Quick Answer
The best way from Tanjung Tinggi Beach (Belitung Island) to H. Asan Airport (PGK, Bangka Island) is ferry + land crossing: car to Tanjung Pandan Port (30 min), ferry to Pangkal Pinang (2–3 hrs), then taxi to the airport (20 min). Total time: 3.5–4.5 hours | Cost: ~200,000 IDR (13 USD) per person. For speed, choose a speedboat (2.5–3 hrs, ~350,000 IDR / 23 USD). Flying via Jakarta is the most expensive and time-consuming option (6–8 hrs, ~1,800,000 IDR / 118 USD).
Ferry & Land Crossing – The Most Practical & Affordable Way
Since there is no railway network on Belitung or Bangka islands, the ferry + land combination serves as the equivalent of a "train" route — a scheduled, mass-transit connection between the two islands. This is the most popular choice for locals and budget-conscious travelers.
Step-by-Step Route
- Tanjung Tinggi Beach → Tanjung Pandan Port (30–40 min by car, ~50,000–70,000 IDR / 3–4.5 USD). You can hire a local taxi or use a ride-hailing app (Grab/Gojek if available).
- Tanjung Pandan Port → Pangkal Pinang Port (2–3 hours by regular ferry, ~100,000–150,000 IDR / 6.5–10 USD). Ferries run 2–4 times daily, usually between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Check the latest schedule at the port or call Pelni for updates.
- Pangkal Pinang Port → H. Asan Airport (20–30 min by taxi, ~50,000–80,000 IDR / 3–5 USD). Taxis are available outside the port terminal; fixed-rate coupons are often sold at the taxi kiosk.
Ferry Types & Comfort Level
| Ferry Type | Duration | Price (IDR) | Comfort | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Ferry (KM) | 2.5–3 hrs | 100,000–130,000 | Seated, basic AC | 2–3 daily |
| Express Ferry | 1.5–2 hrs | 150,000–200,000 | Reclining seats, AC, snack | 1–2 daily |
Prices are per person and may change seasonally. Always confirm at the port 1 day in advance.
Baggage & Seating
Regular ferries allow up to 20 kg of luggage per person free of charge. Extra baggage costs ~10,000 IDR per 5 kg. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; arrive 45 minutes before departure for a good seat. Express ferries usually assign seats.
Pro tip: If you are traveling with heavy or oversized luggage, consider using Takkyubin (行李快递) service from Tanjung Pandan to Pangkal Pinang — though limited in Indonesia, some local couriers like JNE offer inter-island parcel delivery at reasonable rates.
Flight via Jakarta – Fastest in the Air, but Longer Total Journey
Flying from Belitung to Bangka requires a transit through Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport, CGK) because there are no direct flights between TJQ (H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport, Belitung) and PGK (H. Asan Airport, Bangka). This option is best for travelers who prefer air travel or need to combine with other trips in Jakarta.
Route Breakdown
- Tanjung Tinggi Beach → TJQ Airport (40 min by car, ~70,000–100,000 IDR / 4.5–6.5 USD).
- TJQ → CGK (Jakarta) (1 hr 10 min flight, ~500,000–800,000 IDR / 33–53 USD with airlines like Lion Air or Garuda Indonesia).
- CGK → PGK (H. Asan Airport) (1 hr 5 min flight, ~500,000–900,000 IDR / 33–59 USD).
- Add transit time at CGK: minimum 2–3 hours for connecting flights.
Total Time & Cost
| Segment | Time | Cost (IDR) |
|---|---|---|
| Beach → TJQ | 40 min | 70,000–100,000 |
| TJQ → CGK (flight) | 1 hr 10 min | 500,000–800,000 |
| CGK layover | 2–3 hrs | — |
| CGK → PGK (flight) | 1 hr 5 min | 500,000–900,000 |
| PGK → Airport exit | 10 min | — |
| Total | 6–8 hrs | 1,500,000–2,500,000 IDR (100–165 USD) |
Important Notes
Hidden time: You need to be at TJQ airport 1.5 hours before departure for domestic flights. After arriving at PGK, a taxi to the city center (Pangkal Pinang) takes 20 minutes — but H. Asan Airport is already near the city, so no additional transfer is needed if the airport is your final destination.
Which airport in Jakarta? All flights between Belitung and Jakarta use Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) Terminal 1 or 2. Make sure to allow enough time for terminal transfers (take the free Skytrain, ~10 min).
Only choose this option if: you have a high budget, you need to visit Jakarta anyway, or you have limited mobility and prefer air travel despite the longer total time.
