Escape from Budapest to Belitung - Indonesia's Unspoiled Paradise Island
- 6 Mar 2025 10:48 AM

Far from the bustling tourist trails, Belitung offers an unspoiled paradise where natural beauty and rich cultural heritage intertwine seamlessly.
The sand here is soft and as white as palm sugar, and some even say that the sand here is even whiter than that in Bali. Belitung is also surrounded by more than 100 small islands - almost all of them are decorated with white sand and granite rocks, and only a few are inhabited.
Perched gracefully directly on the shoreline, the Hotel Santika Premiere Beach Resort here serves as an ideal sanctuary for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Located on the island’s east coast, it's just a three-minute drive from one of its most beautiful beaches, Tanjung Tinggi.
This very well designed 128-room resort epitomises tranquility amidst the island's serene landscapes. Still, it affords rapid and convenient access to the main attractions, such as Tanjung Kelayang Beach - the jumping-off point for trips to Lengkuas Island with its historic lighthouse.
Enjoy a Stunning Coastal Retreat at this Premiere Beach Resort
The airport is a 45-minute drive away, and each room is thoughtfully arranged, offering modern amenities while reflecting the island's charm through local art and decor. Plus there is an amazing private villa if you feel like splashing out!
Top Tip: It's highly recommended to choose a room with panoramic ocean views, as they come complete with the sound of the gentle lull of waves as a soothing backdrop.
The resort's expansive grounds feature direct pristine beach access, an inviting swimming pool, and lush tropical gardens, creating an atmosphere of secluded luxury without breaking the budget.
Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site restaurant, which serves a delectable array of Indonesian and international cuisines, ensuring a delightful dining experience with views over the beach.
Exploring Nearby Attractions on Belitung
The Santika resort's well positioned strategic location offers easy access to Belitung's most celebrated costal attractions, with beach life and island hopping a key feature, for instance to Burung Garuda Island, Pasir Island, Batu Berlayar Island, Lengkuas Island.
As well as the following you can see the video below for more 'Must-Visit Attractions' in Belitung.
* Lengkuas Island: Famous for its historic lighthouse dating back to the 19th century, visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views. The surrounding waters are perfect for snorkeling, revealing vibrant marine life beneath the surface.
* Tanjung Kelayang Beach: A mere 15-minute drive from the resort, this beach is renowned for its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. It's also the launching point for island-hopping tours to nearby islets.
* Tanjung Tinggi Beach: Approximately 20 minutes away by car, this beach gained fame from the Indonesian film "Laskar Pelangi." Its unique granite boulders juxtaposed against clear waters make it a photographer's paradise.
Pesona Belitung Beach Festival
This is a vibrant celebration of the coastal arts and culture of Belitung Island. This event showcases a rich variety of traditional and modern art performances, supported by exhibitions of creative economy players, culinary products, and exciting competitions with a maritime theme.
The festival highlights the diverse arts and culture of the Belitung community, blending with the natural beauty and coastal traditions of the island.
The festival aims to promote traditional arts, local wisdom, creativity, and the ethnic and cultural diversity of Belitung, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors while boosting cultural awareness and economic growth in the region.
Culinary Delights and Dining Experiences in Belitung
Belitung's culinary scene is a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and fresh seafood, reflecting the island's rich maritime heritage.
Local dishes with crab are an excellent choice, but take care when ordering of you can't handle spicey dishes. Savor Lempah Kuning, a tangy and spicy fish soup that’s a culinary icon of the region.
Visitors can savor local specialties such as "Mie Belitung," a noodle dish enriched with a savory shrimp-based broth, and "Gangan," a distinctive yellow fish soup infused with a blend of local spices. For an authentic dining experience, consider visiting:
* Mie Belitung Atep: Located in Tanjung Pandan, this establishment is famed for its signature Mie Belitung, offering a taste of the island's culinary tradition.
* Rumah Makan Belitong Timpo Duluk: This restaurant not only serves traditional dishes but also immerses guests in the island's history with its vintage decor and artifacts.
Worth noting is that the chef at Santika's Premiere Beach Resort here has extensive international experience, and so if you choose to eat at the hotel you won't be disappointed.
The resort's menu includes a diverse range of dishes to satisfy every palate, from local favourites like Mie Belitung to vegetarian options and authentic snacks.
Local Shopping for Souvenirs from Belitung
While Belitung may not boast extensive shopping malls, it offers charming local markets and shops where visitors can find well-priced local souvenirs:
* Exploring markets in Tanjung Pandan provides an opportunity to purchase handcrafted items, local textiles, and traditional snacks, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the island's residents.
* For a great choice of souvenirs head to Pangkalpinang’s Pasar Pagi, where you’ll find beautifully crafted pandan weavings and traditional woven fabrics.
* Look out for the many random craft centers which showcase artisans at work, crafting items from local materials including Satam, which makes for a unique keepsake to delight your friends back in Budapest.
Satam is derived from the word Hitam, meaning Black. It's a kind of black rock that is considered sacred and powerful by the locals and can be bought in many forms of jewelry and other ornamental handicrafts.
Nightlife & Evening Activities on Belitung
To be fair, Belitung's nightlife is rather understated, reflecting its tranquil ambiance. Evenings are best spent enjoying the natural surroundings.
* Beachfront Relaxation: Many resorts, including the Hotel Santika Premiere Beach Resort, offer seating where guests can enjoy the sunset with a refreshing beverage in hand to unwind after a day of exploration.
* Local Cafes: Tanjung Pandan hosts several modest cafes where live music is sometimes performed, providing a the most lively atmosphere available on the island.
* Coffee Specialities: Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the distinct flavors of the island’s specialty brews while here!
Practical Travel Tips for Belitung
* Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from April to October, offers the most favorable weather for outdoor activities and beach excursions.
* Transportation: Renting a scooter or car is advisable for exploring the island at your own pace, as public transportation options are limited. Bicycles can also be borrowed from the Santika hotel for local rides.
* Local Etiquette: While the island is accustomed to tourists, dressing modestly, especially in villages and religious sites, is appreciated.
Getting There
The most convenient way is by flying over from Jakarta, as there are no longer direct flights from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore - but there is hope they may return.
All flights from Jakarta to Belitung depart from Soekarno-Hatta Airport, and the flight takes about 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take the Sea route by PELNI passenger ship from the Tanjung Priok harbor, in Jakarta.
Keep in mind that this ship only serves travel to Belitung once every 2 weeks, and the journey will take about 24 hours.
From the Provincial capital, Pangkalpinang, you can get to Belitung Island by taking the daily Bahari speed boats that will take 4 hours. This is by far the most convenient means of Sea transportation and comes complete with air conditioner.
Embracing the Natural Beauty and Warmth of Belitung
To fully immerse in the essence of Belitung, it's worth considering fishing with locals. Experience the traditional fishing methods by joining local fishermen on their boats, gaining insight into their daily livelihoods.
Overall, Belitung Island stands as a testament to Indonesia's diverse and unspoiled landscapes. Its serene beaches, rich cultural experiences, and the genuine warmth of its inhabitants make it a destination worth escaping to from Hungary.
Whether you're lounging on the soft sands, savoring local delicacies, or engaging with the community, Belitung offers a harmonious blend of relaxation and discovery in an unspoiled natural environment.
It’s said to be an incredibly safe place to visit, as for instance most locals have employment and accordingly crime is very low.
The island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty ensures that visitors can enjoy an authentic and enriching experience, leaving with memories of both the stunning environment and the heartfelt hospitality of its people.
Click here to virtually visit Hotel Santika Premiere Beach Resort Belitung.
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