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Dreaming of a tropical escape but don’t want to deal with the Bali crowds? We’ve got you. From this autumn onwards, Melburnians can fly directly into two of Indonesia’s most underrated destinations – and for a seriously affordable price.
This May and June, Singaporean low-cost airline Scoot will launch Australia’s first flights to Belitung and Pontianak. Never heard of these destinations? Neither had we – but one look at the photos and we’re basically packing our bags.
First up: Belitung. Tucked off the eastern coast of Sumatra, this tropical gem is known for its giant granite boulders scattered across white-sand beaches, crystal-clear snorkelling spots and little offshore islands you can hop between. Life here moves at a much slower pace than bustling Bali, making it perfect for those in need of some serious R&R. From May 3, Scoot will launch twice-weekly flights from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne to Belitung via Singapore, with one-way fares starting at $233.
Next up: Pontianak. Sitting right on the equator, this culturally rich city is home to the Equator Monument, where you can literally stand between the northern and southern hemispheres. Wild! It’s also set along Indonesia’s longest river, the Kapuas River, where boat rides and floating markets are part of daily life. From June 29, Scoot will operate three flights per week from Australia via Singapore, starting at just $277. You can explore travel dates here.
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