Pulau Bangka (Bangka Island) is a sizeable island off the east coast of South Sumatra known for its tin production and nice beaches. It belongs to Bangka-Belitung Province and makes a nice getaway for a few days.
The capital is Pangkal Pinang on the east coast. It has several worthwhile sights, along with some excellent crab restaurants, and is also a major port. Mentok on the west coast is another of the island’s ports, while Sungai Liat is the second city and resides in the northeast.
There are several nice beaches near to Sungai Liat, including Matras Beach in Sinar Baru village, nine kilometers from town. This is the best beach on Pulau Bangka, while Parai Tenggiri Beach, also near Sungai Liat, is also pretty. The western-facing Romodong Beach also has white sands, is palm-fringed and sees fantastic sunsets.
Getting There & Away
Pangkal Pinang Airport is an hour’s flight from Jakarta and also receives flights from Palembang in South Sumatra. The airport is located just outside the capital city of Pangkal Pinang, which is about 150kms from Mentok and 50kms from Sungai Liat. Ferries come in from Palembang on the mainland to Mentok on the east coast of Pulau Bangka, a journey of 11 hours, or 3 hours by hydrofoil.