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Bangka Belitung Island Travel Guide

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Belitung Island

 

Located in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Bangka Belitung Island is a province situated off the southeastern coast of Sumatra, the province comprises two main islands, Belitung and Bangka, and numerous smaller ones. Bangka Belitung is bordered by the Bangka Strait to the west, the Natuna Sea to the north, the Java Sea is to the south, and the Karimata Strait to the east.

The highest point in the province and in the island of Bangka is Mount Maras, with a height of 699 meters. Several rivers can also be found on the island such as Sebuku River, Mendo River, and Baturusa River. The province is ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse major ethnic groups including Malays, Javanese, and Chinese.

 

Weather and Climate in Bangka Belitung Island

 

The moisture in Bangka Islands ranged from 77.4% to 87.3% with an average monthly reach of 83% in 2007. Rainfall measured around 58.3 to 476.3 mm (2.30 to 18.75 in) and air pressure is approximately 1010.1 MBS. The average temperature in the province reached 26.7°C (80.1 °F) with an average maximum temperature of 29.9°C (85.8 °F) in 2007. The maximum air temperature was highest in October.

The island has tropical climate influenced monsoons that are experiencing a wet month for seven months throughout the year and dry months for five months continuously.

 

 

How to get to the island

 

The Bangka Belitung Island can be reached by ferry or by air. The easiest way is to take a direct flight to Tanjung Pandan via air flights such as AirAsia and Sriwijaya Air. Flights are available from Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur with one-way prices for as low ask USD 30. Flight duration will take only 1-2 hours.

 

 

Getting around Bangka Belitung Island

 

Like the many other places and countries in Southeast Asia, the best way to get around Bangka Belitung Island is to
rent a scooter or hire a private car with a driver. The roads in Belitung are great for driving a motorbike and the
traffic is very light.

Street Taxi in Belitung is the only licensed taxi service on the island with a meter and is the only taxi you should
take. Airport taxis are also available, these are operated by local driers and will charge you a lot more. If you need
an airport pickup service, you need to call Street Taxi for booking before your arrival. Charges are between $5.70 to
$6, it’s a lot cheaper compared to an airport taxi.

 

Recommended:
Best Time to travel Southeast Asian Countries

 

Where to stay in Belitung

  • Hotel Havana Mutiara
  • Swiss-Belresort Belitung
  • Hotel Fairfield By Mariott
  • Hotel Santika Premiere Beach Resort
  • Rahat Icon Hotel
  • BW Suite Belitung
  • Bukit Berahu Resort
  • Billiton Hotel and Klub

 

Must Visit Places in Bangka Belitung Island

  • Danau Kaolin
  • Pulau Lengkuas
  • Museum Kata Andrea Hirata\
  • Palau Batu Berlayar
  • Palau Batu Garuda
  • Pulau Kepayang
  • Pulau Pasir
  • Open Pit Kelapa Kampit
  • Bukit Berahu Beach
  • Serdang Beach
  • Penyabong Beach
  • Bukit Peramun
  • Kaolin Lake
  • Batu Baginda
  • Tanjung Pendam Beach
  • Tanjung Tinggi Beach

 

 

Where to eat in Belitung Island

  • What’s Up Cafe
  • Warung Bizza
  • Kamping Dedau
  • La Terase
  • Tarsius Coffee
  • Mutiara Resto
  • Pantai Teluk Gembira

 

Is Bangka Belitung Safe?

The answer is YES! Many tourists spent their vacations here and claim that Bangka Belitung is one of the safest places
to stay in Asia. Indonesia is a low-crime country in general.

 

Other helpful information

Cell Service: Local SIM cards have good signal or reception in Tanjung Pandan and anywhere on the island

WiFi: Most places on the island have decent WiFi, especially in most hotels

Credit Cards: Most restaurants and hotels on the island accept cards

ATM: There are plenty of ATM machine in Tanjung Pandan. Foreign cards work fine.

 

Best Time to travel Southeast Asian Countries

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

 

Southeast Asia is the geographical southeastern sub region of Asia. It consists of the regions that are south of China, east of the Indian subcontinent and north-west of Australia.

Southeast Asia has some fairly large climatic variations as you move around. Whatever time of the year you pick, you have to plan ahead to be seriously lucky to avoid bad weather altogether.

