Tanjung Kelayang & Tanjung Tinggi

The north-west coast is Belitung's postcard: Tanjung Tinggi, with its huge granite boulders piled on white sand, famous in Indonesia as the setting of the film Laskar Pelangi, and Tanjung Kelayang a few minutes along, where the island-hopping boats leave from the beach.

The water here is shallow, calm and clear, ideal for swimming and paddling between the rocks. This stretch has most of the island's beach resorts, from simple bungalows to larger hotels, along with seafood warungs and small cafés. Sunsets over the boulders are excellent.

The area was designated a Special Economic Zone for tourism, and new resorts are still opening, but it remains far quieter than any Bali beach. It is about forty minutes' drive from the airport.