3.08.2015
BANGKA & BELITUNG ISLAND
Bangka-Belitung is one of Indonesia provinces. It includes two large islands, Bangka and Belitung, and several smaller ones, which lie east of Sumatra, northeast of South Sumatra province. Bangka Belitung (BABEL) Islands province is the 31st Province in Indonesia, one of the newest provinces. Bangka Belitung get it’s approved as a new province in 2001 separated with south Sumatra. That acknowledgement is because of the people struggle. The region that was a great tin mines, now already to reach the new phase in its life. It provisioned with the beautiful of nature, and the uniquely of culture, Bangka Belitung step to the better future.
Supported by the “Serumpun Sabalai” spirit and abundant natural resources, it has been expecting a greater role to speed up the island region's development, namely Bangka regency, Belitung regency and Pangkal Pinang city through cooperation development. That potency of culture and tourism is also supported by its strategic location that can connect with other interesting area. The sea transportation that become the most accessibility in Bangka Belitung Island, is support its economics activities among the Islands.
The richness of Bangka Belitung Island of nature and tin mines until its maritime rich, make Bangka Belitung a magnet for the new comers to get a better life. A Balinese countryside is found in this Island named Giri Jati village, complete with all of Bali culture that remembering us to Bali Island. Beside Bali tribe, we also can found Bugis tribe that adds the various cultures in Bangka Balitung Island. This Bugis tribe can be found in the fishermen village at Tanjung Binga. Otherwise, the original tribe, Melayu culture has strong influence in the traditional ceremony and religious ceremony. One of the ceremonies is Rebo Kasan Ceremony that done by Air Anyer village people. It is believed that one day of a year, the God give His 320,000 angels in the world. The people must together to pray. This ceremony was held in the beach, but now on, it held in the mosque then continued to the beach. Formerly, this ceremony become the people party with its star party is ‘Dambus’ art.
Geographically
Bangka Belitung province is located between 104°50' - 109°30' East Longitude and 0°50' - 4°10' South Latitude, with its total area of 81,724.54 km.
Administrativelly
Administrativelly, Bangka Belitung comprises of 2 regencies and 1 city, namely Bangka regency, Belitung regency and Pangkal Pinang City, of which, the biggest regency's area is Bangka regency with 11,534.14 km area, and the smallest is Pangkal Pinang City, with 89.40 km area.
Climate
There are two seasons that are suitable for sailing to these islands: February-March and October-November, when the wind and the waves are low. The heaviest rainfall is around 2,500 mm per annum with its average temperature between 25°C - 26°C.
Population
In 2001, Babel's population was 920,729 consisted of 462,640 men and 458,089 women. The biggest population among the regencies was Bangka regency, 583,841 people, while the most density population was Pangkalpinang City, with its 1,396 people/km. In 2001, the growth of population reached 1.49 % per annum averagely. Labor. In 2000, its labor force recorded as many as 100,825 people.
GENERAL CONDITION OF BANGKA ISLAND
Bangka Island is one of the island belong to Bangka-Belitung Province. The name Bangka is derived from the word ''Wangka'' which means ''tin''. This word was also written in Sriwijaya inscription dated 686 AD and discovered near Kota Kapur in West Bangka. Bangka lies east of Sumatra. Pangkal Pinang is the largest town and the capital of Bangka Belitung, and Sungailiat is the second large city in Bangka Island. One village, called Kampung Kim Hin, lies to the south of Sungailiat, this village is known for a type of alcohol called arak, which is produced from fermented rice. While, Muntok is the principal port.
From Jakarta it is one hour by plane. It has beautiful beaches. Boat service from Palembang to Muntok or Pangkal Pinang is adequate and should not take more than an overnight voyage.
This Island population is approximately 600 thousand people; consist of different ethnic groups, which come from all part of Indonesia. There are a large number of Chinese in habitants especially in the north around Belinyu. Accountings for 30% of Bangka population, 66% of Bangka people still depend of farming, other descendants of the tin mining company worker, fishing and other activities. Bangka has its own unique crafts witch are made of Bahar root (a kind of seaweed), craftsmen make it into various kinds of souvenirs such as rings, bracelets, cigarette pipes, etc. There are also handicrafts made of tin or pewter.
The best product from Bangka Island is "BANKATIN", which has a worldwide reputation amongst tin consumers as standard tin or grade "A" tin. The other important products of the island are rubber and pepper. During the Dutch occupation in Indonesia, the Muntok white Pepper became very famous and continues to be one of the best export commodities of Indonesia.
