Marriott’s Hidden Gem on an Island Paradise: The Sheraton Belitung Resort
“Live to give as much as possible, not to receive as much as possible.” Andrea Hirata
6/28/202410 min read
Nestled on an idyllic island paradise, the Sheraton Belitung Resort is truly a hidden gem within Marriott's collection. Our nine-night stay at this beautiful, eco-friendly resort became the highlight of our six-month journey through Southeast Asia, including 30 days in Indonesia. This was our fourth island and sixth city in the country (including Bali), and it exceeded all our expectations.
The Resort:
The Sheraton Belitung Resort is a stunning retreat located on a secluded beach with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Walking along the beach, it often felt like we had the entire area to ourselves, adding a sense of peace and tranquility. The resort grounds, part of a Nature Preserve, are equally impressive and enhance the eco-friendly vibe of the property. Each room is modestly decorated with wood, bamboo, pottery, and foliage found around the island. The open-air main lobby area has enormous driftwood tables found on the island and stick roofs fastened together just as the people have been doing for hundreds of years. Each detail is carefully thought out to showcase the resources and materials of Belitung Island.
While the natural physical beauty of the resort is remarkable, it is the exceptional staff that truly sets it apart. Their pride in the island and the resort is evident, and this stems from strong leadership. Marcel, the General Manager, exemplifies top-notch management. Our experience began even before we arrived. Rani, a dedicated staff member, reached out to coordinate airport transportation and provide helpful information about the resort. Her proactive approach set a welcoming tone for our stay, and she continued to make herself available throughout our visit, ensuring our experience was unforgettable.
Our dining experiences at the resort were nothing short of exceptional. The chefs prepared some of the freshest and most delicious seafood we have ever tasted. Most days, we just asked for fish and said, “surprise us.” This was the best decision we made, as time after time we experienced different combinations and spices native to Indonesian culture. The Food & Beverage Team went above and beyond with craft cocktails and delicacies that kept us excited to come back each night.
Exploring Beyond the Resort:
Though the resort's beauty made it difficult to leave its grounds, we highly recommend exploring the surrounding areas. You have to meet Wakhyu, who manages their partner company, Blue Mind Experiences (https://bluemind.co.id/), offering local island hopping tours, paddleboard rentals, and sunset teas and Tarsius explorations, just to name a few. You can choose from morning or afternoon tours. For the island hopping tours, you will be picked up at the beach on the property and whisked away to multiple islands. If you choose, you can snorkel at a beautiful coral reef area where you will swim amongst multiple fish species and giant sea turtles. Their tours may be a little more expensive than others, but they are worth it. Wakhyu is a true professional and will ensure your journey is safe and memorable. He is a wealth of knowledge and knows everyone on the island. He is passionate about the island and knows all of its history. You should take some time to get to know him.
He also set up an evening tour for us to visit the Tarsiers in the wild, led by Mr. Akbar—an experience not to be missed. We were picked up from the lobby at 4 pm and driven about 45 minutes to a conservation area on Peramun Hill. It was about a 20-30 minute hike up a hill to reveal a stunning view atop the tree line to watch the sunset and the sea beyond. We met local community members who take their time preserving their village's land and the land of their ancestors around the forest. Delicious tea, coffee and snacks were set up to be enjoyed as we admired the sunset in the distance. Once it was dark, an exploratory team made up of members of the village set out to find the elusive Tarsier. You will hike back down to a lodge where you wait until they find this cute leaping primate. Once found, you will be escorted to the site, a short walk, and spend some time in its natural environment. The team is conscious of the mammal’s stress tolerance and does their best to minimize how much it is disturbed. Again, a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of the temperance of this mammal and its nocturnal nature. You are a visitor in his home.
A few other items of interest:
The hotel can help you coordinate a scooter rental.. The island is not like other places around Southeast Asia and is very safe for exploring on a scooter. Places you should visit include Satam Square in the downtown area, where you can sit at the oldest coffee shop on the island or shop for the Satam Stone. Before coming, you need to research the Satam Stone. It is a remarkable story.
Kaolin Lake is just a short drive from the city center. It is an active tin mining site but is a pretty place to look out on with blue water set against white stone.
North of the resort is Tanjung Tinggi Beach where the famous movie, based on Andrea Hirata’s book, “Rainbow Troops” was filmed. Play in the crystal clear water or walk among the unique granite boulders.
