H A S Hanandjoeddin International Airport

H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport lies on the northwest coast of Belitung Island, about five kilometers from Tanjung Pandan, the regency capital. Named after a local independence hero, the airport serves as the main air entry point for Belitung, an island known for its white-sand beaches, unique granite rock formations, and cultural significance. Despite its international designation, the airport primarily handles domestic flights to Jakarta, Pangkal Pinang, and other Indonesian cities, with occasional international charters. The single-terminal building is compact but functional, designed to process a steady flow of tourists and locals alike. Understanding how to navigate this facility and the surrounding island ensures a smooth journey.

Getting There

From Tanjung Pandan city center, the airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive, covering roughly five kilometers. Taxis are available from the city, with fares around IDR 50,000–70,000 depending on negotiation. Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab operate in Belitung but may have limited coverage near the airport; pre-booking is advisable. Motorcycle taxis (ojek) are a cheaper and faster alternative, especially for solo travelers. If driving, the route follows Jalan Bandar Udara, a well-paved road that passes local neighborhoods and small shops. Parking at the airport is limited but sufficient for short stays; long-term parking is not recommended as the lot can fill up during peak hours. For those traveling from other parts of Belitung, such as Tanjung Kelayang or Manggar, the drive can take 30 to 60 minutes, so plan accordingly. No public buses serve the airport directly, but minibuses from Tanjung Pandan terminal can drop passengers at the junction near the entrance.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin is a single-story building with separate areas for arrivals and departures. On the ground level, check-in counters for airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Citilink line the left side. Security screening is straightforward but can form queues around midday. The departure lounge is air-conditioned with basic seating, and a small kiosk sells snacks and drinks. A changing table is available in the restroom, and the airport is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and designated parking spaces. Baggage storage is offered for a fee, useful for passengers with layovers who want to explore Tanjung Pandan. The toilet facilities are clean and include a wheelchair-accessible stall. On the arrival side, the baggage claim carousel is small but efficient, usually delivering bags within 15 minutes. The airport has no premium lounges or extensive dining options, so it's wise to bring food if you expect delays. Free Wi-Fi is not reliably available; consider downloading offline maps and entertainment before arrival.

H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport and Belitung Regency

Belitung Regency, comprising the island of Belitung and smaller surrounding islands, is a destination defined by natural beauty and cultural heritage. The island's coastline is punctuated by enormous granite boulders, most famously at Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, where clear turquoise waters meet smooth, grey rocks. These beaches gained international attention after being featured in the film adaptation of "Laskar Pelangi" (The Rainbow Troops), a novel by Andrea Hirata set on Belitung. The story, which follows a group of students in a struggling village school, has become a cultural touchstone and draws visitors to locations like the original school building. Beyond the beaches, the island's tin mining history is evident in the remnants of mines and the museum in Tanjung Pandan dedicated to the industry. Islands such as Lengkuas, Kepayang, and Batu Berlayar are popular day-trip destinations, accessed by speedboat from the mainland. Lengkuas Island features a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views. Local cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, with dishes like mihun belitung (rice noodles with fish and shrimp) and sambal nanas (pineapple chili sauce). The airport's name pays homage to H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin, a native of Belitung who fought for Indonesian independence and later served as a governor. The regency is relatively undeveloped for mass tourism, which adds to its appeal for travelers seeking unspoiled landscapes and authentic experiences. The airport thus serves as a crucial link, connecting this remote island to the rest of Indonesia and the world, while the limited infrastructure encourages sustainable travel practices.

Practical Information

H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport does not operate 24 hours a day. The terminal opens approximately two hours before the first flight and closes after the last arrival, typically between 6 AM and 6 PM. Contact the airport through the managing operator: PT Angkasa Pura Kargo (website: http://www.angkasapurakargo.co.id/), though it primarily handles cargo; for passenger inquiries, check with your airline. The busiest times are Monday to Wednesday at 1 PM and Thursday at 11 AM, so avoid arriving during these peak windows if possible. There are no ATMs inside the terminal, but a bank with ATM is located about 500 meters down the access road. Taxis from the airport to town are priced at a fixed rate posted inside the arrival hall. For international departures, a departure tax may apply; check current regulations with your airline. One concrete tip: pack a light jacket, as the air conditioning in the departure lounge can be overly cold, and bring a refillable water bottle, as there are no drinking fountains. If you have time before or after your flight, the nearby Tanjung Pendam Beach is a 10-minute drive from the airport and offers a relaxed spot to stretch your legs.