Hi Truthseeker,
I went there from my hometown, Palembang, using boat for around 1.5 hour (if I'm not mistaken .. coz it's been awhile). You may use local plane though.. it's available from Jakarta also.
Expense is much much lower than Bali, meal is no problem, mostly sea-food, chinese food, all yummy .. !! (I love eating too !!! )
Hotel is local, quite OK

I'm not familiar with local flora/fauna , I did some search and end up with beach results
Maybe you want to check this site : http://www.answers.com/topic/bangka-island

Bandung is a crowded city with small roads, people should be aware of traffic jam around factories area, and also should be paying extra attention on the street coz maybe all of the sudden there will be a public transportation in front of you.
Weather is OK in till 8 am, and cooling down around 4 pm, sometimes it's chillin' too in the morning.
Visit this site for more info http://www.bandung.go.id/index.php?fa=en.index

Hope it will help.<br><br>Post edited by: Choco, at: 2007/06/15 07:36