Bangka's appeal lies in the overlap between its beach life and its history. The island was the world's tin supply for centuries, and the traces of that industry are everywhere — in the Chinese temples of Pangkalpinang, in the abandoned mining lakes now filled with otherworldly turquoise water, and in the Tin Museum that tells the whole story plainly and well. Most visitors are here for the beaches, but the cultural side repays a day's attention.
Pangkalpinang is worth half a day for the temples and the market atmosphere. For a quick orientation, the hilltop at Bukit Besar gives you a view over the city and the sea. Then head north to Sungailiat for the beach resorts, or south for quieter shores and forest.