Sepintu Sedulang dance performed to welcome distinguished guests, the dance describes the open-hearted character of Bangkanese people, it is also performed during festivals occasions, other dance is Lion dance, it is performed to chase away evil spirits, some dancers being under a magicians influence go into a trance.
Geographically
The province is surrounded by South China Sea, Bangka straights and Java Sea. Bangka lies just east of Sumatra, separated by Bangka Strait. The marine environment around these islands is colorful. Bangka Island, which is situated at the Southern of the China Sea, it's between Sumatra and Borneo Island. The land area is about 11,6 thousands square Km, stretching 180 km from Northwest to Southeast, the island has various highlands that are mostly located in the middle of the island and many rivers follow diverse of the open sea. There are many beautiful beaches located in the Northwest of Bangka Island. This Island is bordered by:
North Side: Natuna Sea
East side: Natuna Sea
South side: Pangkalpinang town and Bangka Tengah Regency
West side:Bangka Barat Regency, Bangka Strait and Kelabat Bay
North Side: Natuna Sea
East side: Natuna Sea
South side: Pangkalpinang town and Bangka Tengah Regency
West side:Bangka Barat Regency, Bangka Strait and Kelabat Bay
Demographics
The majority of the inhabitants are Malay Indonesians and Chinese mostly Hakkas. The population is split between those who work the pepper farms and those who work on the tin mines.
Temperature
The average temperature on the island is 26 degree C and has an average rainfall of 179.3 mm per month; the rainy season is between October to March. The average humidity is approximately 80 %.
GENERAL CONDITION OF BELITUNG ISLAND
Belitung is an Island in South East Asia, a part of Nation archipelago. Belitung is ruled by Indonesia since 1950 and became a district of South Sumatra province. On November 21st, 2000, Belitung and Bangka Island has been approved to become the 31st province of Indonesia separated from South Sumatra. This new province is called ‘Kepulauan Bangka Belitung’ province. This Island is placed at 107o 35' - 108o 18' Latitude and 2o 30' - 3o 15' Longitude.
The length of the diameter from East to West is about 79 km and North to South about 77 km. The total land is 480.060 hectares with 189 small islands surround Belitung. Some of them are quite big with a couple of villages. They are Mendanau Island, Seliu Island, Nadu Island and Batu Dinding Island. Most of Belitung population is come of Melayu ethnic and most of them are Moslem. There are some other ethnics likes Chinese, Javanese, Balinese and some people from Sumatra like Palembang, Minang and Batak. Belitung regency consists of 9 districts and 69 villages. The capital of Belitung is Tanjungpandan, which stay at North West of this Island. The other large towns are Manggar, Gantung, Kelapa Kampit and Sijuk. The main resources, which also become the main product of Belitung Island, are tin mining, kaolin, quartz sands, and granite rock. The plantation are mainly palm oil, pepper, coconut, coffee, natural rubber, and vegetable.
If seen from its tourism sector, Belitung is an island with beautiful beaches, the unique landscape with its purely white sand, and the crystal clear seawater. Belitung is also popular with its granite boulder white stones beach in Tanjung Tinggi, Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Binga dan Lengkuas Island. This beautiful nature is also accompanied by hundreds of small islands, which add the beautiful tourism area in Belitung Island. Belitung Island is one of the best and unique beaches own in Indonesia.
Geographically
North coast of the island is South China Sea, Java Sea on the South coast, Kari Mata strait on the East close to Borneo Island and Gaspar strait on the West close to Bangka island. The land is about 4833 square km, 89 km long (East to West) and 69 km wide (North to South) with diversified terrain, hilly areas and extensive tracks of marshland. The climate is tropical, temperature around 27 - 31 C degree during the day and 23 - 25 C degree during the night. There only 2 season a year, rainy season (120mm) from October to April and hot season during April to October. The highest land is Tajam Mountain, only 500m above the sea. The others are just a hill likes Burung Mandi, Kubing, Kik Karak, Peramun, Selumar, Guda, ect.
The land surface is originally tropical forest, but since the development palm oil industry in 1992 more than 40% of the surface are palm oil plantation.
Bangka Island Tourism Objects
MATRAS BEACH
It is located in Sinar baru village, Sungailiat district in eastern of Bangka Island. It about 9 Km from Sungailiat, it's considered as the best in Bangka Island. The beach is about 3 kilometers long and its width is almost 30 meters. It is unspoiled white sandy beach with coconut trees around the beach area, the tropical breeze and sunshine. Enjoy the warm and clear waters of the blue sea or just have a cooling swim in the river entering the sea. This beach commonly called as the Heaven Beach because it surrounded with coconut trees and visited by a lot of visitor. An easily accessible beach can be found in the northeast of Bangka, 48 km from Pangkal Pinang and 12 km from Sungai Liat.
