Port information & tips for Belitung Island
Belitung is a fascinating natural paradise in the Indonesian archipelago, delighting travelers with its pristine beauty and relaxed, tropical atmosphere. The island is characterized by crystal-clear waters, white powdery sand, and iconic, giant granite formations that give the coastline a unique character. Absolute highlights nearby include the picturesque Tanjung Tinggi beach, the offshore island of Pulau Lengkuas with its historical lighthouse, and the vibrant blue Kaolin Lake. Cruise ships use the port of Pelabuhan Tanjung Pandan, which is located directly in the heart of the island's capital of the same name and, thanks to its central location, offers an ideal starting point for comfortably exploring local markets and sights.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Belitung Island, a relatively undiscovered gem in Indonesia, is best reached by cruise guests from the DACH region via Fly & Cruise. Since cruise ships usually anchor off Tanjung Pandan and passengers are brought ashore by tender boats, a well-planned journey to the nearest airport and a smooth transfer to the hotel or embarkation point is essential.
Airplane
Travel to Belitung Island typically takes place via H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport (TJQ) near Tanjung Pandan, the island's only airport. There are no direct flights from the DACH region, so the route goes through Jakarta. You first fly to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta and from there take an approximately one-hour domestic flight to TJQ. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air, and Citilink connect Jakarta with Belitung several times a day. It is advisable to plan the international and domestic flight connections generously, ideally with an overnight stay in Jakarta.
Transfer & Shuttle
From H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport (TJQ), you can reach the main towns and coastal areas of Belitung comfortably by taxi or pre-organized transfer. The drive to the center of Tanjung Pandan takes only about 20 minutes. Popular hotel regions like Tanjung Kelayang in the northwest of the island are about 45 to 60 minutes away. Many local providers and hotels organize private transfers, allowing for a stress-free onward journey to your cruise ship or pre-cruise hotel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay on Belitung Island the day before embarkation is recommended. This allows for relaxed acclimatization and guarantees a punctual arrival at the tender port in Tanjung Pandan. In and around Tanjung Pandan, as well as on beaches like Tanjung Tinggi or Tanjung Kelayang, you will find a selection of comfortable hotels and resorts, including the Sheraton Belitung Resort or the Hotel Santika Premiere Beach Resort Belitung, which often also offer transfer services.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
