Granites are usually found on the Belitung’s beach as Belitung’s unique characteristic. However, there is a phenomenon, big granite in the middle of the land. It is called Batu Baginda. Because the height of the granite is like a mountain, people called it Batu Baginda Hill.

Batu Baginda is a unique tourist attraction in Bangka Belitung Island, Indonesia. It is around Padang Kandis Village, Membalong District, south of Belitung Regency. You can search Batu Baginda on Google Maps. We could go to the main road by using two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. From Tanjung Pandan City to Padang Kandis Village, it is about 1 hour 30 minutes. There are villages, lush forests and oil palm plantations along the way. After a long drive, two large rocks were seen from a distance. Next, we saw a small sign Gunung Baginde at the edge of the main road, the same direction to Penyabong Beach. The road is narrow and full of soil. From the car park, we continued climbing into the forest.

“Excuse me, Sir. Where is the trekking path to the top of Batu Baginda?” Wawan asked.

“Look. It was only marked with a tiny wooden board Bukit Baginda on the left side. Batu Baginda is a wonderful place. Batu Baginda consists of two big granites, a couple of male and female granites. However, there is only a trekking path to the female granite. There is no way to climb the male granite. In this sacred place, people look for wealth rapidly by worshipping spirits on the peak. Be careful. Some rules, such as menstruating women, are prohibited to climb Batu Baginda, people must be polite in this area. If people are impolite, they will be harassed by hill guards. It would be best if you had good preparation for climbing this hill: comfortable clothing, powerful footwear, good stamina, and adequate drinking water. Ehm, just for information, there is no toilet there. There are a ladder and a rope to climb Batu Baginda. However, because the shape of the granite is large and steep, it is not recommended for children, especially toddlers, to climb to the top of Batu Baginda. They can climb under the rock,” the young man explained clearly to us.

“Thank you very much for your information and kind suggestions,” I said.

“You are welcome. Good luck,” he replied.

Based on the suggestions, we went to the toilet and bought mineral water before climbing.

We saw a tiny wooden board Bukit Baginda and walk through the forest. A board stated that only monkey who is littering. The track is quite easy at the beginning. However, near the top, we climbed the steep iron ladders and held on the ropes. Sweat draining. Scary feeling. Very tired and challenging too because we seldom do exercise before. It was about twenty minutes to reach the top of the granite.

We saw the forest surrounded by the Belitung sea from the top. Yes. Finally, we reach the peak of Batu Baginda, and the exotic view paid all struggles. The smell of the forest. Cool of air. Fresh of the drinking water. The warmth of the light of the stars. I closed my eyes and praised God, “How great is our God. Thank you for this wonderful scenery.” We sat and took some pictures there. I learned that people could get lost there without asking a question about the trekking path and rules. So, be brave to ask other people.