Speedboat & Fast Ferry – The Quickest Sea Option
If you want to minimize sea time but avoid the cost and complexity of flying, a speedboat or express ferry is your best bet. This is the "business class" of sea travel — faster, more comfortable, and more expensive than the regular ferry.
Speedboat Route
- Tanjung Tinggi Beach → Tanjung Pandan Speedboat Terminal (30 min by car, ~50,000–70,000 IDR / 3–4.5 USD). The speedboat terminal is usually at the same port as regular ferries, but with a separate waiting area.
- Speedboat Tanjung Pandan → Pangkal Pinang (1.5–2 hours, ~250,000–350,000 IDR / 16–23 USD). Speedboats operate 1–2 times daily, often in the morning (7:00–8:00 AM). Booking 1 day in advance is recommended.
- Pangkal Pinang → H. Asan Airport (20 min by taxi, ~50,000–80,000 IDR / 3–5 USD).
Comparison: Regular Ferry vs Speedboat
| Feature | Regular Ferry | Speedboat / Express Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Sea time | 2.5–3 hrs | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Price (per person) | 100,000–150,000 IDR | 250,000–350,000 IDR |
| Comfort | Basic AC, shared seating | Reclining seats, AC, sometimes TV |
| Luggage allowance | 20 kg free | 15 kg free (stricter) |
| Frequency | 2–4 daily | 1–2 daily |
| Booking required? | No (but recommended) | Yes, highly recommended |
Where to Book
Speedboat tickets can be purchased at the port or through local travel agents in Tanjung Pandan. Online booking platforms like Traveloka sometimes list express ferry options — search for "Tanjung Pandan to Pangkal Pinang ferry".
Baggage note: Speedboats have limited luggage space. If you have large suitcases, check with the operator in advance. Overweight baggage may incur a fee of ~20,000 IDR per 5 kg.
Taxi & Private Transfer – Maximum Comfort, Premium Price
For travelers who value privacy, convenience, and door-to-door service, a private transfer is available — but it comes at a significant premium. This option is suitable for groups of 3+ people, late-night arrivals, early-morning departures, or travelers with heavy luggage.
Private Transfer Options
| Service Type | Route | Price (IDR) | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (local) | Beach → Tanjung Pandan Port | 50,000–70,000 | Sedan / MPV |
| Private car + ferry crossing | Beach → Port → Ferry → Port → Airport | 500,000–800,000 (total package) | MPV + ferry ticket included |
| Executive transfer (full door-to-door) | Beach → Airport (via speedboat) | 1,200,000–1,800,000 | SUV, speedboat, escort |
Pros & Cons
Pros: No waiting, flexible schedule, door-to-door service, good for groups, safe for late-night travel.
Cons: 3–5× more expensive than public options, need to book in advance, not all drivers speak English.
When to Choose Private Transfer
- Late-night / early-morning travel (when ferries are not running)
- Traveling with elderly or disabled passengers
- Large group (4+ people) — cost per person becomes comparable to speedboat
- Heavy or bulky luggage (sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.)
- Business travelers needing a guaranteed schedule
How to book: Contact local taxi operators in Tanjung Pandan via your hotel concierge, or use ride-hailing apps like Grab (if available in Belitung). For full-package transfers, search for "Belitung to Bangka private transfer" on travel forums or ask a local travel agent.
Cost & Time Comparison – All Transport Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare time, cost, and convenience of each way to travel from Tanjung Tinggi Beach to H. Asan Airport.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Cost per Person (IDR) | Cost per Person (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Land ⭐ | 3.5–4.5 hrs | 200,000–250,000 | 13–16 | 2 (car → ferry → taxi) | Budget travelers, most people |
| Speedboat + Land 🚀 | 2.5–3 hrs | 350,000–500,000 | 23–33 | 2 (car → speedboat → taxi) | Speed seekers, day-trippers |
| Flight via Jakarta ✈️ | 6–8 hrs | 1,500,000–2,500,000 | 100–165 | 3 (car → flight → flight) | High budget, combo trips |
| Private Transfer (full) 🚗 | 3.5–5 hrs | 500,000–1,800,000 | 33–118 | door-to-door | Groups, comfort, special needs |
⭐ Best overall: Ferry + Land — cheapest, reasonably fast, and reliable.
🚀 Fastest: Speedboat + Land — saves 1–1.5 hours vs regular ferry.
💰 Cheapest: Regular ferry + local taxi — as low as 200,000 IDR (13 USD).
All prices are per person and may vary by season. Ferry and speedboat schedules change; always confirm 1–2 days before travel.
