Belitung is a hidden gem in the Indonesian archipelago, boasting stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and granite rock formations. This island is a perfect destination for those who love nature, culture, and adventure. In this article, you will find everything you need to know to plan and enjoy a trip to Belitung, from how to get there and around, to where to stay and eat, to what to do and see. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Belitung has something for everyone. Read on to discover how to experience Indonesia’s paradise island like a pro.
How to Get to Belitung
The easiest and fastest way to get to Belitung is by airplane. There are direct flights from Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur to Hanandjoeddin International Airport, which is located in the north of the island. The flight time is about an hour from Jakarta and two hours from Kuala Lumpur. You can also take a ferry from Jakarta or Pangkalpinang, the capital of Bangka Belitung province, but this will take much longer and may not be as comfortable. The ferry ride is about six hours from Jakarta and two hours from Pangkalpinang. You can book your flight or ferry tickets online or through a travel agent.
How to Get Around Belitung
Once you arrive in Belitung, you have several options to get around the island. The most convenient and flexible way is to rent a car or a motorcycle, which will allow you to explore the island at your own pace and visit the places that interest you the most. You can rent a car or a motorcycle from the airport or from various rental shops around the island. The rental cost is about 300,000 IDR ($21) per day for a car and 100,000 IDR ($7) per day for a motorcycle. You will need a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit to rent a vehicle. Another option is to use a taxi or a ride-hailing service, such as Grab or GoJek, which are widely available and affordable. You can also hire a driver or a guide, who can take you to the best spots and provide you with useful information and tips. You can find a driver or a guide through your hotel or a local tour operator.
Where to Stay in Belitung
Belitung offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from hotels and resorts, to homestays and camping. Depending on your budget, preference, and location, you can choose the one that suits you best. Here are some of the best and most popular places to stay in Belitung:

Arumdalu Private Resort: This is a luxury resort located in the south of the island, offering spacious and elegant villas with private pools, gardens, and ocean views. The resort also features a restaurant, a spa, a yoga studio, and a private beach. This is an ideal place for those who want to indulge in a serene and exclusive retreat. The price starts from 3,500,000 IDR ($245) per night.
Santika Premiere Beach Resort: This is a four-star resort located in the north of the island, offering cozy and comfortable rooms and suites with balconies, pools, and garden views. The resort also features a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, and a private beach. This is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy a relaxing and convenient stay. The price starts from 1,000,000 IDR ($70) per night.
Belitung Backpacker Hostel: This is a budget-friendly hostel located in the center of the island, offering dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The hostel also features a common area, a kitchen, a garden, and a bike rental service. This is an ideal place for those who want to meet other travelers and save money. The price starts from 100,000 IDR ($7) per night.
Tanjung Kelayang Beach Camp: This is a unique and adventurous option located in the northwest of the island, offering tents and hammocks with shared bathrooms, electricity, and water. The camp also features a restaurant, a bar, a bonfire, and a private beach. This is an ideal place for those who want to experience the nature and culture of Belitung. The price starts from 150,000 IDR ($10) per night.
What to Do and See in Belitung
Belitung is a paradise for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. There are so many things to do and see in Belitung, that you will never get bored or run out of options. Here are some of the best and most popular things to do and see in Belitung:

Island Hopping:
This is a must-do activity in Belitung, as the island is surrounded by more than 100 small islands, each with its own charm and beauty. You can take a boat tour and visit some of the most famous islands, such as Lengkuas Island, Kelayang Island, Burung Island, and Batu Berlayar Island. You can enjoy the stunning scenery, swim in the crystal-clear water, snorkel among the colorful coral reefs and fish, and climb the iconic lighthouse on Lengkuas Island. The boat tour costs about 500,000 IDR ($35) per person and lasts for about six hours.
Snorkeling:
This is another must-do activity in Belitung, as the island has some of the best snorkeling spots in Indonesia. You can snorkel in the shallow and calm water, and marvel at the rich and diverse marine life, such as turtles, dolphins, sharks, rays, and octopuses. You can also snorkel in the unique and fascinating underwater rock formations, such as the Rainbow Rocks and the Batu Garuda. You can rent snorkeling equipment from the boat tour operators or from the local shops. The snorkeling equipment rental costs about 50,000 IDR ($3.5) per person.
