"Yeah I was born here. In this very island!" Bangka Belitung Islands Province by edachsund

Bangka Belitung Islands Province Travel Guide: 46 reviews and 91 photos

tin mining area - Bangka Belitung Islands Province

Belitung is an Island in South East Asia a part of Nusantara archipelago. Belitung rules by Indonesia since 1950 and became a district of South Sumatera province. Effective November 21st, 2000 Belitung together with Bangka Island has been approved to became the 31st province of Indonesia separated from South Sumatera. The new province called Kepulauan Bangka Belitung province. Belitung is placed at 107o 35' - 108o 18' Latitude and 2o 30' - 3o 15' Longitude.

History

As a part of Nusantara archipelago, Belitung was a part of Sriwijaya kingdom in 7th century and a part of Majapahit kingdom in 10th century. The latest rules before occupied by European, the island is a part of Palembang sultanate. There was small sultanate in this island, which is Balok sultanate in South and Sijuk sultanate in North. But the documents about these 2 sultanates are very minimum. In 1812 British ceded Belitung but The British recognized Dutch claims to Belitung in 1824. During Dutch occupation the tin mining industry was began. Most of residence worked in tin mining industry and some of the workers emigrated from China. The mining industry is still continuing until now. In 1950 Belitung became a part of Indonesia and became one among 8 district in South Sumatera province with Palembang as capital.

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Visit Belitung Island

Until now Belitung has not been a tourist destination in comparison with, for example, Bali where tourism has been common for many years. There are no luxury hotels; tourist targeted shopping and entertainment facilities. Belitung has stayed natural and un spoilt. Coming here is a bit of an adventure where the tourist has to be more self- sufficient and adaptable. This island is not a copy of Bali, Lombok or Batam; it is special and is an experience worth enjoying. Visitors have to come prepared, bring things like swimwear, diving equipment, medicines, cosmetics, sunglasses and sun cream. Foreign tourists should also note that there are no duty free facilities on the island and should, therefore, anticipate any requirements. On the whole the people of Belitung are very friendly and willing to help, with no doubt. Because the island is relatively isolated they are always pleased to meet visitors, especially foreigners. It is important to remember that not many people speak English at the moment but this is changing as English is taught as a second language in schools.

Tanjung Pandan

The capital is Tanjung Pandan about 45 minute flight from Jakarta. Once a week there is a direct flight from Palembang to Buluh Tumbang airport of Tanjung Pandan. Ferry connects Pangkal Pinang in Bangka island and Tanjung Pandan Belitung daily 4 hours of sailing by Express Bahari Speed Boat. The topography consists of lowland and some small areas of swamp while in the middle part there is highland in groups of 150 - 200 meters above the sea level. Like Bangka, Belitung is also called a tin island. It is the second biggest tin producer in Indonesia

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Manggar

Manggar is the 2nd largest town in Belitung. It's placed in Eastern coast about 90 km from Tanjungpandan. Manggar is also a sub district with 37.845 Ha area, 12 villages and 27 small islands along Manggar sub district beach. The main economy activity in Manggar was tin mining. Manggar was the center of tin mining activity in Belitung starting from 19th century pioneered by Dutch people. There was western standard residential area in a hilly beach in Eastern of town. This place calls as Gunung Samak. There are hundreds of houses along the hill facing the beach. Until middle 1980s the tin mining activity is still running, taken over by Indonesian people under PT TIMAH a state owned tin mining company. Gunung Samak is still an exclusive place at this time, even more pleasure with Golf Court facility in the beach close to Gunung Samak. Now Gunung Samak has no longer exist staring middle 1980s when PT TIMAH ending their tin mining exploitation in Manggar after up to 100 years in operation. Manggar is not only about tin, people live as normal and there is always economy activity that makes the town life. There are many nice places that can be visited like:
Serdang beach, Burung Mandi beach, Malang Lepau beach, Pengepangan beach, Tirta Surya natural swimming pool, Payak Lake, Kwan In Chinese temple

For more info about this Island please visit http://www.belitungisland.com/www.belitungisland.com/php/gallery/photo_gallery.php

Pros and Cons

Pros:another miracles places for me.
Cons:fully undevelop....

Intro Updated Jun 18, 2005
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Reviews (11)

'BIS' - Bangka Belitung Islands Province

'BIS' Transportation (2)

To get around in a different area such as in east coast, I have to take bus. Local people called it 'bis'. Taking this... more travel advice

woman at work! - Bangka Belitung Islands Province

woman at work! Things to Do (4)

Concentrating putting all the dried fish in order. They will let it dry under the hot sun before packing up for... more travel advice

Human credibility - Bangka Belitung Islands Province

Human credibility Things to Do (4)

If you lucky enough, you will get to see man climbing up coconut tree just for drinking the coconut. Usually in Asia,... more travel advice

"DAYANG" - Bangka Belitung Islands Province

"DAYANG" Favorites (2)

Ahah! Those teen age girls are better known called as "Dayang". That only for unmarried girl. Those very friendly and... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
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Comments (13)

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iniNie Dec 22, 2008 at 7:30 AM

hai emie... saya ada rencana ke belitung nih, bisa tolong share info penginapan bagus tp murah jg rental mobil di sana kalo bisa. ^_^
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egonwegh Jan 29, 2007 at 11:37 PM

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ukirsari Nov 9, 2006 at 12:21 AM

hi emie .. hahahah, next time is your turn lah, don't worry! i want to visit belitung island this year :D
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liuguoxing Oct 7, 2006 at 8:40 PM

thank you for taking so nice photo for me.your article about Belitung I like it very much.where are you ?I wanna make friend with you .really my Email : liuguoxing84617170@163.com
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DidiBeachBum Oct 4, 2005 at 10:52 PM

memang rencananya saya ingin ke Bangka Belitung nih.. Photo sunsetnya keren banget! (really cool) Selamat Puasa juga
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hunwagner Oct 29, 2004 at 10:43 AM

Bangka Belitung adalah propinsi terakhir di Indonesia yg saya belum pernah berkunjung. I really should go one day...
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chodearm Sep 13, 2004 at 8:47 AM

The photo with the bridges and ladies has moved into my favorite VT photo position.
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catalysta Aug 8, 2004 at 2:54 PM

Wonderful photos, Emie! looks quite luscious...cat
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btex Oct 16, 2003 at 2:43 PM

nice photos. it would be interesting to watch them build boats. I would try to climb a tree for a coconut. :)
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biawak Sep 17, 2003 at 7:12 PM

Hi Emie! Nice photos! Belitung was nice! I will definitely go back there.