Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung Islands, South Sumatra, Indonesia

🇮🇩 Tanjungpandan, also colloquially written as Tanjung Pandan, is the largest town on the island of Belitung in the Indonesian province of Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia. Tanjungpandan is the capital of the Belitung Regency comprising one of the five districts (kecamatan) within that Regency. It covers an area of 378.45 km².

Demographics The majority of the people in Tanjungpandan are Hakka Chinese and Belitung Malay. The religion of the Malays is predominantly Muslims, while the Chinese are mainly Buddhist, Catholic or Protestant. In 2020, the town of Tanjungpandan registered the highest population density rate of 272 individuals per square kilometer across the entire Belitung regency.

Transport Tanjungpandan has H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport which serves links to Jakarta, Pangkalpinang and Palembang (via Pangkalpinang).

Tanjungpandan is home to the Tanjungpandan Port, which serves the island of Belitung. In 2011, the port authorities established a passenger terminal to promote tourism on the island of Belitung. The terminal was named the Laskar Pelangi Port, after the best-selling novel and movie by Andrea Hirata. The establishment of the terminal was a significant step towards promoting tourism and providing better facilities for visitors to the island.

Economy: Tourist Industry The town is also known for its wide range of tourist attractions that offer natural wonders, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. One of the most popular attractions in the town is Tanjung Pendam Beach, which located near the main centre of the town. Gusong Bugis is another beach destination that offers various recreational activities and stunning views of the sea. Kulong Keramik is a recreational spot in the Tanjungpandan, featuring a lake or quarry as its main attraction. Initially used by a ceramic company, the area was later neglected until the local government refurbished it in 2010.

In addition to its beaches, the Museum & Zoo Tanjungpandan is a unique attraction that combines a museum and zoo to provide visitors with an educational experience. It showcases the colonial and pre-colonial history and artifacts of Belitung as an island of international trade between Malacca and Java, while also featuring a range of animals to learn about local wildlife.