Tanjung Pandan - Docking

Although it is reportedly possible to go up the river to the town of Tanjung Pandan (at 02° 44.823'S 107°37.456'E),  it is easier and safer to anchor off Tanjung Kelayang (at 02° 33.3328′ S, 107° 40.3720′ E ) which is the most popular anchorage for visiting yachts. Tanjung Pandan is easily reached from there by using Bemos or Grab hire cars.

Tanjung Kelayang

Anchor at Tanjung Kelayang  in 5m of good sand.  This anchorage is reportedly fine during the southerly monsoon, okay in weak northerlies but very rough the northerly monsoons.

The approach to Tanjung Kelayang is through reefs that give good protection, although Manggar on the east coast may be preferable in NW monsoon.  There is room for many boats and holding is good on hard sand.

Approach and anchorage as follows:-

Belitung approach: 1 02° 30'S, 107° 40'E

Belitung approach: 2 02° 31.51'S, 107° 40.53'E

Belitung anchorage:    02° 33.29'S, 107° 40.41'E

All services and facilities are available here. Highly recommended is Evan (+62 819-7778-1455), whose café is at the base of the pier.  He can arrange laundry, beer, diesel (solar), gasoline (benign)  and also act as a tour guide and the food at the café is cheap and delicious. Fuel is conveniently brought to the boat.    Use the free WiFi at the restaurant to contact Johny, a school teacher who acts as CIQP agent for boats needing to clear in or out  +62 812-7143-4108.

Batu Itam Seaport

03° 14.8269′ S – 108° 04.4434′ E

This spot offers a protected anchorage during the NW monsoon. With 7m of good sand, enter carefully from the SE to avoid the fishing sticks on the shallow banks that you keep on your port side. There’s a small fishing dock in the river with friendly fishermen where you can land your dinghy and access the main road that leads to the small village and from there, anywhere on the island.

It’s about one and a half hours by car/moto to Manggar and two hours to Tanjung Pandan.  Contact Nata  a very friendly local interpreter - Whatsapp +62 813-6944-8420.

Last updated:  August 2023