Destinations
Belitung, The Land of Laskar Pelangi Te x t & I m a g e s b y M U H A M M A D H A S I F B I N M O H D J E L A N I
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Do you know that Belitung Island is queuing to become ‘the next Bali’? Located on the east coast of Sumatra, in the province of Bangka-Belitung, this charming island is surrounded by more than 100 other islands and islets. Belitung was used as the shooting location for one of Indonesia’s highest grossing films entitled Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops) that was adapted from the namesake novel by Indonesia’s best-selling author, Andrea Hirata, and released back in 2008. The film’s inspiring story revolves around the struggle in educating 10 determined students by their two teachers amidst poverty during the 1970’s when Belitung was still one of the world’s leading producers of tin. The movie was said to have put Belitung on many travellers’ map. Since then, Belitung is often regarded as the Land of Laskar Pelangi. Follow my take on this humbling paradise that I think should be on your next travel list!
Tip: Best time to visit Belitung is from March until August when the island experiences dry season and clearer weather.
