Membalong & the South

The south and centre of Belitung see few visitors, which is exactly their appeal. The landscape is shaped by centuries of tin and kaolin mining: the bright turquoise kaolin lake near Air Raya is the island's most photographed former quarry, and old mine pits elsewhere have turned into lakes.

Down the south-west coast around Membalong there are quiet beaches, fishing villages and the Bukit Peramun forest trail, a community-run reserve where you can see the tiny tarsier. Inland, short walks lead to waterfalls and viewpoints.

You will need your own transport, and food options are mostly simple local warungs. It makes a good day loop from Tanjung Pandan.