PARAI TENGGIRI BEACH
This beach is one of Bangka Island’s prides. The beach is located in Sungailiat district. The visitors can find various forms of boulders in this beach, which add its beauty. This beach is very ideal for having swimming, sun bathing and relax. Parai Tenggiri beach has the complete facilities in Bangka Island. There are luxurious hotels and water sport facilities. The tourists will enjoy this beach with the local fishermen who always spend their days by looking for fishes in the sea. The calmness and fresh sea wind will greet the visitor when they arrive there. This welcomed course make the tourists feel comfortable to stay here.
ROMODONG BEACH
Romodong beach is located at Bukit Ketok village, Belinyu district, Bangka regency. This beach is about 77 km of Sungailiat town. In this beach, the tourists can watch the sunset, because this beach is faced to west side. The length of this beach is about 4 km; it is slope, white sandy and soft. Its water is very clear like a crystal. Enjoy the beautiful of Romodong. When it low tide, you can walk in the water until in the middle of clear sea. If we see around, we just find the boulders and white sand that spread in the beach. The winds that make the leaves wobbled greet the tourists who looking for an inspiration.
PENYUSUK BEACH
Penyusuk Beach is located in Penyusuk village, Belinyu district. The location is not far from Romodong beach, but it offers different nuance than Romodong. It is natural and slope beach. It decorated with colorful of stones. Many stones that compact stand with its bigger waves than Romodong is fenced Penyusuk Beach. Romodong and Penyusuk have different beautiful, but both have great charm. This beach is visited by a lot of visitor because of its beautiful beach and its clear water.
PEMALI OPEN PIT TIN MINE
Passing through the country side, small villages and pepper plantations along the route, an unusual and splendid view will be observed from the top of a mountain in the mining area, looking down about 100 M you will see the progress of the tin mine. People from Siantan and Johor of Malaysia first discovered tin in Bangka Island in 1710, since then a lot of traders from Asia as well as from Europe stopped and visited Bangka Island. To operate the tin mines, skilled labors were imported from Malacca and China. This is the only open pit tin the excavation and in the future mine in Indonesia will grow much larger and deeper.
MOUNT MENUMBUNG GUEST HOUSE
Mount Menumbung (355 meters) a rather high hill in the neighborhood of Mentok (North West Banka) stands as a memorial to the history of the Indonesian nation. It was built in 1932 during the DUTCH occupation period by Bangka Tin Winning Bedrijf (BTW) as a V.I.P. Guest House on the top of Mount Menumbung, is about 500 M above sea level.
Our former President Soekarno and the Vice President Moh. Hatta stayed in the guesthouse during their exile in 1949. Foreign missions came there for negotiating with our former President; the plane from UNCI (United Nations Commission for Indonesia) flew back and forth from Jakarta to Bangka Island during that period. This place is also called as Wisma Ranggam. The room, which was used, by the late President as well as his car is still can be seen in the building. Many Indonesians still like to visit this place of pilgrimage and see the well-kept personal belongings of the two former leaders, which are still in the compound.
MENTOK TIN SMELTER
The Mentok smelting plant was built in March 1963 and completed in February 1967 by a German Company "Klockner Industrie Anlagen", spending the total cost of USD 2.6 million. This is the only smelting plant in Indonesia. Here the famous Bankatin is made. A short visit to the factory will give us an idea of how the tin one is smelted, which is done at a temperature of about up to 1,350 °C.
TANJUNG KELIAN OLD LIGHTHOUSE
The old lighthouse was built in 1826. It is located about 9 km of Muntok district. In the surrounding area we still can find wrecks of Dutch and British ships, which were torpedoed by Japanese warships during the Second World War, on 16 February 1942. Take our time to climb up 199 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view from the height of approximately 60 M above sea level. We can see the whole beaches in Muntok.
