Indonesia: East To West

With daily flights on AirAsia, these unique destinations are must-visits. By Melodi Ghui

- Melodi Ggui

UNTOUCHED ISLAND

Enjoy the sun and sand on Belitung in the east of Indonesia.

Looking for a nice, quiet weekend away? Touted as the “new Bali” or the “Maldives of Indonesia”, this up-and-coming island is known mostly to locals. Located in the East of Sumatra, Belitung’s untouched beaches are host to exciting (or just plain relaxing) activities for all. Don’t miss these spots:

Leebong Island

Surrounded by crystal clear waters and white sand banks on its coasts, the idyllic island of Leebong offers guests an exclusive experience of enjoying its serene waters through a variety of sea sports. Visit on a day trip, or stay in one of its four villas, tents or the island’s tree house if you’re looking to spend a night (from $73 a night). (Leebong Island, Belitung, https://leebongisland.com)

Museum Kata Andrea Hirata

This multi-coloured museum is the pride of Belitung, and is the first literary museum in Indonesia. Built in commemoration of the best selling novel Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops) by author Andrea Hirata, that tells the story of 10 school children and their teachers, as they struggle with adversity and poverty in Belitung. Read the heartwarming and inspirational excerpts from the book plastered on its walls plus specially curated photographs from its hit movie adaptation. (Jl. Laskar Pelangi 10, Gantung, East Belitung, 33462)

Batu Baginda

Scale up this rock formation to get a bird’s eye-view of Belitung! Situated within the dense forest near Baginda Mountain in the south of Tanjong Pandan City, the two granite boulders provide an unparalleled view of the surrounding land, the nearby Tanjung Kandi Village and the sea. It’s a tough climb up, but the view is worth it. (Desa, Padang Kandis, Membalong, Kabupaten Belitung, 33452)