Scoot Launches New Flights from Singapore to Belitung (S$99) and Pontianak (S$129) — First Departures May & June 2026

Both are 'thin routes' — modest demand, historically served only by Indonesian domestic carriers connecting via Jakarta or Surabaya (3-leg journey, 8+ hours). Scoot's new Embraer E190-E2 (112 seats) is sized exactly for these markets — too small to be profitable for a 737/A320 but ideal for a regional jet. This is Scoot's strategy of becoming the dominant SG-Indonesia secondary-city carrier alongside its primary Bali/Jakarta routes. Both routes also tap latent SG family-travel demand: Belitung for beach holiday, Pontianak for Chinese-Indonesian family heritage trips and Borneo connections.

Belitung is the lesser-known sister island to Bangka (off Sumatra's east coast), about 50 minutes by air from Singapore. The hero is Tanjung Tinggi Beach — the white-sand + giant granite boulder formation that became famous as the 'Laskar Pelangi' (Rainbow Troops) movie filming location. Other highlights: Lengkuas Island lighthouse boat trip (S$80–120 day tour, snorkelling included), Manggar coffee culture (Belitung is Indonesia's coffee-shop-density capital), and absurdly fresh seafood at Mie Belitung restaurants. 4–5 days is the sweet spot — 2 days beach, 1 day island-hopping, 1 day food/culture. Budget mid-range hotel S$60–90/night, beachfront resort S$150–250/night.

Pontianak (West Kalimantan capital) is geographically AT the equator — the Tugu Khatulistiwa monument is the literal equator-crossing landmark and the city's signature photo spot. Cultural draw: significant Chinese-Indonesian heritage (Hakka, Teochew communities) so the food scene includes excellent Indonesian-Chinese hawker food + heritage temples. Durian capital of Indonesia — peak season Sep–Nov, off-peak May–Jun (your flight launch window) you'll still find premium varieties at lower prices. Gateway to Borneo interior — multi-day jungle/longhouse expeditions to Sambas, Sintang, or further inland Dayak villages start from Pontianak. 3–4 days for city + equator monument; 7+ days if you want a Borneo interior trip.

It's the actual base fare, taxes-and-fees included (Scoot SG headline fares are tax-inclusive by default — they have to disclose otherwise). The catch: it's one-way only, and only on specific 'flexible date' tickets booked far enough in advance (typically 4–6 weeks). Standard return on either route once you add a checked bag + seat selection + meal is typically S$220–280 for Belitung, S$280–380 for Pontianak. Still significantly cheaper than the existing 3-leg-via-Jakarta options at S$450+. Best deal hunting: book the launch period (May 2026 for Belitung, July 2026 for Pontianak) — Scoot typically runs launch promo fares for the first 6–8 weeks.