Pantai Tanjung Tinggi

Tanjung Tinggi sits on the north-west tip of Belitung, about 30 km from Tanjung Pandan, and is the beach most visitors picture when they think of the island. Huge rounded granite boulders, some the size of houses, frame a string of small coves with clear, shallow water. It became nationally known after scenes from the 2008 film Laskar Pelangi were shot here, and it is one of the best-known stops in the Belitung Geopark.

The water inside the coves is usually calm enough for a gentle swim, and you can scramble between the rocks to find quieter corners away from the main car park. Simple warungs near the entrance sell grilled fish, coconuts and drinks, and there are basic toilets and changing rooms.

Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon: the light on the rocks is better, the sand is cooler and the coach groups have thinned out. Weekends and Indonesian school holidays are busy. The beach is a short drive from Tanjung Kelayang, so it pairs naturally with an island-hopping day. Wear sandals with grip if you plan to climb the boulders, and bring your own shade at midday.