More Than Just Beaches: Tanjung Kelayang Develops Premium Tourism Rooted in Conservation

Belitung continues to solidify its position as one of Indonesia's leading tourist destinations. No longer only renowned for its granite beaches and azure seas, Belitung Island is now developing premium tourism experiences centered on sustainability principles through the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Alongside improving accessibility to Belitung, this area is projected to become one of Indonesia's primary international tourism gateways. The launch of direct flights from Singapore to Belitung marks a positive milestone, opening greater opportunities for international visitors to experience the island's natural beauty.

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that air connectivity forms the critical foundation for enhancing Belitung's competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

“This Special Economic Zone is not merely an entry point for investment. It also serves as Belitung's tourism showcase that prioritizes sustainable development, cultural preservation, marine tourism, geotourism, culinary experiences, and empowerment of local micro, small and medium enterprises,” Widiyanti stated in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday, 6 July 2026.

According to Widiyanti, improved accessibility to Belitung will directly increase the region's ability to attract foreign visitors while strengthening Belitung's status as a national priority tourism destination.

The direct flight service operated by Scoot from Singapore is regarded as a key momentum to expand international access to Belitung, particularly for the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ area.

Beyond coastal tourism, Belitung also holds strong appeal in geotourism, local cultural experiences, culinary travel, and community-managed village tourism that are increasingly sought after by travellers looking for authentic experiences.

Premium Tourism Concept Built On Conservation Principles

Beneath its famous coastal beauty, Tanjung Kelayang SEZ, also branded as Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, has evolved into a premium tourism destination that maintains careful balance between investment growth and environmental preservation.

Daniel Alexander Napitupulu, Director of PT Belitung Pantai Intan and the zone's managing operator, explained that this 324.4 hectare area continues to attract new investments while strictly adhering to low-carbon development principles.

One ongoing development project is low-density resort accommodation. Construction work prioritises locally sourced materials found within the zone, minimising environmental impact while preserving Belitung's natural character.

Apart from accommodation, the zone is also rolling out various special interest tourism activities that offer distinct experiences compared to conventional beach destinations.

Beyond Beaches: Pickleball Courts And Sunset Cruise Experiences

Holiday options in Tanjung Kelayang are now far more varied. Visitors are no longer limited to admiring ocean panoramas, but can also try a range of trending recreational sports facilities.

The already operational pickleball courts have received very positive response from visitors. Building on this enthusiasm, management plans to add one tennis court, one additional pickleball court, and one padel court.

To further expand activity options, a fitness centre will also be constructed within the residential village area inside the reserve zone.

For marine tourism enthusiasts, sailing experiences have become one of the area's signature attractions. A fleet of tour vessels has been prepared that function not just as inter-island transport, but as an integrated part of the holiday experience.

Visitors will soon be able to enjoy on-board dining while watching the sunset through the sunset cruise programme, a popular feature found in top premium tourism destinations worldwide.

Half Of The Total Zone Reserved For Undisturbed Wildlife Habitat

What sets Tanjung Kelayang Reserve apart is its uncompromising commitment to conservation.

Approximately 50 percent of the total 324.4 hectare area is permanently protected as conservation land, managed jointly with an on-site resident biologist. Regular preservation programmes are implemented to maintain Belitung's native ecosystems.

This protected area provides natural habitat for rare wildlife including pangolins, tarsiers, mouse deer, endemic dragonfly species, and sea eagles.

For native flora, visitors can also find Hopea bilitonensis, the Belitung ironwood tree endemic only to this island. Also present is the ghost orchid, a unique orchid species that lacks chlorophyll and survives through symbiotic relationships with fungi.

Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is also the natural habitat of the pelawan mushroom, one of Belitung Island's most distinctive biological assets.

100% Rainwater Harvesting To Protect Local Ecology

This sustainability commitment is also implemented in the zone's water resource management systems.

Daniel explained that all water requirements within the area are not sourced from groundwater. Instead, harvested rainwater is used as the exclusive primary water supply.

“This zone does not extract any groundwater at all, and relies entirely on collected rainwater. This is a proactive measure to prevent the risk of land subsidence caused by over-extraction of groundwater, an issue already occurring in multiple coastal areas across Java Island,” Daniel stated.

This approach is part of broader efforts to preserve the natural environment, ensuring this tourism zone can continue to grow without compromising the native ecosystems that form its core attraction.