Belitung Island Tourism Objects
TANJUNG PANDAN
Like Bangka, Belitung is also called a tin island. It is the second biggest tin producer in Indonesia. The capital town of Belitung is Tanjung Pandan. It is about 45 minutes flights from Jakarta. The topography consists of lowland and some small areas of swamp while in the middle part there is highland in groups of 150 - 200 meters above the sea level. Tanjung Pandan is stay at 1070 20’ East longitude and 020 30’ - 030 15 south latitudes. Its wide area is 229.365 Ha and bordered by:
North Side: South China Sea
East side: East Belitung Regency
South side: Jawa Sea
West side:Gaspar Strait
North Side: South China Sea
East side: East Belitung Regency
South side: Jawa Sea
West side:Gaspar Strait
In Tanjung Pandan, there is a Geology museum, the omission of PT Timah, which save various historical and cultural collections. Beside that, Tanjung Pandan is also equipped with zoo and Dayanag Seri Pinai swimming pool. The famous beach in Tanjung Pandan is Tanjungpendam beach, which always held ‘Buang Jong’ ceremony every July and August.
TANJUNG KELAYANG
Tanjung Kelayang is one of Belitung’s beautiful beaches. This beach is also offering white sandy beach with its unique stones that strong stand up in various forms. The name of Tanjung Kelayang is taken from its unique boulder that looks like a bird. The word ‘Tanjung’ means ‘Peninsula’ and ‘Kelayang’ means ‘a kind of bird species’. Tanjung Kelayang is surround by small islands that framed the beautiful sunset. Stay here to enjoy the moon that shines the seawater. The visitors can spend their holiday here by diving, swimming, sun bathing, fishing, etc.
Walk along Tanjung Kelayang, the visitors will see the spread of boulders in the beach. These boulders that almost 5 meters size, are in piles each other uniquely. There is big stone that stick by three small stones. The positions of these small stones are unique. It is very attractive if the visitors walk along those boulders and jump on the top of the boulders. Those boulders are formed rooms and hole, the tourism object that make the visitor always want to take the picture in that boulders.
LENGKUAS ISLAND
Belitung Island is surrounded by small islands, such as; Nasik island, Lima island, Lengkuas island, Melindung island, Seliu island, Nadu island, Mendanau island, Batu Dinding island and the other small islands. One of them is Lengkuas Island. Lengkuas Island is a small island, placed in North of Tanjung Binga village. This island is surround by several granite rock islands that can reach by just walking cross the seawater that less than 1,2m depth. Those granites are also various unique forms. The water is totally clean, so we can easily see the bottom of sea as well as fishes swimming inside the water. It is a nice place for playing in the water or snorkeling.
This is a small island that unique, because it has a lighthouse and exciting scenery around it that can be enjoy from the top of the lighthouse. The Dutch builds this lighthouse in 19 century. The beach is totally crystal clear water, which has its white sandy. There are some granites island that can reach by swimming or walking through the water, which is less than 1,5 meter. The other islands that interest to visit is Burung Island, Babi Island, Pengadaran Island, Lutung Island, Kera Island dan Jenang Island.
TANJUNG BINGA
Tanjung Binga village is in Sijuk district. If the visitors come to the right season, they will find delicious Durian (kind of fruit). In the side of Tanjung Binga village, you can find Bukit Berahu Cottages that equipped with swimming pool a nine holes golf field. There are about eight uninhabited small islands that become part of Tanjung Binga village and it’s famous with its nature beautiful. This tourism object is also famous with its beautiful beach, and fascinated granites. This island is called Burung Island (Pulau Burung). It is about 12 hectares; has coconut garden, and small hill. The visitors can visit those islands by the fishermen’s canoe.
Tanjung Binga is a fishery village, where the tourists can found many kinds of fishes. Just a few meters of Tanjung Binga, the visitor can see the bevy of fishes that spread around, which most of them is kind of Haring fish family. See those fishes is the interesting moment that we can’t found in other places. Beside that, the visitor can also enjoy the fresh fishes in the restaurants around that offer their special seafood menu.
To continue the journey, the visitor can go to Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, because their location is not far from Tanjung Binga. Do your wonderful journey in Belitung Island by visiting Tanjung Binga and enjoy the natural beach that will give you unforgettable experience.
PUNAI BEACH
Actually, Punai beach has not known yet as tourism object. This beach is kind of natural beach with its white sandy and few of granites. This beach is located about 93 km of Tanjung Pandan or 18 km of Dendang District. It is about 11/2 hour of Tanjung Pandan. Punai Beach is stay at end south side of Belitung Island. This beach is also the place of the fishermen to looking for fresh fish. So, the visitors can enjoy fresh fish from the fishermen. This beautiful beach is suitable for having sport activities, such as swimming, fishing and also snorkeling.
Because it’s natural beach, Punai beach can fresh your mind and make you feel comfort in spend your trip here. It is also suitable for the adventurer to get their different adventurous.
