Bangka Island, Indonesia

I visited Bangka Island, which is part of Bangka Belitung Province of Indonesia in December 2010. It was a memorable trip. I fly for about 45 minutes by Garuda Indonesia airlines from Jakarta and arrived in 'Dipati Amir' airport, located in the city of Pangkalpinang. 

Although there are many four-star hotels in Pangkalpinang, I choose to spend most of my time in the city of Sungailiat which is famous with its beautiful beaches like Matras Beach, Parai Beach, Tanjung Pesona Beach, Rebu Beach and many others. Sungailiat is about 1 hour from Pangkalpinang by car. 

I stayed in one of the sea-facing cottage at  Parai Beach Hotel in Sungailiat. Most beaches on Bangka island are natural (not man-made) and the view are stunning. But some parts of the island are sadly ruined by tin mining activities conducted by some illegal and irresponsible parties. But, apart from that, There are many interesting places to visit and things to do on Bangka island.

Swimming in the sea gives you a different feeling from swimming in the pool. Sunbathing and beach sport are also enjoyable. Kids love building sand castle at the beach and swim in the sea, of course with proper gears and adult supervision. Beware though that beaches around Bangka island are steep, so stay with your kids at all time. Organized water sports activities like banana boating, jet skiing, etc are available near Parai Beach Hotel where I stayed in.

For nature lovers, there are many plants and vegetation to see and study, some (like 'Daun Kedubi'/Kedubi leaf) even believed to have curing power over certain illnesses.

 

Some friends choose to cycle around some parts of the island, accompanied by a reliable local guide. People in Bangka island lives a simple and humble life. Most people still lives in old houses, although new housing development and estate are starting to be noted. Most of the islanders work as fisherman, bird nest producer, plantation worker (pepper, coconut, palm oil, pineapple, etc) and tin miner. PT. Tambang Timah Tbk., a state-owned company involves in tin mining activities, have business operation in Bangka island.

Fishing is also one of the favorite activities on Bangka island, depending on the wind direction and sea conditions. I plan to board one of the many fishing boats to sea but unfortunately the sea condition is not suitable for going to the sea at that time.

I try eating local dishes, which is a must for visitors, especially if you like seafood. Steam crab 'Ketam Rajungan' - a type of local crab,  and 'Tahukok' - noodle with minced meat (mostly pork, but halal restaurant uses minced chicken meat), bean sprout, fish ball, tofu, vegetables) are some of the 'must-try' food on the list. I also try the locally made soy sauce which surprisingly taste good, not too salty with a uniquely sweet taste.

I visited monuments and historical sites around the island, like old temples, mosque, giant Budha statue, lighthouse, Mother Marry's Cave (Goa Maria) in Belinyu.

I see many tall buildings around the island that belongs to bird nest producer. Chinese people believe that consuming processed bird nest can radiate & improved skin texture. Processed bird nest are made into soup or dessert.

I also visited factory that make fish floss, fish crackers ('Kemplang') and food products that are made from seafood and local fruits (banana, pineapple, etc). Most of this factory are in Belinyu, about 1.5 hour from Sungailiat.


Before leaving the island, as most visitors do, I bought some souvenirs, mostly foods. Bangka is famous for its fish floss 'Sambelingkung' and baked fish crackers 'Kemplang' and baked fish ball 'Keretek'.