Bangka Island overview

Set in the South China Sea to the east of Sumatra, Bangka Island is famous for its A-grade tin and its A-grade arak. The first is a metal which can be made into trinkets, the second a drink which is the local tipple as well as a medicine, a vital part of some religious ceremonies and handy for cleaning motorcycle engines. The island offers a number of diving opportunities as well as the chance to take a boat around some of the other smaller islands. For those of a cultural bent the island is also dotted with a number of Buddhist temples. Bangka Island is a place suited to those who want to get away from some of the more hectic aspects of Indonesia, kick back, enjoy some fabulous seafood and discover the joys of arak.