The Bangka Belitung Islands is an Indonesian province made up of two main islands lying off the east coast of Sumatra, in Southeast Asia. It is a destination for travellers who want a quieter corner of the archipelago, with coastlines that look and feel quite different from much of the country.
What the islands are known for
- Tin mining: The islands have a long history of tin extraction, and this industry has shaped their towns and landscape.
- Beaches: The shoreline is among the province's main draws, offering a relaxed pace for a beach visit.
- Granite rock formations: Distinctive granite boulders rise out of the sand and sea along the coast. They give the beaches their character and are the feature most visitors come to see.
What a visit is like
A trip here suits a slower kind of holiday. Much of the time can be spent on the beaches, walking among the granite formations and watching the light change over the water. Because the islands sit off Sumatra rather than among the more visited islands to the west, they tend to feel less crowded and more low-key.
Travellers who enjoy seeing how a place has been shaped by its industry will also find the tin-mining heritage of interest, as it is woven into the life and history of the islands.
The province is part of Indonesia, so the wider country's food, language and customs are part of the experience. Visitors thinking of going should plan their journey with the islands' position in mind, as they are reached by sea or air from the mainland and are best approached as a destination in their own right.
