Bali is, without a doubt, the Indonesian archipelago’s most popular tourist destination. According to the Bali Statistics Agency, the island welcomed nearly 5.7 million visitors in 2017 – over 40 percent of the entire country’s tourist numbers and a hell of a lot of people for an island with an area of less than 6,000 square kilometers.
The Indonesian government is acutely aware of Bali’s popularity and the major tourism dollars that come with such fame. In 2017, President Joko Widodo launched the ‘10 New Balis’ program – a development strategy aimed at replicating the tourism success of Bali in 10 lesser-known destinations across the country.
Among these spots: the island of Belitung, located a mere 80-minute flight from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. While almost 1,000 square kilometers smaller than Bali, Belitung offers an abundance of beautiful beaches, places for snorkeling, island-hopping charter boats, delicious food and unique shopping prospects – all without the crowds and blackout-drunk backpackers that Bali is often associated with.
1. Tanjung Kelayang Beach
Image by Matt Bossons/That’s
This phenomenal beach alone makes a visit to Belitung entirely worthwhile. Fine white sand, crystal clear water and humbling rock formations make Tanjung Kelayang among the nicest beaches we have visited in Southeast Asia. Better yet, for such a scenic spot, the beach was largely devoid of other tourists on our visit, and we essentially had the entire strip of seaside to ourselves.
So, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or just a relaxing beachside vacation, Tanjung Kelayang is well worth considering.
The beach is also a popular jumping-off point for island hopping excursions.
2. Pulau Lengkuas
Image by Matt Bossons/That’s
To visit coastal Southeast Asia and not go island hopping is the equivalent of traveling to Paris and failing to see the Eiffel Tower. In short, island hopping is a must. Luckily, Belitung is surrounded by a myriad of uninhabited and sparsely populated islands, and hiring a boat to visit them from Tanjung Kelayang is easy and affordable.
Image via the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism
Pulau Lengkuas is one of the more popular stops. Home to a lighthouse built in 1882, it features decent coral formations that make for a fun snorkeling excursion. The beaches on the island are pristine and visitors can also check out a small turtle sanctuary located next to the island’s sole snack-serving establishment.
3. Pulau Burung
Image via the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism
A short cruise away from Pulau Lengkuas, Pulau Burung is home to unique rock formations and picturesque white sand beaches. On our visit, we were able to spot several sea turtles while snorkeling.
Image via the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism
Other popular nearby stops include Pulau Pasir and the ‘Stone Islands.’
4. Peramun Hill
Image by Matt Bossons/That’s
This forested area plays host to the tarsius bancanus saltator, a super tiny species of primate that calls Belitung home. In addition to scoping out exotic wildlife, visitors to Peramun Hill can also enjoy hiking trails, caves and views from the top of the hill. The pathways are well maintained and people of all ages should find wandering the ecological area a relaxing experience.
5. Satam Stones
Image by Matt Bossons/That’s
While you won’t find the variety of touristy knick-knacks available in Bali, Belitung offers some unique shopping experiences for those on the hunt for cool keepsakes. Sure, you’ll still find the standard ‘I Visited Belitung’ T-shirts, but what we found most interesting was the abundance of jewelry made with satam stone, a jet-black rock found on the island.
Image via Wikimedia
While there are multiple theories as to the stone’s origin, the most commonly accepted notion is that the stones were formed millions of years ago during a meteor collision. Around the island you’ll find no shortage of vendors selling the stone in its raw form, as well as in rings, amulets and necklaces.
READ MORE: A Travel Blogger's Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Bali (Just in Time for Winter)
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[Cover mage via the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism]
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