Traveler Tips & Insider Advice – What They Don't Tell You
1. Luggage Strategy: Use "Takkyubin" (Luggage Delivery) for Heavy Bags
If you have large suitcases and are taking the ferry, consider sending your luggage ahead via JNE or Tiki from Tanjung Pandan to Pangkal Pinang. It costs about 50,000–80,000 IDR (3–5 USD) per 20 kg and saves you from hauling bags on and off the ferry. Your hotel or homestay can help arrange this.
2. Ferry Schedule Trap – Don't Get Stranded
Regular ferries between Belitung and Bangka do not run at night. The last ferry usually departs around 4:00 PM. If you arrive at the port after 3:30 PM, you may be forced to take a speedboat (if available) or stay overnight. Plan to leave Tanjung Tinggi Beach by 1:00 PM at the latest to ensure you catch a ferry.
3. Ride-Hailing Apps – Limited but Useful
Grab and Gojek are available in Tanjung Pandan town, but coverage near Tanjung Tinggi Beach is spotty. It's safer to ask your accommodation to arrange a taxi. In Pangkal Pinang, Grab is more reliable for the port-to-airport trip.
4. Peak Season – Golden Week & Holidays
During Lebaran (Eid), Christmas/New Year, and school holidays (June–July), ferry tickets sell out days in advance. Book at least 3–5 days ahead during these periods. Consider the speedboat as a backup if regular ferries are full.
5. Money & Payment
Ferry and speedboat tickets are usually cash only (IDR). Bring enough cash for the entire journey. ATMs are available at Tanjung Pandan Port and Pangkal Pinang Port, but they may charge a fee. Taxis at the port often accept GoPay or OVO (digital wallets) — but cash is king.
6. Language Barrier
English is not widely spoken at ferry terminals or by local taxi drivers. Have your destination written in Bahasa Indonesia: "Bandara H. Asan, Pangkal Pinang" or "Pelabuhan Pangkal Pinang". Use Google Translate or a phrasebook.
7. Food & Drinks on the Ferry
Regular ferries have a small kiosk selling instant noodles, coffee, and snacks. The quality is basic. Bring your own water and light food, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Expert quote: "The ferry from Belitung to Bangka is a scenic 2-hour ride through the Karimata Strait. Sit on the left side for the best views of the islands." — Local travel guide, Tanjung Pandan
FAQs: Tanjung Tinggi Beach to H. Asan Airport
Is there a direct ferry from Tanjung Tinggi Beach to H. Asan Airport?
No, there is no direct ferry. You must take a ferry from Tanjung Pandan Port (Belitung) to Pangkal Pinang Port (Bangka), then continue by car or taxi to the airport (20–30 minutes).
What is the fastest way to get from Tanjung Tinggi Beach to H. Asan Airport?
The fastest way is a speedboat from Tanjung Pandan to Pangkal Pinang (1.5 hours) plus a taxi to the airport. Total journey time is approximately 2.5–3 hours, costing around 350,000–500,000 IDR (23–33 USD).
How much does it cost to go from Tanjung Tinggi Beach to H. Asan Airport by ferry?
Total cost is roughly 200,000–300,000 IDR (13–20 USD) per person: car from beach to port (~50,000), ferry to Pangkal Pinang (~100,000–150,000), and taxi to airport (~50,000–80,000).
Can I fly from Belitung to Bangka directly?
No direct flights exist. You must transit through Jakarta (CGK). Total journey time is 6–8 hours and costs 1,500,000–2,500,000 IDR (100–165 USD).
Is it better to take the ferry or fly from Tanjung Tinggi Beach to H. Asan Airport?
For most travelers, the ferry + land option is better: it's significantly cheaper (200,000 vs 1,800,000 IDR), takes only 3.5–4.5 hours total, and offers a more direct route. Flying is more expensive and has longer total time due to layovers.
Are there night ferries from Belitung to Bangka?
Night ferries are limited and not daily. Most ferries operate between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Check the latest schedule at Tanjung Pandan Port or book through a local travel agent.
How far is Tanjung Tinggi Beach from H. Asan Airport?
The straight-line distance is approximately 220 km (137 miles). Actual travel distance by road and sea is about 250–280 km depending on the route.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tanjung Tinggi Beach to H. Asan Airport?
The cheapest option is the regular ferry + land combination: car to Tanjung Pandan Port (~50,000 IDR), ferry to Pangkal Pinang (~100,000 IDR), and local transport to the airport (~50,000 IDR). Total: ~200,000 IDR (13 USD) per person.
Sources & References:
– Pelni Ferry Schedules
– Lion Air – TJQ & PGK flights
– Garuda Indonesia – Domestic routes
– Traveloka – Ferry & flight booking
– JNE Express – Inter-island parcel delivery
– Grab Indonesia – Ride-hailing