Tanjung Kelayang Reserve on Belitung Island is an untapped destination waiting to be discovered. Here’s our guide to your next weekend getaway.
Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is a 350-hectare Unesco Global Geopark located on Belitung Island’s northwestern shores, famous for pristine beaches, striking granite rock formations, and vibrant marine life. Time moves at a glacial pace here; it’s paradise for eco-conscious travellers and anyone who needs a short getaway from Singapore.
Whether you’re snorkelling among tropical fish, hiking scenic trails, or lounging in an eco-lodge, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve offers a little something for everyone. I visited recently – sipping honey directly from the hive is a core memory now! – and here’s everything you need to know.
Tanjung Kelayang Reserve on Belitung Island: Details at a glance
Best for: Beach and nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those seeking a quiet weekend getaway
Highlights: White sandy beaches, granite boulders, snorkelling, hiking trails, wildlife
Best time to visit: June to August for sunny days and calm seas
Insider tips: Wear reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent, and plan early for sunrise or sunset views
Address: Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, Tanjung Binga, Sijuk, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands 33414, Indonesia
How to get there
There are no direct flights at the moment (the government is in discussions with Scoot to accelerate this; I hear it might come to fruition next year). Fly to Jakarta (via your preferred airline) before taking a 60-minute domestic flight (Citilink, Lion Air, or Sriwijaya) to Belitung’s HAS Hanandjoeddin Airport. From there, hop on a Grab car or a car rental (with driver) available at the airport. Alternatively, you can arrange with the hotel you’re staying at for a shuttle pick-up. The drive takes about 45 minutes.
Overall, I’d say the experience was a breeze, even though you’re essentially spending almost half the day travelling. On the bright side? You can consider spending a day or two in Jakarta before or after your trip to Tanjung Kelayang Reserve and Belitung Island.
Things to do in Tanjung Kelayang Reserve
Taking advantage of its vast natural surroundings, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve has curated a laundry list of activities as part of its BlueMind Experience. The initiative, inspired by the science of how water positively impacts mental health, is part of the reserve’s mission to blend wellness and conservation. Eco-tourism, but make it chic. (All activity prices listed are in SGD.)
1. Take on the Whistle Trail
If you do only one thing here, make it the Whistle Trail ($52 for four). This guided trek is named after the local whistle bird. Along the way, you’ll spot flora and fauna like Pelepak trees (critically endangered and unique to Belitung), termite nests (trypophobia alert), and even pangolins keeping ants in check.
Pro tip: Wear a good pair of shoes (mud alert after rain), long sleeves (mosquitoes exist), carry water, and start early to catch wildlife at its peak.
The trail also stops at the water treatment plant, showing how rainwater is collected and recycled – a peek at eco-tourism in action. It ends at the honey farm, where stingless bees and community beekeepers make small batches of antioxidant-rich honey. P.S. Don’t freak out when the bees float around! They’re harmless, unless you radiate chaos energy. The best part? Dipping a straw straight into the honeycomb to sample flavours from floral and syrupy to tangy and umami.
Given my penchant for sweet stuff, the saccharine honey gets my top vote. If you like manuka honey, the umami one will be your favourite.
2. Enjoy an evening at Peramun Hill
Swap the trail for a sunset climb at Peramun Hill ($200 for four). The trek is manageable if you’ve done moderately steep trails – it’s easier compared to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve! However, mossy patches can be slippery, so hang onto the railing like your life depends on it. The hike took 30 minutes, and even though I was panting throughout, I felt a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.
At the top, the golden-hour sky paints shades of orange and pink over Belitung’s granite-studded coastline. Perfect for your “main character at sunset” shot – but snap fast, the sun vanishes before you know it. I recommend the Gen Z 0.5 wide-angle selfie so you can get photos of yourself with the setting sun in the background.
The magic continues when you return to base. As night falls, guides help spot tarsiers – tiny, wide-eyed primates that look like they belong in a Pixar flick. They’re nocturnal, shy, and critically endangered, so seeing one feels like winning the wildlife lottery. Tip: keep your voice low and camera flashes off (tarsiurs are sensitive to light), and let your guide do the whisper-level spotting. Oh, and watch out for giant ants. Those nasty buggers are not the typical ones you see in Singapore!
