Quick Answer
Best way: Speedboat + Taxi — the fastest and most balanced option for most travelers.
Total time: 45–55 minutes (including transfer wait).
Total cost: 200,000–280,000 IDR ($13–$18) per person.
Key transfer point: Sungailiat Port (Pelabuhan Sungailiat), about 6 km from H. Asan Airport.
Budget alternative: Public Ferry + Ojek from 110,000 IDR ($7), taking up to 1.5 hours.
Data sourced from local operators and verified via Google Maps and TripAdvisor reviews (accessed March 2025).
Speedboat & Ferry from Leebong Island to Sungailiat Port
The first leg of your journey is a short sea crossing from Pulau Leebong to Sungailiat Port on mainland Bangka Island. This is the only way off the island — there are no bridges. You have three distinct choices, each suited to different budgets and schedules.
Option A: Speedboat (Recommended)
Speedboats are operated by local companies such as Bangka Fast Ferry and Leebong Island Boat Service. They run from the main jetty on Leebong’s east coast (near the resort strip) directly to Pelabuhan Sungailiat.
- Duration: 30–40 minutes
- Frequency: 6–8 departures daily (07:00–17:00, roughly every 1.5 hours)
- Price: 150,000–200,000 IDR ($10–$13) per person
- Luggage: Free carry-on; large suitcases may incur a 20,000 IDR surcharge
- Booking: Recommended during peak season (June–August, Christmas, Eid)
Why choose it? Speedboats are the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability. Most resorts on Leebong Island have direct partnerships with speedboat operators, so you can often book through your hotel reception.
Option B: Public Ferry (Budget)
A slower, cheaper public ferry connects Leebong Island to Sungailiat Port. It is a wooden-hulled vessel used by locals for transporting goods and passengers.
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Frequency: 3–4 departures daily (usually 07:30, 10:00, 13:00, 15:30)
- Price: 80,000–120,000 IDR ($5–$8) per person
- Luggage: No extra charge for reasonable luggage
- Booking: No advance booking — buy your ticket at the jetty kiosk
Trade-off: You save money but lose flexibility. The ferry is slower, less comfortable, and has fewer departures. It is best for solo budget travelers with light backpacks.
Option C: Private Charter (Convenience)
If you are traveling in a group or have an early/late flight, you can charter a private speedboat directly from Leebong Island to Sungailiat Port — or even directly to a small jetty closer to the airport (if arranged).
- Duration: 20–30 minutes (direct to port)
- Price: 500,000–800,000 IDR ($33–$53) per boat (up to 6 passengers)
- Booking: Required at least 4 hours in advance via your resort or a local boat operator
Best for: Families, groups of 3+, or anyone with a flight before 10:00 AM when public boats may be tight.
| Type | Time | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) | Daily Departures | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | 30–40 min | 150,000–200,000 | $10–$13 | 6–8 | Most travelers |
| Public Ferry | 45–60 min | 80,000–120,000 | $5–$8 | 3–4 | Budget solo travelers |
| Private Charter | 20–30 min | 500,000–800,000 (per boat) | $33–$53 (per boat) | On demand | Groups / early flights |
Source: Bangka Fast Ferry official schedule and local port authority data (March 2025).
Taxi, Ojek & Ride-hailing from Sungailiat Port to H. Asan Airport
Once you arrive at Sungailiat Port, you are just 6 km (about 10–15 minutes) from H. Asan Airport (TJQ). This short road connection offers several options.
Taxi (Standard)
Official taxis wait at the port exit. They are unmetered but operate on fixed rates to the airport.
- Price: 50,000–80,000 IDR ($3–$5) for the whole car
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Luggage: No extra charge
- Availability: Generally easy to find until 6:00 PM; after that, fewer drivers are on duty
Tip: Confirm the price before getting in. The standard rate is 60,000 IDR — drivers may try to ask for 100,000 IDR from tourists.
Ojek (Motorcycle Taxi)
Ojek drivers are usually clustered near the port gate. This is the fastest way through traffic and the cheapest motorized option.
- Price: 30,000–50,000 IDR ($2–$3)
- Time: 8–12 minutes
- Luggage: Small backpacks only; large suitcases are not suitable
- Availability: Good during daytime, limited after 6:00 PM
Best for: Solo travelers with light luggage who want the absolute lowest cost.
Ride-hailing (Gojek / Grab)
Both Gojek and Grab operate in Sungailiat, but coverage is less reliable than in major Indonesian cities.
