Getting Around Tanjung Pandan
Tanjung Pandan is the largest town on Belitung and the capital of the Belitung Regency, so it functions as the island's main hub for arrivals and onward travel. For a visitor, the practical picture is simple: there is no rail, metro or tram network here, and public transport is limited, so most trips around town and across the island are made by taxi, pre-arranged tour transport, or on foot in the central area.
Rail, Metro and Trams
There is no rail, metro or tram service in Tanjung Pandan or elsewhere on Belitung. Any travel between towns on the island is by road or by boat, not by train.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are the main way to reach other towns across the island, and both official and unofficial taxis operate.
- Taxi Angkasa is the only legal taxi company operating throughout the island. It can be reached at +62 822 8301 5555 or +62 878 964 78835.
- Taxi Angkasa uses meters for rides and presents itself as the cheapest option, but it is highly recommended to reserve by calling when or before you arrive, since availability is not guaranteed on demand.
- If you use unofficial cabs instead, be sure to haggle furiously or you will be ripped off.
- If you are travelling with a coach provided by your tour, or have pre-arranged your transportation, most likely your driver will be standing by for you.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Visitors should not count on finding a comprehensive public transport system and should plan to rely on taxis or pre-arranged transport instead.
Walking
Tanjung Pandan is a spread-out town rather than a dense, compact one, so walking is best suited to short trips within the central area. Several of the town's attractions sit close to the main centre, including Tanjung Pendam Beach, which is located near the main centre of the town. For anything beyond the immediate centre, plan on using a taxi or arranged transport.
Arriving by Air
Tanjung Pandan is served by H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport, which has links to Jakarta, Pangkalpinang and Palembang (the latter via Pangkalpinang). If you take an unofficial cab from the airport, agree the fare firmly beforehand.
Arriving by Ship
Tanjung Pandan also has a port, Tanjung Pandan Port (Pelabuhan Tanjung Pandan), which serves the island of Belitung. A passenger terminal was established there to promote tourism on the island and was named Laskar Pelangi Port, after the best-selling novel and movie by Andrea Hirata — a significant step towards providing better facilities for visitors. If you arrive by sea, arrange your onward transport into town in advance, as you would at the airport.
Practical Tips
- Book your taxi by phone before you arrive rather than expecting to flag one down.
- Stick to the legal metered taxi company where possible; if you use unofficial cabs, negotiate hard before getting in.
- Confirm whether your tour or hotel includes transport — pre-arranged coaches and drivers are common on the island.
- Plan on walking only for short hops near the town centre, and use road transport for everything else.