 

Contents

  1. The Weather and Climate in Southeast Asia
  2. Map of Southeast Asia
  3. Best Time to Visit Malaysia
  4. Best Time to Visit Brunei
  5. Best Time to Visit Cambodia
  6. Best Time to Visit Timor-Leste
  7. Best Time to Visit Myanmar
  8. Best Time to Visit Indonesia
  9. Best Time to Visit Laos
  10. Best Time to Visit Singapore
  11. Best Time to Visit The Philippines
  12. Best Time to Visit Thailand
  13. Best Time to Visit Vietnam
  14. Conclusion

 

The Weather and Climate

 

The climate in Southeast Asia is mainly tropical-hot and humid all year round with plentiful rainfall. Northern Vietnam and the mountainous parts of Laos and Myanmar are the only regions in Southeast Asia that feature a subtropical climate, which has a cooler winter with potential snow.

The majority of Southeast Asia has a wet and dry season caused by seasonal shifts in winds or monsoon. The tropical rain belt causes additional rainfall during the monsoon season. The rainforest is the second largest on Earth.

An exception to this type of climate and vegetation is the mountain areas in the northern region, where high altitudes lead to milder temperatures and drier landscape. Other parts fall out of this climate because they are hot.

Southeast Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in the world. Climate change will have a big effect on agriculture in Southeast Asia such as irrigation systems will be affected by changes in rainfall and runoff, and subsequently, water quality and supply.

 

 

Map of Southeast Asia

 

 

Countries of Southeast Asia to visit for good Weather

 

Most travelers may choose to immerse themselves in big cities of the country in Southeast Asia like Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, or quite paradise in Bali, Laos, and Thailand. The best time to visit countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines largely depend upon dodging the crowds and avoiding the hottest, humid weather. Here is the best time to visit every country in Southeast Asia.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

 

Located near the equator, Malaysia’s climate is categorized as equatorial, being hot and humid throughout the year.
The average rainfall is 250 centimeters a year and the average temperature is 27 °C.

The best time to visit Malaysia is commonly between December to April. With spurts of rain here and there,
the weather is hot and humid most of the time throughout the year. The tropical monsoon climate of Malaysia ensures short spells of rain even in the driest season.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Brunei

 

The climate of Brunei is tropical equatorial that is a Tropical rainforest climate more subject to the Intertropical Convergence Zone than the trade winds and with no or rare cyclones.

The best time to visit Brunei is between January and May, however, the high season to travel in Brunei is between June to September. The weather between January and May is dry and warm, but not too hot.

February and March are the driest months of the entire year. This is a good time to travel in Brunei, as you will get to avoid the summer heat and the throng of tourists that come to the country during the peak season.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

 

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April when it sees very little rain. During this time you’ll see clear blue skies making it a great time to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the southern coast.

The climate in Cambodia is like the rest of Southeast Asia, is dominated by monsoons, which are known as tropical wet and dry because of the distinctly marked seasonal differences. Cambodia has a temperature range from 21°C to 35°C and experiences tropical monsoons.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Timor-Leste

 

The best time to visit Timor-Leste is between May to October. Enjoy drier weather and greater visibility, before the wet season rains, sweep in to wash away roads and cloud your views. The climate is tropical and generally hot and humid.

It is characterized by distinct rainy and dry seasons. The capital, largest city, and main port is Dili and the second-largest city in the eastern town of Baucau. Timor-Leste is typically tropical with steamy days, balmy nights, and temperatures hovering between 20-30°C.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Myanmar

 

Much of the country lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. It lies in the monsoon region of Asia, with its coastal regions receiving over 5,000 mm of rain annually.

Annual rainfall in the delta region is approximately 2,500 mm, while the average annual rainfall in the dry zone in central Myanmar is less than 1,000 mm. The northern regions of Myanmar are the coolest, with average temperatures of 21 °C.

Coastal and delta regions have an average maximum temperature of 32 °C. The very best time of year to visit Myanmar is between November and February, with warm dry days bringing in the bulk of the country’s annual visitors. However, a visit in the ‘green season can reward those looking to explore key sites in more solitude.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Indonesia

 

The best months to visit Indonesia are May, June, and September, during the shoulder months of the dry season. You’ll get clear days but the islands won’t be as crowded or expensive as during peak season in July and August, nor as hot and humid so ideal for long hikes and cycle rides.

