Membalong: Geopark, Coast and Village History

Around Membalong, an oral history of the area and landscape sites with very different characteristics come together. At Gunung Kubing, forest, hills and a natural pool shape the mountain landscape; along the coast at Teluk Gembira, large granite formations stand on the shore. Batu Baginde and Gunung Kubing are associated with the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark. The surrounding area thus offers several points of interest that you can weigh differently when planning your stay and looking for a holiday apartment in Membalong.

Geopark landscape around Membalong

The Batu Baginde geosite is in Desa Padang Kandis, Kecamatan Membalong, and is part of the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark. Gunung Kubing is in Desa Perpat, is about 321 to 325 metres high, and is also recognised as a geosite in the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark. Sawah Kremak is likewise in Desa Perpat. Together, these are three specifically named landscape sites in two villages in the area around Membalong. Their shared connection to the geopark makes Batu Baginde and Gunung Kubing clearly identified points of interest, while Sawah Kremak provides another place name to help orient yourself in Desa Perpat.

Forest trail, views and coast

A forest trail leads to the summit of Gunung Kubing. Depending on the route and trail conditions, the ascent takes about 10 to 45 minutes. The mountain offers views of the forest, hills and a natural pool. Visitors can bathe and swim in this clear, cool pool higher up. Allow about 10 to 45 minutes for the ascent, depending on the route and trail conditions.

A different landscape can be found at Pantai Teluk Gembira, where large granite formations stand on the shore. The fine white sand at Teluk Gembira is ideal for walking and playing in the water. This stretch of coast offers a distinct alternative to the forest trail and mountain pool: here, the beach and granite shape the experience, while at Gunung Kubing it is the forest trail and the views from the mountain. Both offer different ways to shape your stay.

Oral history in Membalong

History offers another way to get to know the area. According to oral accounts from older residents, Kampung Membalong was founded in 1851 under the leadership of K.A. Deraip. This date is therefore part of a traditional account of the village’s founding. The grave of K.A. Deraip bin K.A. Kedjor is also located in Membalong. The local history thus links an account of the beginnings of Kampung Membalong with a specific historical point of interest located in Membalong.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Membalong, you could first consider which aspect of your stay you would like to focus on: the forest trail and views at Gunung Kubing, the coastal scenery at Teluk Gembira, or the area’s oral history. These are different travel interests, not a ranking.

For the broader travel overview: Belitung.