So you’re yearning for some Vitamin Sea but you don’t like the crowds (neither do we). So that means Phuket, Boracay or Bali are definitely off the list. So what’s a guy to do?
Enter Belitung.
“Buy barrel?!”
No really, it’s called Belitung.
Belitung is an island tucked away off the coast of Eastern Sumatera only known to the locals and a handful of foreign travellers. Its relative obscurity has allowed it to remain as one of the most pristine islands in Indonesia. The island only has a population of about 300,000 who are spread over 4,800 square kilometres, so you can be assured that you will not be disturbed by pesky humans when you are trying to get that perfect golden tan.
Apart from stretches of serene, untouched beaches, there’s plenty to discover in Belitung. So although you may be alone, you’ll never be bored. Here are our suggestions on what to do in Belitung:
1. Pretend to Be a Space Invader at Kaolin Lake
Only a 10-minute drive from the city centre, this was once a mining area but now it is a picturesque lake with water so blue, it looks like someone drops a Tesseract in it. Against its white sandy dunes, Kaolin Lake, or Danau Kaolin as it is known locally, looks like you’re in a Blade Runner set. How it became this way, no one knows but some mysteries are best left unsolved, amirite?
2. Embark on Island Adventures at Pulau Lengkuas
There are more than 100 islands surrounding Belitung but the one you should not miss is Pulau Lengkuas. For any self-respecting beach bum, coming here would be your true calling – lying down in the sand, basking in the afternoon with a David Sedaris in one hand and a mojito in the other…ahhhhh, pure bliss!
If you’re the more adventurous type then you could go island hopping to some of the smaller islands, swimming or snorkelling. Perhaps the most striking feature of this island is the Dutch-colonial lighthouse that was built way back in 1882. Take your adventure to greater heights by climbing right to the top of this 50-metre lighthouse for one of the best views in Belitung. You can even camp overnight on the beach. You’ll just need to get permission from the lighthouse guards.
3. Be a Beach Bum at Tanjung Kelayang
In Tanjung Kelayang, you’ll find an equally spectacular beach with powder-white sand and beautiful blue waters. But what makes this beach unique is the many boulders that are spread across the beach. There’s even a rock formation that is said to resemble the kelayang (house swallow). Now you know how this cape got its name. While beach bums can do their usual thing of doing nothing by the beach, adventure-seekers will have to contend with just swimming and snorkelling. Tough choice.
4. Help with Turtle and Coral Conservation at Kepayang Island
Not far from Lengkuas Island is Kepayang Island, which is also known as Pig Island. While kepayang is a type of local fruit, we can’t imagine how the island came to be known as Pig Island! Anyway, on the island, there’s a stretch known as Kepayang Beach that extends up to 300 metres. This sandy stretch has made the beach a popular spot for turtles to breed. Because of this, a turtle sanctuary was opened here to safeguard turtle eggs and then release the hatched turtles into the sea once they’re old enough. If touching baby reptiles is not your idea of fun, you can choose to plant corals in the island’s coral garden. Coming back after a few years to see how much your coral has grown would be amazing!
5. Rekindle Your Love for Words at Museum Kata Andrea Hirata
This museum is Indonesia’s first literary museum. It was established by renowned local writer Andrea Hirata who wrote the popular book Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops), which was set in Belitung. The book tells the story of 10 boys from some of the poorest families in Belitung who overcome all odds to succeed in life. The book was so popular that it was made into a movie in 2008. The museum houses the various editions of Laskar Pelangi, photographs of stills from the movie and various quotes by Hirata. There’s also a library within the vicinity filled with books from all over the world. The museum itself is colourfully painted with all the colours of the rainbow as well as quotes by Hirata so you can up your Instagram game as well.
6. Stuff Your Face with Mie Belitung
If you’re a foodie like yours truly, then you’ll definitely want to try Mie Belitung, the island’s most popular dish. This yummy dish is made up of yellow noodles and a delicious thick sweet broth. Hang on, that’s not all. The dish is then topped with generous amounts boiled potatoes, minced prawn rolls (yum!), fried shrimp (double yum!), shredded cucumber and crunchy bean sprouts. Some versions even have the addition of paddy oat crackers. How can you resist this plate of deliciousness?
7. Test Your Stamina at Batu Baginde
Batu Baginde is made up of two giant granite formations that are situated next to each other. It is said that one of the rock formations represents male energy while the other represents female energy. As such, this has been called a sacred place and many locals visit it to gain blessings. If you’re super fit, you can trek up to the summit. It’s a steep trek and you’ll first make to make your way through a dense jungle. Once you reach the base of the rocks, you can then co up the ropes and vertical stairs that are already there. Phew, that sounds exhausting! If you’re a beginner, it is a must for you to hire a local guide to take you up. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the lush vegetation down below. And of course, you’ll get bragging rights too!