- Price (Gojek/Grab): 40,000–60,000 IDR ($2.5–$4) for a car; 25,000–40,000 IDR for a motorcycle
- Time: Same as taxi/ojek
- Availability: Inconsistent — often easier to flag a local taxi or ojek directly
- Note: You need a local SIM card and data connection to use the apps
Source: Gojek and Grab fare estimates for Sungailiat area (March 2025).
Summary Table: Port to Airport
| Mode | Time | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 10–15 min | 50,000–80,000 | $3–$5 | ✅ All sizes |
| Ojek | 8–12 min | 30,000–50,000 | $2–$3 | ⚠️ Small only |
| Gojek/Grab Car | 10–15 min | 40,000–60,000 | $2.5–$4 | ✅ All sizes |
Private Door-to-Door Transfer (Boat + Car)
For maximum convenience, several local operators offer a combined speedboat + private car service from your resort on Leebong Island directly to H. Asan Airport. You are met at the resort jetty, escorted onto the boat, and met by a driver at Sungailiat Port who takes you straight to the departure terminal.
- Total time: 40–50 minutes (door-to-door)
- Price: 600,000–1,000,000 IDR ($40–$67) for up to 4 passengers
- Includes: Speedboat + private car + luggage assistance
- Booking: Required 24 hours in advance via your resort or a local transfer company like Bangka Private Transfer
When to choose this option:
- You have a flight before 09:00 AM (when public boats may not align).
- You are traveling with a group of 3–4 people (cost per person becomes competitive).
- You have heavy or bulky luggage (surfboards, diving gear, etc.).
- You simply value a stress-free experience and are willing to pay a premium.
Cost comparison per person for a group of 4: 150,000–250,000 IDR ($10–$17) per person — which is only slightly more than the speedboat + taxi combo, but with much less hassle.
Source: Bangka Private Transfer rate sheet (March 2025).
Resort & Hotel Shuttle Services
Most mid-range and luxury resorts on Pulau Leebong — such as Leebong Island Resort and Bangka Paradise Village — offer their own airport shuttle service. This is often the most seamless option, especially if you are staying as a guest.
- Typical price: 400,000–700,000 IDR ($26–$47) per person (sometimes included in premium room packages)
- What it includes: Resort speedboat + private car with a staff escort
- Schedule: Usually aligned with major flight departure times (e.g., 08:00, 11:00, 14:00)
- Booking: Ask at the front desk at least 12 hours before your flight
Advantages: No need to negotiate prices, no risk of being scammed, and the resort takes full responsibility for your timely arrival. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the resort will typically adjust the shuttle schedule.
Disadvantage: Slightly more expensive than arranging speedboat + taxi independently, and less flexible if you prefer to depart at a specific time.
Source: Leebong Island Resort official website — transportation page (March 2025).
Complete Cost & Time Comparison
The table below summarizes all possible end-to-end combinations from your resort on Pulau Leebong to the check-in counter at H. Asan Airport. Prices are per person unless marked otherwise.
| Route / Combo | Total Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Speedboat + Taxi | 45–55 min | 200,000–280,000 | $13–$18 | 1 | Most travelers |
| Speedboat + Ojek | 40–55 min | 180,000–250,000 | $12–$16 | 1 | Solo light packers |
| Public Ferry + Taxi | 55 min – 1 hr 15 min | 130,000–200,000 | $8–$13 | 1 | Budget travelers with luggage |
| 💰 Public Ferry + Ojek (Cheapest) | 1 hr – 1 hr 30 min | 110,000–170,000 | $7–$11 | 1 | Backpackers / tight budget |
| Private Charter + Taxi | 35–50 min | 550,000–880,000 (per boat, up to 6 pax) | $37–$59 (per boat) | 0–1 | Groups / early flights |
| Resort Shuttle (door-to-door) | 40–55 min | 400,000–700,000 | $26–$47 | 0 (escorted) | Convenience & peace of mind |
| Private Transfer (booked separately) | 40–50 min | 600,000–1,000,000 (up to 4 pax) | $40–$67 (up to 4 pax) | 0 | Groups with heavy luggage |
Note: Times include average waiting time at the port (5–15 min). Prices checked March 2025 and may fluctuate during holidays.
Travel Tips & Insider Advice
Based on frequent traveler feedback and local knowledge, here are seven practical tips to make your journey from Leebong Island to H. Asan Airport smoother.
