The Dutch lighthouse
A spiral stair to a stunning view.
26Isabella — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Haryanti — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ayufib — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Raflinoer32 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A small island off Belitung's north coast whose best-known feature is a tall white lighthouse built by the Dutch in the late nineteenth century, still working today, whose long spiral stair you can climb to the top for a stunning view of the turquoise sea, granite boulders and surrounding islands. The island is visited on an island-hopping trip by wooden boat from Tanjung Kelayang beach, passing several small islands: Bird Island with its bird-shaped rock, and Sand Island, which appears at low tide, and stopping to snorkel among the reefs close to Lengkuas. Island-hopping trips are sold on the beach or at hotels, priced by boat and group size, with a small charge to climb the lighthouse. The trip takes about half a day. Set off in the morning when the sea is calmer, bring modest swimwear and sun cream, and ask about life jackets for children. Climbing the lighthouse needs reasonable fitness, and you may be asked to remove your shoes.
A spiral stair to a stunning view.
Bird Island and Sand Island.
Reefs around the island.
Off Belitung's north coast, by boat from Tanjung Kelayang
Yes: the sea is calm in the mornings on most days and the islands are close. Choose a boat with enough life jackets and watch the slippery rocks when landing.