The uniformly warm waters that makeup 81% of Indonesia’s area ensure that temperatures on land remain fairly constant, with the coastal plains averaging 28°C, the inland and mountain areas averaging 26°C, and the higher mountain regions, 23°C.

Temperature varies little from season to season, and Indonesia experiences relatively little change in the length of daylight hours from one season to the next; the difference between the longest day and the shortest day of the the year is only forty-eight minutes.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Laos

 

Laos has a tropical climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October. Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next.

The best time to visit Laos is between November and April when the weather’s warm and dry throughout. River travel is best between November and January, when high water levels make passage easy along Laos’ main waterway, the Mekong River.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Singapore

 

The best time to visit Singapore is from December to June, although Singapore is a year-round destination. The months of
February to April fall within Singapore’s dry season and is typically when the country has the least amount of rain, the lowest humidity, and the most sunshine.

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinctive seasons, uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures usually range from 23 to 32 °C.

 

 

Best Time to Visit The Philippines

 

The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to March when temperatures are around 24°C to 31°C. At this time beautiful islands and more remote areas are fully accessible. Although the dry season lasts from November to April, temperatures are high during March and April, with highs of 34°C.

 

 

Related Article
Top 10 Beautiful Islands in Asia

 

 

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Thailand is a great year-round destination, but the best weather is usually between November and April. The climate varies between the east and the west coast.

September brings the heaviest rainfall on the west coast, while the east coast gets its highest rainfall in November. Most of Thailand has a “tropical wet and dry or savanna climate” type. The majority of the south as well as the eastern tip of the east have a tropical monsoon climate. Parts of the south also have a tropical rainforest climate.

 

 

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

 

While this variety makes Vietnam a year-round destination, spring is typically the best time to visit the entire country between March to April, when days are generally pleasant, temperatures are moderate and rainfall is light.

Vietnam is located in both a temperate and a tropical zone, Vietnam’s climate is characterized by strong monsoon influences but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Much of Southeast Asia is within the tropical climatic zone with temperatures above 25°C throughout the year. The region is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoons, which bring a significant amount of rainfall to parts of Southeast Asia.

The period from November through February is generally the best one to visit Southeast Asia when drier, cooler weather prevails. Hot, humid weather characterizes Southeast Asia, which lies within the Tropics close to
the equator.

But for most travelers, it’s a great experience to visit Southeast Asian countries during their festivals no matter how good or bad the weather condition is.

Top 10 Beautiful Islands in Asia

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

 

Asia is a continent that is home to beautiful natural landscapes, unique cultures, ancient architecture, and food. If you are looking for an island getaway, Asia is the perfect choice for you. Here is our list of the Best Islands in Asia.

 

Top 10  Most Beautiful Islands in Asia

Top 10 Beautiful Islands in Asia

 

 

Want to travel on budget? Checkout!

CHEAPEST PLACES TO TRAVEL TO IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

 

1. Sipadan Island, Malaysia

 

Sipadan Island is located on the northeast coast of Malaysia Borneo, Sabah. When you visit Sipadan Island, scuba diving is one of the things that you must not miss. It is described as one of the ideal and top rankings for scuba diving spots. Sipadan Island is well-known for its incredible marine life.

In 1933, this island was declared as a bird sanctuary by the government of North Borneo. You simply should not miss spotting amazing birds, such as Sunbirds, Sea Eagles, colorful Kingfishers, and many other exotic birds. You will find it fun to enjoy a snorkeling experience in the fascinating deep-sea waters of this amazing island. 

Best Time To Visit: March to October
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, bird-watching.

 

 

2. Similan Islands, Thailand

 

Similan Islands are also known as Koh Similan is one of the largest archipelago islands in Asia. Similan Islands are made up of 9 granite islands located Northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. The islands were declared as Mu Ko Similan National Park in 1982 and ranked as one of the best scuba diving destinations in Asia.

It is a paradise for scuba divers and beach lovers with its turquoise clear water, fine white sand, breathtaking marine life, and impressive rock formations. You may spot various amazing marine species like small sharks, sea turtles, Nemo fishes, or sea snakes. If you wish to stay longer in Similan Islands, you can book an overnight liveaboard trip.

