Bangka is a large island off the east coast of Sumatra, separated from the mainland by the narrow Bangka Strait. Once one of the world's major tin-producing regions, the island has shifted toward tourism, with clean beaches and a relaxed pace that draws visitors from Jakarta and Singapore.
The island's beaches are its main draw — white sand, calm water, and few crowds compared to Bali or Lombok. Pangkalpinang, the provincial capital, is the main hub for flights and services. Most visitors head straight for the beach resorts around Tanjung Pesona or the quieter shores of the south coast.
Getting here is easy: Jakarta to Pangkalpinang is a one-hour flight, and ferries run from Palembang in Sumatra.