Just under an hour from Singapore lies a paradise that not many people have heard of – an island that remains refreshingly free of crowds, offering travellers a slower-paced alternative to Southeast Asia's established beach destinations.

Belitung, a UNESCO Global Geopark off Sumatra's eastern coast, is best known for its pristine beaches, calm turquoise waters and giant granite boulders scattered across the shoreline. Yet despite its natural beauty, the island remains largely off the radar of international travellers.

We arrived on one of Scoot's twice-weekly Singapore flights, launched in May 2026 aboard Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. The route marks Belitung's return to the international aviation map after previous direct services from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur via Garuda Indonesia were suspended during the pandemic.  

"Prior to that, Belitung had already demonstrated early international traction, with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur performing well," said Wahani Ratna, general manager at Sheraton Belitung Resort, which opened in September 2020.

More connectivity could soon follow. AirAsia is exploring direct services from Malaysia, while nfrastructure upgrades at Belitung’s Tanjung Pandan Airport under Indonesia's state-owned airport operator, InJourney Airports, are planned from 2028.

Seven overwater villas at Leebong Island.

Belitung’s second act

The much-needed regional connections come at a time as Belitung moves beyond early potential and developed a clearer identity.

"There is now a much clearer understanding of what Belitung represents as a destination. It has evolved beyond simply being a promising destination. It is increasingly becoming well-defined and experience-driven,” said Ratna.

That confidence is beginning to resonate with travel agents as well.

Muhd Nazer Monet, managing director of Thoma Travels & Tours, is "ready to sell Belitung", envisioning itineraries that combine a short mainland stay with an island retreat. "A stay at Swiss-Belresort Belitung works well as it's only eight minutes by boat from the nearest private island, before guests continue on to Leebong Island," he said.

Other agents on the Belitung fam trip hosted by ASTINDO (Association of Indonesian Travel Agents) pointed to the city’s practical advantages: short transfer times between islands, minimal crowds, competitive pricing and direct air access from Singapore.

"Singapore and Malaysia agents can play an important role in putting destinations like Belitung on the map," said Pauline Suharno, chairperson of ASTINDO. "As key regional hubs, agents here are constantly seeking fresh products to recommend, particularly for well-travelled European clients looking beyond established destinations."

Sunset hike and after-dinner views at Peramun Hill. Photo Credit: Natalie Joy Lee

Beyond the beach

Back on the main island, Belitung's tourism offering extends well beyond its coastline.

Traditional snack shops, century-old coffee houses and roadside pastry carts sit comfortably alongside contemporary cafés and ramen bars, reflecting a destination that balances old-world charm with a growing tourism scene. Seafood is naturally abundant, while the island's predominantly Muslim population means halal dining options are plentiful.

Tourism stakeholders are also working to raise service standards. According to Budi Aphin, head of Belitung's travel agencies under the ASTINDO, efforts are underway to spotlight businesses that meet recognised standards for service, hygiene and visitor readiness.

For those seeking hands-on experiences, tours can include visits to pepper plantations and stingless bee farms, as well as batik stamping workshops and local handicraft shopping.

"The well-travelled just wants a place to chill," said Sarah Mahat, sales manager at Imaan Travel & Tours. "The pace really suits us Singaporeans. Once we arrive, we're totally relaxed – time moves very slowly here."

Active travellers will find plenty to do as well. The island has emerged as a cycling destination and recently hosted the inaugural myBCA Belitung Multisport Festival. Adventurous visitors can trek up Peramun Hill for panoramic sunset views over the rainforest, while wildlife enthusiasts can join guided eco-tours in search of the tarsius, one of the world's smallest primates.

Sheraton Belitung Resort is the only five-star property on the island.

Not the next Bali

Island-hopping remains the signature experience, taking visitors through a maze of granite-fringed islets where they can picnic on secluded shores, snorkel among starfish-dotted sandbanks and dive into remarkably clear waters. The half-day adventure feels equal parts exploration and escape, revealing a side of Indonesia still largely untouched by mass tourism.

One standout stop is Billiton Ekobeach Retreat, a private island hideaway that hosts just one group for lunch each day. Menus depend entirely on the morning's catch, with seafood grilled over charcoal and served alongside fiery Indonesian sambal. Guests can also stay overnight in one of 10 private villas and enjoy activities ranging from snorkelling and paddleboarding to meditation and forest bathing.

For longer stays, Leebong Island offers a 37-hectare private retreat surrounded by mangroves and coastal wilderness. Accommodation ranges from beachfront villas and a honeymoon treehouse to newly added overwater villas. Beyond kayaking and cycling, guests can join traditional fishing trips or explore nearby islands such as Lengkuas, Kepayang and Pasir.

An entire island buyout – without the usual price tag. Photo Credit: Natalie Joy Lee

But local tourism leaders are clear on one point: Belitung does not aspire to become another Bali.

The island boasts some of Indonesia's cleanest air, light traffic and an easygoing pace of life. As Sastra Yuni Ardi, head of the Belitung Regency Tourism Office puts it, "If you park your bike and leave your key there, nobody will take it”.

That sense of simplicity is exactly what Belitung wants to preserve.

"Belitung wants to build its own identity," he added. “We are known for our safety, welcoming people, clean air and nature.”

For now, Belitung remains in a sweet spot – developed enough to be accessible, yet still undiscovered enough to feel like a genuine find. In a region where many beach destinations are grappling with overtourism, that may prove to be its greatest asset.