You can also hike various nature trails that lead you to a stunning view over the island, bay, and sea. Relaxing on the fine white sand beach while observing the wildlife like monkeys, bats, squirrels, and a large variety of birds.

Best time to visit: October to May
Activities: Snorkelling, deep-sea diving, trekking, liveaboard, relaxing on the beach.

 

 

3. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

 

Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 367 islands of the Cat Ba Archipelago in Hai Phong city. Lan Ha Bay is still less popular among tourists, you can go kayak or hop on the public ferry while enjoying the unspoiled nature and exploring the breathtaking landscape.

Another favorite thing to do is make a stop at the Monkey Island or known as Cat Dua Island. Cat Ba National Park is a must-visit place when traveling to Cat Ba Island, the home to a wide range of flora and fauna. You can also enjoy the beauty of the vast landscapes and seascapes.

If you are interested in Vietnamese history, you should visit the Hospital Cave which is the underground bomb-proof hospital, and as a hideout during the war.

Cannon Fort was built as a naval defense and has now become the best place to witness the view of Lan Ha Bay. Viet Hai fishing village and Cai Beo Floating Village it’s definitely a must-see spot to see around Cat Ba.

Best time to visit: February to April
Activities: Rock climbing, trekking, kayak, visit the national park, explore floating villages, enjoy eating seafood.

 

 

4. Siargao Island, the Philippines

 

Siargao Island is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines and is well-known for being the Philippiness’ surfing destination. Cloud 9 is the most famous spot and is considered one of the best surf spots in the world.

The boardwalk is the perfect place to watch pro surfers and to watch the sunset. You should not miss out on the island hopping tours to Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island. Siargao Island is home to many unspoiled islands that has powdery white sand beaches, stunning islands, and crystal clear water.

Sugba Lagoon’s crystal clear water became a popular spot for diving, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Magpupungko Rock Pools is another attraction you shouldn’t leave out of your Siargao trip.

Best time to visit: March to May / July and November (surfing season).
Activities: Surfing, island hopping, diving, paddle boarding, snorkeling, cliff jumping.

 

 

5. Bangka Belitung Island, Indonesia

 

Belitung island is located east coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It’s surrounded by lots of tiny islands and granite rock formations. The islands are blessed with beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water, incredible marine life, and colorful coral reefs.

Danau Kaolin is an abandoned kaoline or white clay mine with bright blue water with white sandy dunes that have become a photogenic hotspot for travelers and photographers. Spend your time relaxing on yachts or cruise ships while enjoying local cuisine and drinks at Tanjung Kelayang.

There is an iconic ancient Dutch lighthouse on Lengkuas Island, you can climb up to the tower to enjoy the panoramic view of the island or go for a snorkeling swim alongside all kinds of fish. Hop onto the next island, Batu Berlayar Island known for its granite rocks which can be reached by boat in just 10 minutes from Lengkuas Island.

It is well known for its resembled sailing ship granite rocks. When you visit Belitung, do not miss to try their famous Manggar Coffee that is not only loved by tourists but also locals.

Best time to visit: April to October
Activities: Snorkelling, diving, islands hopping, enjoy local cuisines, hop on yacht or cruise ship, enjoy Manggar Coffee.

 

 

6. Orchid Island, Taiwan

 

Orchid Island is also known as Lanyu is located off the southeastern coast of the main island of Taiwan. The island is the home of the Yami people which are also known as Tao indigenous tribes. For those interested in seeing the indigenous tribes’ culture of Taiwan, there’s no better place than Orchid Island where the Tao has lived for hundreds of years.

If you visit at the right time, you can witness the Flying Fish Festival, the Millet Harvest Festival, or the Boat Launching Festival. The underwater beauty of corals and marine life have made Orchid Island the best scuba diving spot.

If you are lucky, you will encounter humpback whales and green sea turtles. You can rent and ride a scooter around the island to check out the amazing rock formations sights and caves along the coast. It definitely offers a unique experience in Taiwan.

Best time to visit: April to October
Activities: Snorkelling, diving, riding around the island, admiring rock formations and caves, exploring caves, enjoying local cuisines, seeing and experiencing the indigenous tribe culture.

