Pantai Burung Mandi

Pantai Burung Mandi is a long sandy beach on the east coast of Belitung, north of Manggar in the district of Damar. It is a fishing beach first and foremost: outrigger boats painted in blues, yellows and reds are pulled up on the sand, and you can watch fishermen preparing their nets and boats.

The water is shallow and calm in the dry season, and the sand is fine and pale, with a small island visible offshore. Simple warungs and stalls at the beach sell fresh seafood and drinks, and the area is busy with local families at weekends and holidays. It is a good place to see everyday life on the east coast, which receives fewer tourists than the north-west.

Burung Mandi is around 30 minutes from Manggar and about two hours from Tanjung Pandan. The Vihara Dewi Kwan Im temple sits on the hillside just inland, so visit both together. Mornings are best for activity on the beach and for softer light. Bring cash, as card payment is rare.