A thin ribbon of tarmac winds its way through leafy villages that hug Belitung’s coast. Very occasionally, a scooter—piled high with passengers—hums past. It feels as if I have this Indonesian island almost to myself.

The boot-shaped island off the coast of Sumatra is often labeled the “Maldives of Indonesia” thanks to its pristine reefs, turquoise sea, Triassic granite formations, and last year's confirmation of its UNESCO Global Geopark status, a designation that aims to protect the natural environment and to encourage holistic and sustainable development.

So far, Belitung remains off the tourist trail, but thanks to UNESCO's recognition, a new direct flight from Singapore, and green-thinking hotels launching on its shores, it won’t be for long. As excited as they are to welcome new guests, locals are also determined to create a blueprint for sustainable tourism.