Tourism stakeholders on Indonesia’s Belitung Island are hoping a new Scoot service from Singapore will help revive international visitor demand for the destination’s nature-based tourism experiences.
The route is Belitung’s only international air connection, linking the island to a wider network of regional and longhaul travellers through Singapore Changi Airport.
Industry players see the service as an opportunity to strengthen Belitung’s position as an alternative Indonesian destination focused on sustainable tourism. The island is home to the UNESCO-listed Belitong Geopark and a tourism-focused Special Economic Zone (SEZ), where tourism offerings focus on conservation and community participation.
“With its pristine beaches, unique granite landscapes and rich marine ecosystems, Belitung offers a distinctive alternative for travellers looking to explore an undiscovered side of Indonesia,” said Daniel Alexander Napitupulu, director of Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, part of the SEZ.
Two resorts currently operate within the reserve: Sheraton Belitung Resort and Billiton Eko Beach Retreat. The latter comprises four eco-villas, with six more under construction.
Napitupulu said the new service has already generated interest from travellers and trade partners, particularly from Singapore and nearby markets.
One of Belitung’s signature wildlife experiences is the opportunity to spot the endangered tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, found only in parts of Indonesia and the Philippines.
“For local operators, the new route means greater demand for curated nature experiences and raises the bar for service quality and responsible tourism,” said Jimie Afrian, community ranger and conservation advocate at Peramun Hill, where tarsier sightings are carefully managed to minimise disturbance to the animals.
Wakhyu Brata, senior guest relations manager at Bluemind Experience, which offers island-hopping and snorkelling excursions, believes Belitung’s appeal lies in its relatively low visitor numbers.
“Most first-time visitors are surprised by how uncrowded Belitung still is,” he said. “There is a strong sense of connection to the environment that feels very untouched and authentic.”