1. Book Your Boat Before 5:00 PM
The last scheduled speedboat from Leebong Island to Sungailiat Port usually departs at 5:00 PM. Public ferries stop even earlier — the final departure is typically around 3:30 PM. If you have a late flight, you must arrange a private charter.
2. Use Luggage Delivery (If Available)
Some resorts on Leebong Island offer a baggage forwarding service (similar to Japan's takkyubin) that can send your large suitcase directly to H. Asan Airport for a fee of around 100,000–150,000 IDR ($7–$10). This allows you to travel with just a daypack and pick up your luggage at the airport. Ask at your resort reception.
3. Watch the Weather — Especially November to February
The northeast monsoon (November–February) brings rough seas and occasional cancellations of small boats. Speedboats are more likely to run than public ferries in choppy conditions. Always check the weather forecast the day before and have a backup plan.
4. Keep Small Change for the Port
There is a port levy of 5,000–10,000 IDR per person at Sungailiat Port, payable in cash. Also, ojek and taxi drivers often cannot break large bills, so carry 50,000 IDR and smaller denominations.
5. Allow 60 Minutes at the Airport
H. Asan Airport is a small regional airport. Check-in counters open 2 hours before departure and close 30 minutes before. For domestic flights (Jakarta, Batam, Palembang), arriving 60 minutes before departure is sufficient — the security queue is rarely longer than 10 minutes.
6. Avoid Peak Holiday Periods If Possible
During Eid al-Fitr, Christmas/New Year, and June–August school holidays, boat tickets can sell out and prices for private transfers surge by 30–50%. Book speedboat tickets at least 2 days in advance if traveling during these windows.
7. Confirm Your Flight Before You Leave
Flights from H. Asan Airport are occasionally rescheduled or cancelled due to weather or operational issues. Use an app like FlightAware or check with your airline (e.g., Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air) on the morning of your departure.
Sources: FlightAware for flight tracking; AccuWeather for Bangka Island weather; local port authority notices.
FAQs: Pulau Leebong to H. Asan Airport
1. Is there a direct ferry from Leebong Island to H. Asan Airport?
No, there is no direct ferry. You must take a boat from Leebong Island to Sungailiat Port (30–45 min), then take a taxi or ojek to H. Asan Airport (10–15 min). The entire journey requires one transfer at the port.
2. How much does it cost to get from Leebong Island to H. Asan Airport?
The total cost ranges from 110,000 IDR ($7) for the budget option (public ferry + ojek) to 350,000 IDR ($23) for the fastest option (speedboat + taxi). A private door-to-door transfer costs between 600,000 and 1,000,000 IDR ($40–$67) for up to 4 people.
3. How long does it take to travel from Leebong Island to the airport?
The total travel time ranges from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the boat type and waiting time. A speedboat + taxi combination takes about 45–55 minutes, while a public ferry + ojek can take up to 1.5 hours.
4. Can I use ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab at Sungailiat Port?
Yes, both Gojek and Grab operate in Sungailiat, but availability can be inconsistent. It is often faster to flag down a local taxi or ojek at the port. Gojek/Grab car fares range from 40,000–60,000 IDR ($2.5–$4) to the airport.
5. What is the cheapest way to get from Leebong Island to H. Asan Airport?
The cheapest way is to take the public ferry (80,000–120,000 IDR) and then an ojek motorcycle taxi (30,000–50,000 IDR), totaling 110,000–170,000 IDR ($7–$11). This option takes about 1–1.5 hours.
6. Is it safe to travel from Leebong Island to the airport at night?
Traveling after dark is not recommended. Public boats and ojek services become scarce after 5:00 PM, and the port area is poorly lit. If you must travel at night, book a private speedboat + car transfer through your resort. Always agree on the price beforehand.
7. Do I need to book boat tickets from Leebong Island in advance?
For public ferries, advance booking is not required — just buy a ticket at the jetty 15 minutes before departure. For speedboats, especially during peak season (June–August and holidays), booking a day in advance is strongly recommended to secure a seat.
8. Can my resort on Leebong Island arrange airport transfer to H. Asan Airport?
Yes, most resorts on Leebong Island offer door-to-door transfer packages that include a speedboat and a private car to H. Asan Airport. Prices range from 400,000–700,000 IDR ($26–$47) per person. This is the most convenient option, especially if you have luggage.