the entrance is still of soil but what awaits at its end will awe you. Go tubing along the river (like rafting but with individual buoys), see the endangered tarsius, stroll around the green forest or do the outbound activities. You can also swim at the shallow river with small fishes. It also houses a restaurant and a resort.

Shopping in Belitung

ATMs from foreign banks are yet to make their way into the island. if you wish to draw some money, get to the ATMs provided by BCA, BRI, or Bank Sumsel Babel, although the latter is highly unlikely to accept any foreign cards. There are no money exchanges as foreign visitors are still scarce and there are no international flights. Exchange all your foreign money into Rupiah at Jakarta before your departure.

The souvenir industry at Belitung is still at its infancy: There are only a handful of specialty shops at the island, while most still blend in with ordinary shops that local residents often visit. If you do find one, look for these items:

Tektite: Locally known as Batu Satam the stone is widely used for gems or jewelry. The rock was formed by asteroids falling on tin ground, resulting in its black color and smooth groove.
Crackers or Kerupuk: These are not Rice crackers. The main ingredient is seafood: a choice of fish, shrimp, or even squid.
Terasi: fresh shrimp paste, wrapped with woven leaves.
Fish floss: The unique feature compared to other areas' produce is its slight spiciness, thus it is locally called Sambal Lingkong. Perfect accompaniment with Rice.
Shells: No, you cannot take the shells direct from the beaches. But there are designers that display items that takes shell art to the next level.

Here are a few places to shop which is, as most other attractions, mostly located at Tanjung Pandan:

Barata The largest (and perhaps the only) mall in Belitung.
Galeri KUMKM Belitung Thit is the market where small designers sell their product to fame. The most complete collection of souvenirs and they have all of the above.

Locally produced bags, fashion and shell arts. If you buy the crackers in bulks and they have a special wrapping box for your convenience.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Belitung

Even if it is a small island, Belitung has its own local delicacy that will delight your palate during your vis

Gangan: A fish soup with Curries and pineapple. Perfect to soothe your throat and a zest source of energy
Otak-otak Ikan: fish cake, white and chewy, not fried. Usually packed in leaves, with chili Sauce as its condiment (bearable spiciness to GCC standards).
Mie Belitung: even Belitung has its own version of Noodles dish. It is Noodles with sweet gravy of spices and shrimp, topped with cucumbers, tofu, potatoes and dried shrimp. Compliment with gnetum gnemon crackers. In selected stalls and the dish is served on a big leaf to enhance the aroma.

Seafood is common; fish, shrimp and squid are the main dish at virtually every restaurant, including species you might have never heard of at other areas across the nation. The more premium ones will also serve crabs and oysters (sorry, no lobsters!). Vegetables can act as a substitute and most have at least one dish made mostly of this ingredient.

Most eating options consists of wooden or simple stalls with ample seating area and kitchen at its backdoor, which is by far the best option in terms of hygiene. When dining in open areas though, flies are a nuisance and will try to distract your quiet meal. The cost of a standard meal for a group of four is very low to Jakarta's standard. Typically it will cost you Rp 500,000, assuming Rice with three or four platters for communal consumption. Top up your meal with tea or orange juice not the typical orange, but the white glassy key lime.

Fega Restaurant A restaurant that has a view of the lake emptying into the sea. Have a taste of the fish head gangan, seafood, or a Snacks with your Coffee.
Dapur Sakato Where there are Padang (Minangkabau) people and there is always a restaurant of their cuisine. Does not have the typical prominent roof, but a more premium feel.
Mie Belitung Atep Since 1973, this stall has attracted numerous national celebrities to stop by, even the former president Megawati. Specialties are the Mie Belitung and the key lime juice. Cheap but you might need two to fill you up.
Mie Yamin Achoi If you want Meat, that is their main ingredient for their Noodles dish (bakmi), but they also have the Mie Belitung.
RM Diva Has seafood, but much more options if you are bored with it.
RM Mutiara Crowded, but has premium seafood options: crab, fish and squid. They have the gangan, choose between whole fish or fish head.
RM Belitong Tempo Duluk Also a typical restaurant with local food, but with a more premium and hygienic feel. Knick knacks and recipes from the old days of the island.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Belitung

Belitung - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Belitung, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Belitung. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Belitung and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Belitung. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Belitung. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Belitung: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Belitung.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Belitung: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Belitung, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Belitung.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Belitung, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Belitung, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Belitung and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Belitung, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Belitung, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Belitung without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Belitung is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Belitung.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Belitung is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Belitung, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Belitung Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Belitung

Ramadan 2025 in Belitung

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

As the number of visitors dramatically grow, hotels are sprouting all around the region. From the affordable to a presidential suite, you'll never run out of choice! Most hotel options are at Tanjung Pandan, as it is the typical starting point for tourists to explore what Belitung has to offer. Not all hotels appear on your typical booking sites though.

