Turquoise and white
Bright water among clay hills.
A strange-looking lake left by kaolin mining, the fine white clay used in porcelain, paper and cosmetics that has been dug from Belitung's soil for decades. The mine pits filled with water, which turned a vivid turquoise blue amid hills and banks of brilliant white clay, a scene that looks like another planet. Visitors wander the white hills around the water taking photographs, as the contrast of white and turquoise is striking, especially in bright sun. Some mining still goes on in the area. The entry fee is usually token, and the visit is short, twenty minutes to half an hour. Swimming is forbidden: the water is unsafe and the clay banks slippery. Come on a sunny day for the best colour, and wear shoes you don't mind getting white clay on. The lake is close to Tanjung Pandan, so make it a stop on the way.
Bright water among clay hills.
One of Belitung's strangest scenes.
In bright sunshine.
South of Tanjung Pandan, Belitung
The white clay reflects light from the pit floor and dissolved minerals give the water its blue. The water itself may be acidic, which is why swimming is forbidden.