Tanjung Kelayang
The main gateway to Belitung's island hopping adventures. At its shore stands Batu Garuda, a granite formation shaped like a bird's head that serves as the mascot of the Belitung Geopark.
This is not a beach for sunbathing all day. Tanjung Kelayang is a starting point. Every morning, more than a dozen traditional wooden boats are pushed into the sea, outboard motors begin to hum, and the smell of fuel mixes with the morning sea air. Guides and boat captains greet one another while checking snorkel gear and life jackets. This is a daily ritual, and it feels like watching a theater before the show begins.
The first thing that grabs your attention when you arrive is Batu Garuda. From just the right angle, this giant granite boulder forms the silhouette of a garuda bird's head with a sharp beak. This formation is the icon of the Belitung Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2021. The water in front is calm and shallow, so it is a safe place to wait and swim a bit before your boat arrives. But do not take too long. Those granite islands in the distance will not come to find you.