Visiting Lighthouse:
This is a must-see attraction in Belitung, as the island has one of the oldest and most beautiful lighthouses in Indonesia. The lighthouse is located on Lengkuas Island, and was built by the Dutch in 1882. The lighthouse is 50 meters high and has 12 floors, which you can climb to the top and enjoy the panoramic view of the island and the ocean. The lighthouse is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and the entrance fee is 5,000 IDR ($0.35) per person.
Exploring Cultural Heritage:
This is a must-experience activity in Belitung, as the island has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by the Malay, Chinese, Dutch, and British. You can explore the historical and cultural sites, such as the Kaolin Lake, the Tin Museum, the Andrea Hirata Museum, and the Vihara Dewi Kwan Im. You can learn about the history and stories of Belitung, from the tin mining era to the literary phenomenon of Laskar Pelangi. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable locals, and taste the delicious and authentic cuisine, such as the mie Belitung, the otak-otak, and the kopi kong djie.
What to Eat and Drink in Belitung
Belitung is a paradise for foodies, as the island has a variety of cuisine and beverages to offer, from local, Indonesian, Chinese, to Western. Depending on your appetite, preference, and budget, you can choose the one that suits you best. Here are some of the best and most popular things to eat and drink in Belitung:
Mie Belitung:
This is a signature dish of Belitung, and a must-try for anyone who visits the island. It is a noodle dish with a rich and spicy broth, topped with shrimp, fish cake, bean sprouts, cucumber, and fried shallots. It is usually served with crackers, lime, and chili sauce. You can find this dish in almost every restaurant and street stall in Belitung, but one of the most famous places to try it is Mie Atep, which has been serving it since 1966. The price is about 20,000 IDR ($1.4) per bowl.
Otak-otak:
This is a snack or appetizer made of fish paste wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. It has a soft and chewy texture, and a smoky and savory flavor. It is usually eaten with peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, or vinegar. You can find this snack in many places in Belitung, but one of the most famous places to try it is Otak-otak Eko, which has been serving it since 1978. The price is about 10,000 IDR ($0.7) per piece.
Kopi Kong Djie:
This is a coffee shop that has been operating since 1943, and is a landmark of Belitung. It serves traditional coffee made from local beans, roasted with butter and sugar, and brewed with a cloth filter. The coffee has a strong and aromatic flavor, and is best enjoyed with milk and sugar. You can also order some snacks, such as toast, cake, or fried banana, to accompany your coffee. The coffee shop is located in the center of the island, and is open from 6 am to 6 pm. The price is about 15,000 IDR ($1) per cup.
Other Tips and Tricks for Visiting Belitung
Before you pack your bags and head to Belitung, here are some other tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your trip:
1. The best time to visit Belitung is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear. Avoid visiting Belitung from November to March, when the weather is rainy and cloudy, and the sea is rough and murky.
2. The currency in Belitung is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), which you can exchange at the airport, banks, or money changers. You can also use your credit or debit card at some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash with you, especially for small transactions and tips.
3. The language in Belitung is Indonesian, which is the official and national language of Indonesia. Most people in Belitung can speak and understand some basic English, but it is always helpful and polite to learn some common phrases and words in Indonesian, such as hello (halo), thank you (terima kasih), and how much (berapa).
4. The culture in Belitung is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Dutch, and British influences, which is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Belitung is predominantly Muslim, so you should respect the local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. You should also avoid drinking alcohol in public and refrain from eating pork or other forbidden foods.
5. The safety in Belitung is generally good, as the island is peaceful and friendly. However, you should still be careful and vigilant, especially when traveling alone or at night. You should also avoid swimming or snorkeling alone, and always wear a life jacket and sunscreen. You should also be aware of the potential hazards, such as jellyfish, sea urchins, and sharp rocks.
6. The internet in Belitung is not very reliable or fast, as the island is still developing and remote. You can access the internet at some hotels, restaurants, and cafes, but you should not expect a high-speed or stable connection. You can also buy a local SIM card and use your mobile data, but you should check the coverage and the cost before you do so.
Belitung is a paradise island that offers a variety of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. Whether you want to relax on the white sand beaches, snorkel in the clear blue water, visit the historical and cultural sites, or taste the delicious and authentic cuisine, Belitung has it all. In this article, you have learned everything you need to know to plan and enjoy a trip to Belitung, from how to get there and around, to where to stay and eat, to what to do and see.
Now that you have all the information and tips, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Belitung today and experience Indonesia’s paradise island like a pro. If you have any questions, comments, or experiences to share, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy travels!