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NESLED along one of Indonesia’s least explored coastlines, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is a sanctuary of sustainable luxury where untamed beauty meets visionary conservation.
Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, this 350-hectare protected reserve redefines responsible travel, offering an immersive escape where nature, history and community live in harmony.
Belitung’s significance extends beyond its white sands and striking granite formations. Once a major maritime hub on the ancient Silk Road, the island linked traders from China, the Middle East and Europe. The 1998 discovery of the 9th-century Belitung Shipwreck, filled with Tang Dynasty ceramics and gold, cemented its role in world history. Today, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve preserves this legacy while inviting travelers to explore its pristine landscapes.
At the heart of the reserve is a commitment to conservation. More than half of the reserve remains untouched, protecting rare species such as the elusive Billiton’s tarsier, the critically endangered Pelepak tree, and the Sunda pangolin, the world’s most trafficked mammal. A zero-impact water system using local kaolin clay filtration ensures fresh water is sourced sustainably without harming the ecosystem.
For those seeking a refined escape, the Sheraton Belitung Resort blends modern luxury with Belitung’s natural beauty. Its 123 elegantly designed rooms and suites overlook the sea, lagoon or gardens, offering immersive experiences in a pristine setting.
Guests can enjoy innovative Belitung cuisine, relax by the infinity pool, or embark on eco-treks, island hopping, and visits to UNESCO-listed geoparks. A dedicated kids’ area ensures families enjoy an enriching stay, making the resort the perfect gateway to the wonders of Belitung.
For a more exclusive hideaway, Billiton Ekobeach Retreat offers an ideal retreat with just four secluded Eco Beach Villas nestled along the coastline. Thoughtfully designed for privacy and sustainability, the retreat invites guests to dine in an open-air pavilion, enjoy locally sourced cuisine and immerse themselves in nature.
A short boat ride away is a private island with pristine silica sand, snorkeling and diving in crystal clear waters. Rooted in sustainability, Billiton Ekobeach Retreat offers a rare opportunity to unplug and embrace Belitung’s raw beauty.
Beyond luxury, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is a movement – an invitation to experience travel differently. Guests can participate in rewilding initiatives, plant endangered pelepak trees, or watch sea turtle hatchlings make their first journey to the ocean.
The reserve’s BlueMind Experiences, inspired by Wallace J. Nichols’ research on the therapeutic effects of water, offer mindful exploration-from island hopping and rock climbing to guided hikes on the Whistle Trail, where visitors can spot the white-tailed eagle and the melodious whistling bird that gives the trail its name.
A pioneer in sustainable tourism, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve seamlessly blends eco-conscious design with world-class hospitality. Its locally inspired architecture, crafted from recycled kaolin bricks and driftwood furniture by Belitung artisans, reflects a deep respect for heritage and sustainability.
With only one planet to explore, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve offers a rare opportunity to travel with purpose – where every footprint leaves a lasting positive impact. [sources/photo special]
