Belitung, Indonesia – June 4th 2025 – In an age when untouched beauty grows ever rarer, there is a place where nature still leads the way.
Located on the northwestern shores of Belitung Island, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is not just a destination—it is a sanctuary for stories told by wind, water, and time.
Here, the land speaks softly, yet profoundly, and those who choose to listen will discover not only the soul of an island, but a deeper connection to the world around them.
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Spanning over 350 hectares, more than half of which is protected land, the reserve has recently joined the ranks of the UNESCO Global Geopark network, a prestigious designation awarded to places with geological and cultural heritage of international significance.
This honour is the result of a rigorous, multi-year process involving scientific validation, local community engagement, and sustainable land stewardship.
But for those who have long walked these shores, the recognition only affirms what they have always known: this land matters.
A Living Legacy Rooted in Harmony
Belitung’s rich biodiversity from the rare Billiton Tarsier to the resilient Pelepak Tree—is deeply woven into the island’s culture and community.
Without its lush forests, clean waters, and thriving wildlife, the spirit of Belitung would simply cease to exist.
At the heart of the reserve is a profound respect for this delicate ecosystem.
The team behind Tanjung Kelayang Reserve began their journey not by imposing upon the land, but by listening—allowing Mother Nature to set the pace, the priorities, and the plan.
It is this reverence that breathes life into every initiative here, from rewilding programmes to zero-impact water systems.
Nature as the Teacher
The reserve’s mission is to learn from nature, to live with it—not above it—and to leave it better than we found it.
With goals of carbon neutrality and beyond, eco-luxury here is not an aesthetic; it is a promise.
Buildings are constructed with locally sourced, renewable materials. Conservation policies are not tacked on—they are foundational.
One of the Reserve’s most distinctive features is its innovative water system — a zero-emission, closed-loop network that utilises the natural filtration qualities of Belitung’s kaolin clay.
There are no underground wells, no reliance on harsh chemicals; only a return to purity and intention.
This thoughtful system provides clean, life-sustaining water not only for guests, but also for the flora and fauna that inhabit the Reserve, reflecting a commitment to both wellness and environmental stewardship.
Further enriching the reserve’s ecological efforts is its collaboration with local bee stewards.
Through a stingless honeybee initiative, the reserve helps protect vital native pollinators while supporting traditional livelihoods.
The sustainably harvested honey—sourced from the Trigona Stingless Bee Honeyfarm tucked within the reserve—is collected from driftwood chambers in harmony with the environment.
Each golden drop reflects the delicate balance between nature and community and offers guests a taste of the land’s quiet generosity.
Walk Gently, Witness Deeply
Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is not meant to be consumed. It is meant to be experienced with humility.
Along the Whistle Trail, a curated path through a sanctuary of endangered flora and fauna, guests are encouraged to walk softly, listen deeply, and see with new eyes.
The Whistle Bird sings overhead. A tarsier blinks from behind a leaf. In the quiet, every detail matters.
Encounters here are intimate.
A rescued Sunda Pangolin may shuffle past, part of a rehabilitation initiative that returns trafficked animals to safety. Guests might plant a critically endangered Pelepak Tree, an act of renewal that will stand for generations. These aren’t just experiences. They are contributions to a living story.
Through the Give Back Rewilding Programmes, guests are invited to offset their carbon footprint in meaningful ways such as restoring coral reefs and replanting native forests. Every act, however small, becomes a quiet gesture of care, a single note in nature’s ongoing symphony.
BlueMind Journeys: Wellness in the Wild
Inspired by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols’ Blue Mind theory, which explores the calming effects of water on the human psyche, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve offers a sanctuary where nature and well-being are intimately connected.
The island’s aquamarine shallows invite quiet contemplation, while ancient granite boulders, shaped since the Paleozoic era, rise as timeless markers of the land.
Secluded coves await discovery, and vibrant coral reefs teem with life just beneath the surface.
Or simply embrace stillness, breathe in the salt-tinged air, and remember what it feels like to be whole. At the Reserve, wellness is neither prescribed nor pursued — it is quietly, instinctively found.
A Constellation of Life
Encircling the reserve is a necklace of 15 thriving islands, each with its own heartbeat.
One cradles the nesting grounds of green sea turtles. Another shelters coral nurseries tended by hand. Each island offers something rare: solitude without silence, remoteness without disconnection, wonder without spectacle. This archipelago is not a playground. It is a privilege.
And as we journey between them by kayak, paddleboard, or traditional wooden boat, the message becomes clear: we are guests here. And we are responsible for what remains.
Let the Journey Begin
Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is more than a place. It is an invitation—to slow down, to listen, to belong. Come not just to explore, but to reconnect. To leave lighter, quieter, wiser. Let the land teach you what it means to walk gently and love deeply. Let it show you that preservation isn’t a duty—it’s a joy.
To experience the beauty, sustainability, and hospitality of Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, follow @TanjungKelayangReserve and the many exciting encounters @bluemindexperience on Instagram. For accommodations, explore the Sheraton Belitung Resort or the eco-luxury Billiton Ekobeach Retreat.
About Tanjung Kelayang Reserve
Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is a sanctuary of sustainable luxury set within the UNESCO Global Geopark of Belitung Island, Indonesia.
Spanning 350 hectares, with over half designated as a protected reserve, this breathtaking destination is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, ancient granite formations, and diverse marine life.
As part of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for tourism, the Reserve is committed to conservation, preserving indigenous flora and fauna while offering an unparalleled escape into nature.
Guests can explore secluded islands, immerse themselves in the island’s rich cultural heritage, and indulge in authentic local cuisine.
With thoughtfully designed accommodations that blend seamlessly into the landscape, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve invites travelers to experience tranquility and adventure in perfect harmony.