Peramun Hill isn’t just a sunset spot; it’s part of Belitung’s conservation push. Local communities lead tours and protect the fragile habitat, so visiting means you’re supporting eco-tourism and species preservation.
3. Island hopping and snorkelling
Belitung is often hailed as the Seychelles or Maldives of Indonesia, but the island doesn’t need those comparisons. Picture serene waters in various shades of turquoise and amazing granite landscapes along the ocean that are straight out of a postcard.
As part of Tanjung Kelayang Reserve’s BlueMind Experience, you can book the Private Island Moment ($295 for four). Tour nearby islets like Batu Garuda and Pulau Batu Berlayar, lounge on sand that feels like your own private paradise, and snorkel in vibrant reefs. Splash, float, or just stare at the crystal waters – this is Belitung at its most unfiltered. Be sure to slap on sunscreen!
4. Tuck into tea and snacks at Tukong Island
There’s nothing better than chill island vibes paired with snacks and the sea breeze. Tukong Island sets the scene with an intimate afternoon tea ($250 for four) featuring local delights like klepon (Belitung’s version of ondeh-ondeh) and dadar gulung (green crepes with sweet coconut filling), plus dainty sandwiches, tarts, and the obligatory tea or coffee.
I gasped when I saw the setup. It’s straight out of a travel magazine! If you’ve been thinking of proposing, this spot won’t disappoint. Sip tea, bite into coconut-y goodness, and soak in views of Belitung’s turquoise waters and dramatic granite boulders. I spent my time winding down, chatting with my travel companions, and mentally filing this experience under “can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Other activities you can experience:
- Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking
- Open water swimming
- Sunset and dinner cruises
- Fish your own catch (morning or afternoon)
- Belitung Unesco Geopark tour (half or full day)
The BlueMind Experiences I participated in were my time to touch grass. Being in Belitung’s gorgeous environments helped with my spiritual rest. Witnessing the sunset and catching a glimpse of a tarsier were priceless moments that have become part of my core memory. My favourite activity? The picnic at Tukong Island. If only I could experience it again for the first time…
Where to stay in Tanjung Kelayang Reserve
Sheraton Belitung Resort is a five-star beachfront beauty with rooms and suites overlooking the sea, lagoon, or lush gardens. Bathtubs are outdoors (privacy screens available if you’re shy), and the restaurants? Totally unforgettable – yes, that includes the Indomie station at breakfast.
Not planning to budge from the hotel? Perfect. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the private beach, floating in the infinity pool, breaking a sweat at the fitness centre, or indulging in a Shine Spa treatment. I tried the 60-minute Shine Massage and left ready to conquer the world… or at least the next activity.
If you prefer a more intimate stay, Billiton Ekobeach Retreat is your slice of private-island heaven. With just four seaside villas, it feels like the island is yours alone. Wake up to waves, stargaze from your villa, and have the time of your life.
Whether you’re trekking, island-hopping, or just sipping tea while staring at impossibly turquoise waters, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve on Belitung Island proves that paradise isn’t a fantasy – it’s a flight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Tanjung Kelayang Reserve?
Tanjung Kelayang Reserve (TKR) is a Unesco Global Geopark known for its exceptional natural heritage. It's a vast sanctuary balancing pristine beaches and unique 200 million-year-old granite rock formations with a strong commitment to sustainable eco-tourism and community-led conservation.
How do I get to Belitung Island from Singapore?
The most common route is via a short connecting flight through Jakarta (CGK) to H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport (TJQ) in Tanjung Pandan. From TJQ, the reserve is approximately a 35 to 45 minute drive. (Note: Direct flights from Singapore are in the works, so check the latest airline schedules.)
What are the must-do activities at the reserve?
Visitors can experience island-hopping to the nearby archipelago (including spotting the famous Batu Garuda rock formation), snorkelling over untouched coral reefs, and taking a guided Whistle Trail hike to spot rare local wildlife like the elusive Billiton tarsier (one of the world's smallest primates).
What should I be aware of before visiting?
Firstly, pack strong mosquito and sandfly repellent, as these pests are common around the pristine beaches and wetland creeks. Secondly, be mindful of the local schedule. Belitung operates on a slower pace with limited airline traffic, so reconfirming your departure flights 24 hours in advance is highly advisable to avoid unexpected delays. Lastly, remember to carry Indonesian rupiah (IDR) for local purchases and smaller transactions.