Belitung Island is a destination that should not be missed in Southeast Asia. Its hidden treasures, from the stunning beaches to the rich cultural experiences, leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Our stay at the Sheraton Belitung Resort was a truly exceptional experience that we will always cherish and recommend to fellow travelers seeking a paradise off the beaten path. Uncover the beauty and history of Belitung Island for yourself, and you will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Nestled on an idyllic island paradise, the Sheraton Belitung Resort is truly a hidden gem within Marriott's collection. Our nine-night stay at this beautiful, eco-friendly resort became the highlight of our six-month journey through Southeast Asia, including 30 days in Indonesia. This was our fourth island and sixth city in the country (including Bali), and it exceeded all our expectations.
The Resort:
The Sheraton Belitung Resort is a stunning retreat located on a secluded beach with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Walking along the beach, it often felt like we had the entire area to ourselves, adding a sense of peace and tranquility. The resort grounds, part of a Nature Preserve, are equally impressive and enhance the eco-friendly vibe of the property. Each room is modestly decorated with wood, bamboo, pottery, and foliage found around the island. The open-air main lobby area has enormous driftwood tables found on the island and stick roofs fastened together just as the people have been doing for hundreds of years. Each detail is carefully thought out to showcase the resources and materials of Belitung Island.
While the natural physical beauty of the resort is remarkable, it is the exceptional staff that truly sets it apart. Their pride in the island and the resort is evident, and this stems from strong leadership. Marcel, the General Manager, exemplifies top-notch management. Our experience began even before we arrived. Rani, a dedicated staff member, reached out to coordinate airport transportation and provide helpful information about the resort. Her proactive approach set a welcoming tone for our stay, and she continued to make herself available throughout our visit, ensuring our experience was unforgettable.
Our dining experiences at the resort were nothing short of exceptional. The chefs prepared some of the freshest and most delicious seafood we have ever tasted. Most days, we just asked for fish and said, “surprise us.” This was the best decision we made, as time after time we experienced different combinations and spices native to Indonesian culture. The Food & Beverage Team went above and beyond with craft cocktails and delicacies that kept us excited to come back each night.
Exploring Beyond the Resort:
Though the resort's beauty made it difficult to leave its grounds, we highly recommend exploring the surrounding areas. You have to meet Wakhyu, who manages their partner company, Blue Mind Experiences (https://bluemind.co.id/), offering local island hopping tours, paddleboard rentals, and sunset teas and Tarsius explorations, just to name a few. You can choose from morning or afternoon tours. For the island hopping tours, you will be picked up at the beach on the property and whisked away to multiple islands. If you choose, you can snorkel at a beautiful coral reef area where you will swim amongst multiple fish species and giant sea turtles. Their tours may be a little more expensive than others, but they are worth it. Wakhyu is a true professional and will ensure your journey is safe and memorable. He is a wealth of knowledge and knows everyone on the island. He is passionate about the island and knows all of its history. You should take some time to get to know him.
He also set up an evening tour for us to visit the Tarsiers in the wild, led by Mr. Akbar—an experience not to be missed. We were picked up from the lobby at 4 pm and driven about 45 minutes to a conservation area on Peramun Hill. It was about a 20-30 minute hike up a hill to reveal a stunning view atop the tree line to watch the sunset and the sea beyond. We met local community members who take their time preserving their village's land and the land of their ancestors around the forest. Delicious tea, coffee and snacks were set up to be enjoyed as we admired the sunset in the distance. Once it was dark, an exploratory team made up of members of the village set out to find the elusive Tarsier. You will hike back down to a lodge where you wait until they find this cute leaping primate. Once found, you will be escorted to the site, a short walk, and spend some time in its natural environment. The team is conscious of the mammal’s stress tolerance and does their best to minimize how much it is disturbed. Again, a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of the temperance of this mammal and its nocturnal nature. You are a visitor in his home.
A few other items of interest:
The hotel can help you coordinate a scooter rental.. The island is not like other places around Southeast Asia and is very safe for exploring on a scooter. Places you should visit include Satam Square in the downtown area, where you can sit at the oldest coffee shop on the island or shop for the Satam Stone. Before coming, you need to research the Satam Stone. It is a remarkable story.
Kaolin Lake is just a short drive from the city center. It is an active tin mining site but is a pretty place to look out on with blue water set against white stone.
North of the resort is Tanjung Tinggi Beach where the famous movie, based on Andrea Hirata’s book, “Rainbow Troops” was filmed. Play in the crystal clear water or walk among the unique granite boulders.
Belitung Island is a destination that should not be missed in Southeast Asia. Its hidden treasures, from the stunning beaches to the rich cultural experiences, leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Our stay at the Sheraton Belitung Resort was a truly exceptional experience that we will always cherish and recommend to fellow travelers seeking a paradise off the beaten path. Uncover the beauty and history of Belitung Island for yourself, and you will create memories that will last a lifetime.
