Expat Living’s Megan Hobson explores Tanjung Kelayang Reserve on Belitung Island, and discovers an untouched slice of paradise just an hour’s flight away! This Indonesian island near Singapore offers visitors the chance to explore a protected nature reserve and coral reef in crystalline waters. Plus find out what it’s like to stay in a villa on the beach or spacious suite inside the reserve at the new Sheraton resort in Indonesia.
Introducing Belitung Island
I stepped off the beach into a traditional Indonesian boat, ready to sail on the clearest water I’d ever seen. We passed uninhabited islands, slowing down to see coral reefs teeming with life. In front of us, turtles descended into the crystal blue ocean, and eagle rays with spotted backs soared gracefully past.
About the nature reserve
This natural paradise can be accessed from Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, an area on the north coast of Belitung Island. Belitung is around six times the size of Singapore, located east of Sumatra and surrounded by 470 smaller Indonesian islands. It’s also a UNESCO Global Geopark – one of 195 in the world. Just offshore from the nature reserve, the handful of tiny islands with ancient balancing boulders and interesting historical sites are arguably the jewel in its crown.
No wonder Belitung Island has been called the “Seychelles of Indonesia”! In the nature reserve, the sand is so white that it doesn’t even get hot in the sun. The water changes each day from glimmering to glassy and at night the sky is full of stars.
There’s a gentle vibe, too, not only in the calm ocean but in the aforementioned granite boulders that look almost soft from a distance. On a day with no waves, you can see the outline of the nearby islands. Sea eagles flying overhead and the region’s historical lighthouse is reflected on the water from miles away. This stunning nature is the true gift of Belitung. And one of the reasons why there is such a keen focus at Tanjung Kelayang Reserve on preserving the environment.
Magical Indonesian island hopping
Island exploration on a boat was a definite highlight of my visit to the nature Reserve. Here are four that we explored, all of them only a few hundred metres across, or smaller.
Lengkuas Island
Lengkuas has an 18-storey lighthouse built in 1883 by the Dutch that rises from a canopy of palms. It’s still operational today, and you can wander around this famed historical site at leisure.
Kelayang Private Island
At the end of a well-maintained jungle path on Kelayan, huge granite rocks lean on each other to create a sea cave. Wade through the shallow water illuminated by the sun and when you’ve finished exploring, head to the huts on the beach for food, drinks and delicious coconuts.
Kera Private Island
This is a secluded place for dinner on the beach – in fact, you’ll have the entire island to yourself. The table is set before you arrive and on the menu are fresh seafood dishes with wine. First, though, it’s impossible not to head into the water to snorkel with thousands of tiny fish. Afterwards, make your way to the top of another striking granite boulder to sip hot tea and watch birds fly home as the sun sinks below the ocean horizon.
Burung Private Island
For a unique experience, this private island in Indonesia offers the chance to learn about local sea turtle conservation. It’s an intimate encounter where you can meet local community members taking responsibility for saving sea turtles. You can even release a baby turtle into the ocean. Then, learn how to plant your own piece of coral and sign your name on the concrete frame. Afterwards, jump into the water later and watch your coral being gently placed in the conservation site. It’s an important initiative for Belitung’s marine ecosystem.
Stepping into a biologist’s world
The exploring doesn’t stop once you get back to the sandy shore of Tanjung Kelayang Reserve. What makes this region of Belitung different to other Indonesian islands and islands near Singapore is the protected forest that hosts a variety of spectacular plant and animal life.
There are loads of walks to choose from. We embarked on the Whistle Trail, guided by a resident biologist who is passionate about documenting and photographing the local flora and fauna. He has also discovered new species here, and will help you plant the endangered native tree species, Hopea Billitonensis.
Stepping into the forest, you’ll notice the cool temperature, a canopy filled with birdsong, and bright red and white tree trunks set against green foliage. You might also see colourful dragonflies and butterflies, ghost orchids, fluorescent mushrooms and perhaps even some tarsiers – the world’s smallest primate.
There is also a stingless bee farm where you can look inside a hive with dark amber pouches of honey. Using a plant stem straw, taste the sweet and spicy honey straight from the hive. You can buy a bottle before you go, too.
Snorkelling, swimming and exploring
Between the different islands there are plenty of places to jump into the water for a swim or snorkel. The diversity of fish and coral is incredible.
Back on Belitung, on the shore of the nature Reserve, there’s also the chance to snorkel, swim and paddle board. For a local experience, during our island hopping venture we stopped off at a fish-fed floating fish farm. We walked along the planks of wood (rather unsteadily!) to select a fish for dinner and buy it from the farmer.
Further afield, Belitung is home to more world-class sites to explore, befitting its status as a UNESCO Geopark. From cruising through mangroves to descending into an old tin mine with stunning sedimentary rock displays, there’s plenty to do on a day trip.
Stay at the Sheraton Belitung Resort in Indonesia
Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is reimagining environmental protection without the motivation of overused eco slogans. For example, a water catchment has been created that doesn’t bore from the earth yet has the capacity to support five resorts, despite only hosting one. This catchment is set to be entirely solar-run in the coming months. What’s more, a huge percentage of the land will remain as protected forest.
The construction of the Sheraton Belitung Resort in Indonesia has incorporated many local materials to reduce the environmental impact of importing products. The white Kaolin bricks are locally made, and granite stone for the paths is found above ground and locally cut. Fast-growing local woods are used throughout the resort, and driftwood for furnishings. The result is a beautifully textured design. Every material is imperfect but perfectly arranged, inspired by the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi.
Throughout your stay, the focus is on being enveloped in nature and luxury. You can choose from modern and spacious suites and secluded villas; the latter are particularly stunning and tucked away, with huge infinity plunge pools and direct access to the beach.
Fact File
Belitung is only a 50-minute direct flight from Singapore and Jakarta. The private island near Singapore is perfect for a long weekend getaway or short trip with the family in tow. From the airport, it’s a short 30-minute drive on good roads, past palm plantations and wild tropical forest, to get to this Sheraton resort in Indonesia. The tourism zone is hoping to showcase how local communities can prosper from tourism while working with the natural environment, not exploiting its riches for mining.
Find out more about Belitung island near Singapore here and book your stay at the Sheraton resort in Indonesia located in the reserve.
Enjoyed reading about Belitung and the surrounding Indonesian islands? Discover the best short breaks from Singapore and then check the rest of our Travel section for inspiration!
Can’t get away for a break? Here’s a list of great things to do in Singapore.
