Belitung is an island in the Bangka Belitung Islands province of Indonesia, lying off the eastern coast of Sumatra in Asia. It is known for its white sand beaches and its granite rock formations, which rise out of the shallow water along the shoreline and give many of its coves a sculpted, otherworldly look. The island is also called Pulau Belitung, and in older records it appears as Billiton.
Much of the island's character comes from its past as a tin mining centre. The mining history still shapes the landscape and the towns, and visitors interested in how the island developed will find that story woven into its everyday life. Belitung is also the setting of the novel The Rainbow Troops, which many readers connect with the island and its people.
What a visit offers
- Beaches: long stretches of white sand, quiet coves and clear coastal water.
- Rock formations: the granite boulders along the coast make a striking backdrop for walks and photography.
- Coastal scenery: slower-paced days spent by the sea rather than in busy resorts.
- Mining heritage: a chance to learn about the tin industry that shaped the island.
Belitung suits travellers who want a relaxed island stay built around the shoreline, with the landscape and literary connection as the main reasons to visit. Because the island's appeal rests on its beaches and natural setting, a trip works best when planned around the coast and the time to enjoy it.
