Elevator pitch
Along the east coast of Sumatra, Indonesia sits Belitung Island, an unspoiled UNESCO Global Geopark archipelago. Its northern coastline is home to Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and 200 million year old granite formations.
What awaits is an untouched sanctuary. Spanning over 300 hectares, the reserve is diligently protected, allowing its lush forests and island ecosystems to breathe and regenerate at an unhurried pace, in time with the earth’s rhythms.
The stay
Upon arrival, I checked into Sheraton Belitung Resort. A serene resort overview greeted me at the lobby, the sloping wooden roof picturesquely framing the landscape. Despite the early flight, complimentary breakfast upon arrival certainly made for a seamless beginning of my stay.
With 123 rooms sprawled across 8.4 hectares, my Lagoon View Balcony room was nothing short of spacious. The patio opened up to the Sheraton’s exclusive kaolin lagoon and a semi-outdoor bathtub. The real luxury lies in the expansive bathroom, complete with double sinks and separate shower and toilet facilities that made getting ready (and unready) the best way to start the day.
A short walk or buggy ride down sits the Olympic-sized infinity pool, coconut trees lining each side. It opens up to the resort’s private beach, the Karimata Strait sea just a stone’s throw away. With direct access to the pool and beach, it’s the best of both worlds for guests.
The itinerary
The ocean is the limit when it comes to things to do around Tanjung Kelayang Reserve. For some discovery-filled adventure, the guided island-hopping tour is sure to satisfy any curious minds. Hop around Lengkuas, Kepayang and Batu Berlayar islands, where the latter hosts colossal rock formations to get lost amongst. Cool off with a snorkeling expedition, catching a glimpse of vibrant coral reefs and a clown fish or two. An eventful day like this will definitely stir up the appetite, to which afternoon tea at Tukong Island beckons. Take a short boat trip to one of the reserve’s many mini coasts, and indulge in a platter of pastries and local treats against the backdrop of cotton candy skies.
If you’re looking for a change in scenery, be immersed in local sights and scenes with a tour around the city. Right next door stands the Stingless Bee Honeyfarm, a small homegrown honeybee farm filled with bees that don’t bite. Hard at harvest work all day, the honey they produce has long been hailed as an ailment remedy by the locals. Stop by Sepiak Belitong for one-of-a-kind batik patterns unique to the island, and drop by Kopi Akke in the city centre for an earnest caffeine fix. At night, embark on a late night forest walk at Bukit Peramun for a chance to spot a rare, elusive primate. Run and conserved by a passionate community, the hill is home to the Tarsiers—a nocturnal animal with wide eyes that can only be found in Belitung. Time is of the essence here, as the Tarsiers can only be observed for 10 minutes before it disappears into the woods.
Just an hour’s flight away from Singapore, the wild, untouched oasis of Tanjung Kelayang Reserve makes for an effortless beach getaway. From splashing water sports to boat expeditions and a dip into regional culture and wildlife, it’s one of Indonesia’s hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Discover more about Tanjung Kelayang Reserve here.
