Activities

Tanjung Pandan

Tanjung Pandan is the capital of Belitung and, with around 86,000 residents, the island’s economic and cultural hub. Located on the west coast, the city blends a relaxed coastal atmosphere with the energy of daily island life shaped by markets, fisheries, and small local businesses. From here, visitors can easily reach some of Indonesia’s most iconic beaches, known for their white sand and striking granite rock formations. Tanjung Pandan is also the main gateway for island‑hopping, boat excursions, and exploring Belitung’s natural highlights.

At the same time, the city offers a surprisingly diverse urban scene. A growing number of coffee shops, traditional warungs, and modern cafés create a welcoming environment for both locals and travelers. Historic colonial buildings, small museums, and a developing culinary landscape add depth and character to the city. For GFNY riders, Tanjung Pandan is the ideal base to experience local culture, recharge before or after the race, and discover the authentic charm of Belitung.

Belitung’s “Must-See” Highlights for GFNY Riders and Their Families

Belitung offers a wealth of must-see highlights that are perfect as pre-race activities for your GFNY Belitung experience or as relaxing post-race excursions. The island is known for its breathtaking natural beauty—especially its iconic granite formations—combined with a rich and welcoming cultural heritage. It’s an ideal destination to arrive a few days before the race or to unwind and recover afterward.

Belitung Highlights – Your Perfect GFNY Getaway
From turquoise waters and relaxed beaches to dramatic granite landscapes and a warm local atmosphere, Belitung is the perfect place to extend your GFNY experience. Whether you’re exploring with family or enjoying some well-earned recovery time, the island offers something for everyone.

Here are the absolute highlights and excursions you shouldn’t miss:

Natural Wonders & UNESCO Geopark Sites

Belitung is a UNESCO Global Geopark with extraordinary landscapes shaped by geological history.

Dunia, Sambutlah Global Geopark Belitong
World, Welcome to Belitong Global Geopark

A window into the history of the Earth – The UNESCO Global Geopark
Since April 2021, the Indonesian island of Belitung has o:icially held the title of UNESCO Global Geopark. This prestigious award is given to areas that have geological sites of international importance and preserve them through a concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.

Geological uniqueness: The Tor Granites

The most striking feature of the geopark are the gigantic granite formations that characterize the landscape of the coast and the interior of the island. These boulders, known as "gate landscapes," are estimated to be over 200 million years old (Triassic period). Millions of years of erosion have shaped them and pushed them to the surface, where they now form bizarre sculptures in the turquoise sea.

The "Satam" stones: Witnesses from outer space

A global feature of Belitungs are the Satam-Steine (Billitonite). These are tektites—black, glass-like rocks that were formed around 700,000 years ago by a meteorite impact. They are so deeply rooted in the island's identity that a monument has been erected in their honor in the center of the capital city of Tanjung Pandan.

The 17 Geosites: diversity between land and sea
The geopark comprises a total of 17 designated "geosites," each representing di:erent aspects of natural and cultural history:

Marine heritage: Places such as Tanjung Tinggi and Pulau Lengkuas demonstrate the connection between marine biodiversity and massive granite formations.
Mining history: The Nam Salu Open Pit geosite in East Belitung is one of the deepest former tin mines in Southeast Asia. Here, the connection between geological resources and the economic development of the island can be traced.
Biological diversity: Areas such as Bukit Peramun serve not only as vantage points, but also as refuges for rare species such as the Belitung tarsier and medicinal plants that have been used by the local population for centuries.

Sustainable tourism and education
The status as a UNESCO Global Geopark aims to bring tourism on Belitung into harmony with nature. Visitors are encouraged to see the island not only as a vacation destination, but also as an ecosystem worth protecting. Local communities are actively involved in the management of the geosites in order to promote traditional crafts and sustainable agriculture, such as the famous pepper cultivation.

Fazit
Belitung is more than just a tropical destination; it is a living open-air museum of geological history. UNESCO protection ensures that the fascinating rock formations and rich flora and fauna will be preserved for future generations.

For more details:
Dunia, Sambutlah Global Geopark Belitong
Official Website Belitong Geopark

Island Hopping – The Signature Experience

No trip to Belitung is complete without island hopping. A traditional fishing boat takes you through the beautiful island cluster off Tanjung Kelayang.