Good News! Belitong is Now Listed as Global UNESCO Geopark

Historical day for newly listed Global UNESCO Geopark

Belitong Geopark was officially listed as UNESCO Global Geopark during the virtual 211th Session of the Executive Board UNESCO, held in Paris on April 15, 2021. Belitong Geopark is one of the seven nominations discussed in the event, receiving positive recognition as a geological diversity of Belitung Islands and its surroundings. Currently, it marks the fifth geopark in Indonesia to be recognized as a Global UNESCO Geopark.

Situated in Bangka-Belitung, this geopark is blessed with geological diversity, from its landscapes, rocks, minerals to its geological and tectonic processes -- all of which was recognized during the UNESCO event. It is also considered as a geopark strongly connected to the geological, biological, and cultural aspects. The geological landscape of Belitung Island creates the geopark home to several rare flora and fauna -- some of which can only be found in Belitung. These include the hampala and toman fish.
 

Where Belitong is located and how to get there

Belitong Geopark is strategically located in the tropical area of Bangka-Belitung Province, Bangka Belitung Islands. You can easily reach this spectacle by air, from Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK) to HAS Hanandjoeddin Airport (TJQ) in Tanjung Pandan, Belitung. The flight takes around 45 minutes. It is also quite near Singapore,  with direct flights to HAS Hanandjoeddin Airport.

You can also reach this area by sea from the Bangka’ Pangkalbalam port, a jetfoil ship KM Bahari Express that sails to Belitung at 2.00 pm every day. The trip takes about 4 hours. Please refer to their official website for detailed scheduling and information.
 

Things to do in Belitung

Belitung, often called Belitong or Biliton, offers endless scenic places to travel, from the lush natural escapade to the stunning seacoast side. There are 17 geosites in total you can explore. Here are some geosite destinations you can discover during your future trip to Belitong Geopark!

Tanjung Kelayang Beach

Located at the heart of Belitung, Tanjung Kelayang Beach is your must-go spot to experience the breathtaking beach sceneries. Here you can stroll its pearlescent sand along its coast side or just sunbathe during the early morning hours. You can even take a dip in its water as the waves are safe for a nice cool swim.

As part of the geosite in Belitong Geopark, Tanjung Kelayang also showcases trias granite rock or coastal rock structures composed from the undersea Triassic granite Tor morphology, which formed an estimated 213 million years ago. This spot is renowned for its world-class geological heritage.

This spot is relatively easy to reach as it will only take around a 40-minute drive from HAS Hanandjoeddin Airport.

Peramun Hill

Situated in Aik Selumar Village, Sijuk, Peramun Hill is also another must-visit destination in your travels to Belitung. Filled with natural wonders and thick foliage, this forest consists of about 149 flora species, many of which are medicinal herbs. Hence, its unique name, “peramun” or concoction. You can purchase these herbs in their souvenir shop called geo-herbals; many craft products are also available! Besides sightseeing the panoramic view, you can immerse yourself in nature as you hike the area. Sounds pretty cool, don't you think?

This geosite can easily be reached with a 30-minute drive from HAS Hanandjoeddin Airport.

When you’re planning a trip to this natural wonder, also keep in mind the CHSE (cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental sustainability) health protocols. This means constantly washing your hands, wearing your mask when you’re traveling, and doing physical distancing. For more information about Belitong Geopark, please refer to their official site here.