Purnama Hotel

Purnama Hotel is a small, low-key hotel in Gantung, the East Belitung town best known as the setting of Andrea Hirata's novel Laskar Pelangi. It occupies a traditional-style timber building with a lush garden, and its location in the heart of Lenggang village makes it the most convenient place to stay for the Laskar Pelangi trail.

Guests who like an authentic local stay praise its natural atmosphere and friendly staff; one reviewer was surprised by hotel-quality beds and thick towels at a price of around nine euros a night. Breakfast is not served, but staff can buy food for you or point you to local stalls on the corner. Some reviewers found staff hard to reach, so confirm your booking by phone before travelling.

You can walk to the Chinese temple, the traditional market for fresh fish, and the Museum Kata Andrea Hirata, Indonesia's first literary museum. The replica of SD Muhammadiyah, the school from the novel and film, is a short drive away, as is Kampong Reklamasi Selinsing. Manggar is about 20 minutes north-east, and Tanjung Pandan roughly 75 minutes west.