Getting to Belitung
A short, direct flight from Jakarta puts one of Indonesia's least-crowded island escapes within easy reach
Belitung remains largely a domestic-tourist secret internationally, helped by the fact that it's genuinely easy to reach — a direct flight from Jakarta rather than the multi-leg journeys required for more remote parts of Indonesia — which makes the island's relative obscurity outside Indonesia somewhat surprising.
Quick facts
Flying in
H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport (TJQ), near the main town of Tanjung Pandan, has direct flights from Jakarta (roughly 1 hour) — the most straightforward way in, with no boat or long overland leg required unlike many of Indonesia's more remote island destinations.
Getting around once there
Tanjung Pandan is the main hub for accommodation and onward transport — rented cars or motorbikes are the practical way to reach Tanjung Tinggi, Tanjung Kelayang and other beaches spread around the island's coastline, since public transport options are limited.
When to visit
The dry season (roughly March–October) gives the calmest seas for island-hopping boat trips and the most reliable weather — wet season crossings to the outer islands can be choppier and occasionally cancelled.
Practical tips
- —This is one of the easiest 'hidden gem' destinations in Indonesia to actually reach — a direct 1-hour flight from Jakarta, no complicated logistics.
- —Rent a car or motorbike in Tanjung Pandan for flexibility — public transport around the island is limited.
- —Book island-hopping boats a day ahead through your accommodation rather than assuming you can arrange one on arrival at the beach.
- —Dry season (March–October) is the more reliable window for boat trips to the outer islands.