 

 

7. Jeju Island, South Korea

 

Jeju Island, Korea’s favorite domestic holiday destination for local and international travelers. Jeju is a place full of stunning nature, scenic landscapes, museums, parks, and great food. A trip to Jeju isn’t complete without hiking up to Seongsan Ilchulbong or “Sunrise Peak” to watch the sunrise over the sea. Hiking Hallasan Mountain is an experience that adventure lovers won’t regret.

The UNESCO-listed Manjanggul Lava-Tube Cave is one of the most visited landmarks. You can watch the Haeneyo (female free-diver who mostly are over 60) that make a living by catching abalone, sea urchin, sea cucumber, or octopus.

Jeju Loveland is a sex-themed sculpture outdoor park that provides a proper approach to sex culture and it is decorated with a lot of beautiful artworks. You are recommended to visit the park when the weather is good. Jeju Natural Stone Art Museum is one of the must-visit museums in Jeju Island. If you are a foodie, you must try the authentic food and local specialties when you visit Jeju Island.

Best time to visit: November to May
Activities: Snorkelling, diving, trekking, watching sunrise or sunset, exploring caves, enjoying local cuisines, visiting museums and parks, enjoying local food.

 

 

8. Havelock Island, India

 

White sands, crystal clear waters, serene mangroves – these are words that one would often associate with beaches in Havelock Island. Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep is located about 70 km north of the capital city, Port Blair.

The rich and diverse marine life of Havelock Island has always been one of the major factors to attract people who love snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach lovers. Paddle through a mangrove forest in a kayak to observe local flora and fauna.

You can hop on a seaplane or ferry to witness the only active volcano in India at Barren Island. For those who are looking for rest and relaxation, the trip must not miss visiting Neil Island which is known as the “Vegetable Bowl” of Andamans because the rich ecosystem has numerous species of fishes, sea creatures, and coral reefs, and pristine beaches.

Long Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers who might love to do forest camping, beach camping, trekking, and exploring the local art and culture. Visit the beaches on Havelock Island to watch the magnificent sunrise or sunset views be an ideal choice for newlyweds or couples.

Best time to visit: March to May
Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, kayak, witnessing the active volcano, exploring and relaxing on beaches, watching sunrise or sunset, camping, trekking.

 

Recommended Article:
Places you MUST visit in Southeast Asia

 

9. Ubin Island, Singapore

 

Ubin Island or Pulau Ubin is a hotspot for those who want to escape from the bustle of urban life in Singapore. Pulau Ubin is one of the last remaining villages or kampung and an abandoned quarry that offer lush greenery and abundant wildlife.

You will spot some wild animals like monkeys, hornbills, bats, owls, wild boars when going on a bike tour around the island. If you love kayaking, go on a kayak tour to explore the mangrove forest. If you are lucky, you will get to spot some wild animals such as otters, monitor lizards, kingfishers, and even dolphins.

Chek Jawa is one of Singapore’s richest natural ecosystems, filled with all kinds of flora and fauna across six different habitats. You can walk through the boardwalk and explore the marine wildlife along the trails. Climb up the 20-meter tall Jejawi Tower for panoramic views. There’re plenty of other things to do in the area as well

Best time to visit: January to October
Activities: Kayak, go for a bike tour, explore the marine animals, camping, trekking.

 

 

10. Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

 

Koh Rong Island is the largest in Ream National Park, Cambodia. The national park is a biodiversity hotspot, there are thousands of species of flora and fauna. The iconic Koh Rong is home to many species of marine life making it an ideal destination for all marine lovers.

You can go to the Koh Rong Dive Center where you can either learn fun dives or PADI training courses. Kayaking over to the Koh Toch is another highlight on the island. Those adventure lovers can go jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and test their nerves at the High Point Rope Park.

In Koh Rong, you can see the amazing natural phenomenon is the bioluminescent plankton on the beach at night. You can either relax on the beach while enjoying the sea breeze and views or try on the Blob Jump at the Tree House Bungalow. Koh Rong Island also offers an exciting nightlife scene that will enhance your night-outs when here.

Best time to visit: May to November
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayak, jungle trekking, exploring the marine life, camping, trekking, nightlife.