When I decided to visit Belitung Island, I expected to find a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and those famous huge rocks. And I did! But Belitung turned out to be much more than just a pretty place. What really touched me was the story of Laskar Pelangi and how it inspired me during my trip.

If you haven’t heard of Laskar Pelangi (which means The Rainbow Troops), it’s a famous book by Andrea Hirata. The story is based on his childhood in Belitung and tells the tale of ten kids from a poor village who fight for their education. Their school was old and falling apart, but these kids had big dreams and never gave up.

As soon as I arrived on the island, I was blown away by its beauty. I walked along T anjung Tinggi Beach, and the sand was as white as sugar. The water was so clear that I could see all the way to the bottom. I remember thinking, “This is like a dream. ” The massive granite rocks all around made the beach look even more magical. It was so peaceful that I felt like time had slowed down, and I could just
relax and enjoy the moment.

But there’s more to Belitung than just beaches. The story of Laskar Pelangi gave the island a deeper meaning. I visited the Laskar Pelangi school, or a replica of it. It was a simple, small building, nothing like the schools we’re used to. But standing there, I felt something powerful. It was a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about what you have it’s about what you make of it. These kids didn’t have much, but they had hope, and that’s what made the difference.

Talking to the locals, I learned how proud they were of their island and the Laskar Pelangi story. The book isn’t just a story to them—it’s a symbol of hope, determination, and how education can change lives. The kids in the book didn’t just want an education, they needed it to build a better future. It reminded me that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. No matter how difficult life may seem, we can always push through if we have the will to do so.

I also explored some of the smaller islands around Belitung, like Lengkuas Island. I went snorkeling there, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The coral reefs were full of colorful fish, and it felt like I was swimming in a world of bright colors. But even while I was enjoying the beauty, I kept thinking about the kids from Laskar Pelangi how they grew up in this beautiful place, but faced so many challenges.

Leaving Belitung, I realized that this trip was more than just a vacation. It was a lesson in life. The story of Laskar Pelangi taught me that no matter where you come from, no matter how hard things are, if you keep believing and keep trying, you can achieve great things. The island’s beauty stayed with me, but the message of hope and perseverance stayed even more.

So, if you ever get the chance to visit Belitung, don’t just go for the beaches. Take a moment to explore the heart of the island. Visit the Laskar Pelangi school, talk to the locals, and let their stories inspire you. It’s a reminder that life isn’t always a walk in the park, but if you stay strong and keep moving forward, you can reach your dreams. The island will fill you with peace, but its stories will fill you with inspiration.