Bukit Berahu Decent cottages with shower, AC, TV and minibar. A bit worn down but OK for a night or two. Access to the cottages is a long walk down some steps to an isolated beach area. Nice and quiet but at night can be a bit eerie as it is so isolated and none of the staff sleeps at the office upstairs - you will be on your own! Maybe some concerns on safety. The office on top of the hill has a restaurant with sprawling views of the ocean, although opinions of the food there are mixed. If you do not wish to stay, you still can go down the beach, mingle at the swimming swimmingpool or grab a bite at its restaurant!
Central City Hotel It may look like a small hotel from the outside, but there is a huge pond with fountain in front of the rooms! No windows in your room and not sound-proof.
Kelayang Beach Cottages | Run by a Western-Indonesian couple and family. 8 bungalows with air-con and fan only. Very basic: a bed with mosquito net, a bathroom with an Asian-style squat toilet, a mandi (water tank) shower. Can be noisy due to traffic from the nearby road and the small fishermen's harbor by the cottages. The Mama Mia's restaurant can arrange island hopping tours or water sports. They serve alcohol!
Lux Melati Hotel Large hotel, basic rooms with air-con, TV and shower. Less than five minutes away on foot to Tanjung Pendam beach or the Tanjung Pandan town center.
Martani Hotel Subpar hotel in a central location. Room with simple breakfast. Family room has a home theater system!
Pondok Impian 2 Midway between downtown Tanjung Pandan and Tanjung Binga beach. Quaint exotic exterior, adequate facilities for a star hotel, superb view. Breakfast was on par with price. You cannot plunge into the beach directly from the hotel though.
Oasis Hotel Basic hotel at the east coast, close to the Burung Mandi Beach.
Tamara Hotel A simple hotel inland away from downtown Tanjung Pandan. Rooms only. Spacious room with minimum design and adequate amenities.

BW Suite Belitung The largest and one of the best places to stay in Belitung. If you want a high unobstructed view of the sunset, thit is where you'll find it. Western standard hotel service, large restaurant for a buffet, a swimming swimmingpool and bar overlooking the sunset.
Grand Pelangi Resort A lower profile hotel that overlooks the Western beach, but still close to Tanjung Pandan. Has a restaurant, karaoke room, swimming swimmingpool and you can hire a vehicle or motorcycle.
Grand Hatika Hotel Huge hotel facing Tanjung Pendam Beach. Adequate rooms, small swimmingpool and restaurant. WiFi at lobby only. Be aware of the loud live music at the beach every night!
Green Village Hotel Inland, away from downtown Tanjung Pandan, makes this hotel lucky enough to offer bungalows for its residence. Garden style hotel, with multiple swimming pools, a restaurant and some gazebos and an indoor karaoke room.
Guest Hotel Manggar If you are stuck, or decided to tuck yourself at the east coast, thit is the best lodging available. Limited number of rooms, but modern and fancy.
MaxOne Belstar Chic and modern designed hotel, at the suburbs of Tanjung Pandan. Has an in-house restaurant.

Arumdalu Private Resort A private 10-room resort at the south. Restaurant serving organic food, batik workshop, private swimmingpool at your room, your very own beach and garden, a pyramid wedding chapel by the beach to proclaim the vow. Perfect for a quiet honeymoon.
Bahamas | Comfortable open-air hotel with 78 rooms overlooking a nice beach. Very easy to coordinate trips from the hotel to locations around the island. Highly recommended.
Billiton Hotel & Klub A quiet sanctuary right at the center of bustling Tanjung Pandan. High end resort with a swimming swimmingpool and its own restaurant. Perfect for honeymooners, but a bit far from the famous beaches.
Kepayang Island Cottages The only piece of sanctuary of its kind outside the mainland. It has a choice of exotic safari tents, wooden bungalows, or modest cottages. All overlooks the sandy beach with only a number of rocks.
Lor-In Belitung | 20 air-conditioned cottages overlooking one of the island's best beaches. Has a swimming pool, a restaurant, typically resort-like. The bathrooms are outdoors (not communal though). The drawback is its remote location from other attractions.

Stay Safe

By and large, Belitung is low on crime and natural disasters. The only concern for you might be the weather. Torrential rains during the rainy season (October-March) can result in reduced visibility, road ponding and choppy sea travel. It is advisable not to travel during this period.

Electricity infrastructure has been developed following the dramatically increasing number of visitors. Blackouts can still happen though, but much spottier than it used to be and does not go long for hours.

Although primary streets are well-lit, some of the more minor roads are not very well lit and may pass through villages (Kampong or Desa) or rural areas where the local residents seem to take a very casual approach to road safety. Drive slow and watch out for erratically piloted motorbikes, pedestrians and livestock. Inside Tanjung Pandan and Manggar, watch out for errors in the road arrows - they may lead you into wrong lanes or into barricades.

Cope in Belitung

Masjid Al-Ikhram Jl. Kemuning, Tanjung Pandan GPS -2.7427,107.6264 One of the oldest masjids in the island.

News & References Belitung

Go Next

Bangka: the neighbor island to the West, Bangka boasts many white sand beaches and a few interesting Chinese temples.