Explore Belitung: Sijuk

The oldest mosque in Belitung

It's my tenth month since I stepped on to this island. And there are places yet to visit. I've been in some places, some are famous and worthy and some are….well…

This time we’re exploring the North-West part of the island of Belitung. It’s located in the district of Sijuk.

The first spot was Masjid Al-Ikhlash (Did I write it right?). It's built in 1817 and the oldest mosque in Belitung. It's possibly one of the first Muslim settlements in the island. Unlike the other historical building, the Al-Ikhlash mosque is more into function. It's not big, it's not lux or outstanding and overwhelmed with calligraphy or else like any other iconic mosque.

About 200 meters away from the mosque there's a Buddhist temple with a Kwan Im Goddess statue. Too bad I did not take pictures of it, but anyway it's like the one in Bangka or Batam.

The second spot was the mangrove. It was located just like a stone-throw away from the Buddhist temple. There was nothing to see there but the mangroves themselves--that's why they called it mangroves…..wtf….

There was actually two canoes but they're just abandoned, stranded and tired. We walked through the wooden path and..yeah...nothing to see and I was like “Is that all?” Then my friend was like “I think so .. I hope so”. So we left.

The third spot was Pantai Singkik. When we're on the way there I was pretty much sure that we're lost. I mean, the red muddish road and there was like a bump or two in every 10 meters. I was wondering what if the car got cracked or whatever, there. Once we got there, all we saw was long white sand beach. And no others but us. It was beautiful, but too bad the wave was not surfable. I mean, it could've been like a very inviting and appealing beach to visit.

Actually we planned to visit a geosite in Siantu to sea the pillow lava but too bad it was getting dark so we decided to stop...not to mention we had been lost in the woods for an hour like omigosh!

The only issue was the access to the places. It would've been so unfortunate for the traveler first time visiting the area especially the beaches area. Too bad I didnt take pictures of the road that i mean as I pretty much enjoyed the bumping sensation and worried about the car got stuck or else. Overall, it's not really bad at all then, at least I was not stuck on the bed to death on my weekend.

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My Sunset Snaps!

Sunset is one of the most wanted and lovable moments the people want to seize. My love of sunset is pretty much reflecting how my life I hope will be. It wil come to an end, where --unlike any other ending that are perceived as saddened moments, like farewell and byes-- sunset, somehow, is what the people have been happily waiting for. There's peace, serenity, beauty and --surely-- happiness in the end.

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Explore Belitung: Island Hopping!

Belitung

When it comes to island trip, Belitung is one of the best places for your bucket list.  Now I would like to share what I had when exploring the Bali-size island. Not as much fun as Bali, but still, it had things to offer.

Island Hopping

We went for island hopping and it was like 4 or 5 islands we visited. So lucky to know that the weather is pretty good so w can feel sunshine throughout the tour. It started from Tanjung Kelayang where we rent a boat that costs Rp400,000 per trip. The boat also was provided with the snorkeling equipment.

The first spot was Batu Garuda, a set of big rocks shaping like an eagle. The next was Batu Belaya r where it was perfect for swimming as the water was crystal clear. The we continued to Pulau Lengkuas, the one with the iconic lighthouse and we went to the top of it. The view was OMIGOD! 

Actually we planned to snorkel but it was too crowd so we decided to head off the next spot which is the "sand island"! Its not a sole island actually, as it grain of sand in which you can enjoy only when the tide was low and we were sooo lucky that we came at the right time! It was all sand with the crystal-clear sea water all around and its not deep. We could even find star fish like...many of them.

Tips: The best time to come is on midyear. Avoid the month of November-February as it was monsoon season (we call it Angin Barat). Better with friends as you can share cost of boat rental.

See Tarsius at Batu Mentas

It was very first time for me to see one of the smallest primate on Earth. It was located in Batu Mentas, 15 miles away from Tanjung Pandan, the downtown. We saw a pepper plantation, rubber plantation on the way there.

with Tarsius!

It was a sanctuary (at least what was written at the gate) but it's more like a big cage. We went there on a rainy day but it was okay. We went down through the river using a floating wheel and it was fun. The not well-maintained facilities was what we're concerned on. But, we had Tarsius there so...it's worth.

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