I stepped off the beach into a traditional Indonesian boat, ready to sail on the clearest water I’d ever seen. We passed uninhabited islands, slowing down to see coral reefs teeming with life. In front of us, turtles descended into the crystal blue ocean, and eagle rays with spotted backs soared gracefully past.
About the Reserve
This natural paradise can be accessed from Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, an area on the north coast of Belitung Island. Belitung is around six times the size of Singapore, located east of Sumatra and surrounded by 470 smaller islands. It’s also a UNESCO Global Geopark – one of 195 in the world. Just offshore from the reserve, the handful of tiny islands with ancient balancing boulders and interesting historical sites are arguably the jewel in its crown. No wonder Belitung Island has been called the “Seychelles of Indonesia”!
In the reserve, the sand is so white that it doesn’t even get hot in the sun. The water changes each day from glimmering to glassy and at night the sky is full of stars. There’s a gentle vibe, too, not only in the calm ocean but in the aforementioned granite boulders that look almost soft from a distance. On a day with no waves, you can see the outline of the nearby islands, sea eagles flying overhead, and the region’s historical lighthouse reflected on the water from miles away.
This stunning nature is the true gift of Belitung – and one of the reasons why there is such a keen focus at Tanjung Kelayang Reserve on preserving the environment.
Magical island moments
Island exploration on a boat was a definite highlight of my visit to the Reserve. Here are four that we explored, all of them only a few hundred metres across, or smaller.
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Expat Living Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Expat Living Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Sustainability Journey
Sustainability continues to be a buzzword in the furniture industry and Danish design and lifestyle company Bolia is taking it a big step further by publishing an annual e-book that gives full transparency around every detail of its sustainable credentials. We take a closer look!
Do You Know What You're Breathing?
From air purifiers to mould remediation, there are ways you can help create a healthier home environment for yourself and your family. We asked the team from Initial Hygiene and Rentokil in Singapore about how to breathe better air indoors.
Start the Day Right
Rise and shine! From a trendy neighbourhood café and bistro to a brunch option that lets you still have a lie-in, Singapore's breakfast scene is buzzing. Here are a couple of our favourite tables!
A Magical FOREST
Expat Living's MELANIE LAM heads to a small Japanese island for hiking and forest bathing in an exquisite setting.
Cool & Classy
Chic looks from Silk Walk's different collections that will keep you feeling breezy, whether it's in the Singapore sun or on a tropical holiday.
Ankle Agony!
Our ankles are heavy lifters when it comes to keeping us up and about. So sufferers of ankle osteoarthritis know only too well how debilitating it can be when this joint is affected. Here, consultant orthopaedic surgeon DR KEVIN KOO gives advice on symptoms, causes and treatments to ease this painful condition.
Smiles for Miles!
Early intervention dental care is in demand, and treatment options now go well beyond traditional braces.
Harnessing Art for Therapy & Growth
A look at a non-verbal therapy that helps patients navigate the complexities of trauma and aids in personal development.
Profile: Danielle Van de Velde
Tapping into Singapore's spiritual side.
Walking to Help: The MacRitchie Challenge
Since early 2023, British expat TOM PLATTS has been doing a great job raising money for the Singapore charity Dementia Singapore. What's even more impressive is that he's done it in a healthy, social and fun way!