Picture this: vast sand dunes, a crystal-clear blue lake born from a forgotten mining site, and lush surroundings all wrapped into a single day trip. For just $20 per person, this private tour offers a chance to see some of Bintan’s most unique sights—the desert landscape and Blue Lake—in comfort and style. With a dedicated driver, entrance fees included, and personalized photo opportunities, it’s perfect for those seeking a quick, budget-friendly adventure that feels genuine and unhurried.
What we love about this trip is how flexible it seems to be, especially the chance to take photos with just your travel group and the driver. The Blue Lake, a stunning post-mining crater filled with rainwater, offers a surreal splash of color amid the desert sands, making it a photographer’s paradise. Plus, the driver guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, adding a personal touch that elevates the experience.
On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the weather can influence the scenery’s vibrancy—cloudy or rainy days might dampen the visual impact somewhat. Also, if you’re outside the Bintan resort area, there’s an extra charge for pickup, so budget accordingly.
This tour suits adventurers, photography enthusiasts, and budget travelers who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path sights without breaking the bank. If you enjoy memorable landscapes, friendly guides, and the flexibility to tailor your day, this could be just the trip for you.
Key Points
- Affordable Price: At $20, it offers great value for private access to unique sights.
- Photographer’s Dream: Many photo spots with beautiful backgrounds, notably the Blue Lake, perfect for memorable pictures.
- Personalized Experience: Private tour with a dedicated driver who can give local insights and flexible stop options.
- Stunning Views: The juxtaposition of white sands, dunes, and the surreal blue crater creates a genuinely striking scene.
- Weather Matters: Cloudy or rainy days might limit the vibrancy of the scenery, but still offer a fun adventure.
- Accessibility: Extra fee for pickups outside Bintan resort area; free for children under 3.
An In-Depth Look at the Bintan Desert And Blue Lake Tour
The Itinerary and What Makes It Special
This private tour is designed to give you a taste of Bintan’s most unusual sights—the desert landscape and the Blue Lake—in around a half-day or full-day setting, depending on your pace. The tour begins with a comfortable transfer, where your driver greets you and takes you into the heart of the Gurun Pasir Busung desert.
The sand dunes alone are worth the trip. We loved the way the sands stretch far into the horizon, offering a desert-like atmosphere that feels remote and untouched. It’s a place where you can walk freely, snap photos from various angles, and marvel at the expansive landscape. The driver often stays nearby, ready to assist with taking pictures or pointing out interesting features—an appreciated touch that enhances the experience.
Next, you’ll visit the Blue Lake, which is quite the surprise. Originally a large crater from abandoned mining, rainwater gradually filled it, transforming it into a stunning, clear blue basin surrounded by desert sands. It has an almost otherworldly feel, especially when the sunlight hits the water, making the blue hue pop vividly. Many travelers, including one reviewer who said, “It was beautiful even on a cloudy day,” find this spot to be a highlight for capturing Instagram-worthy shots.
Both locations are dotted with various photo spots, with backgrounds that range from stark white dunes to lush green patches near the lake. The tour is flexible enough that if you’re into photography, you’ll find plenty of vantage points to get that perfect shot.
What to Expect at Each Stop
Sand Dunes: Expect to wander among the dunes, take panoramic photos, and enjoy the tranquility of a less-visited landscape. The dunes have a soft, almost powdery feel underfoot, and the open space is perfect for a leisurely stroll or just soaking in the scenery.
Blue Lake: This surreal crater offers a stark contrast to the desert sands. Surrounded by sparse vegetation, the lake’s vivid blue color is mesmerizing. You can take photos with the lake in the background, and if luck is on your side, witness reflections and glimmers that make every picture special. You might also encounter wildlife or birds, adding to the experience.
Photo Spots: There’s no shortage of beautiful backgrounds—white sands, blue waters, and the desert’s undulating forms. One reviewer noted that their guide’s introduction to these spots made a difference, as it helped them find the best angles and understanding the landscape’s history.
The Guide and Transportation
The driver-guide is a central part of the experience, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge. As one reviewer mentioned, “Our taxi guide (His name is Anwar) was really great,” showing how much a good guide can enhance your day. They are typically fluent in English, making communication smooth and informative.
Transportation is private and comfortable, ensuring you’re not crammed into a large group or rushed. Pickup from within the Bintan resort area is included, but if you’re outside this zone, expect an extra charge of IDR 250,000 per vehicle. The tour duration is flexible but generally offers enough time to explore both sights and take photos to your heart’s content.
More Great Tours NearbyValue and Cost Breakdown
Considering the $20 per person price, this tour delivers excellent value. It includes transportation, entrance fees, and mineral water, meaning there aren’t many hidden costs. Compared to more extensive tours that include multiple stops or activities, this one keeps it simple and focused, which is ideal if you’re short on time or budget-conscious.
Reviewers appreciate the affordability, especially when they mention how guides introduced additional local experiences like spas, beaches, and lunch spots—these are often not part of the standard package but demonstrate the flexibility and local insight that guides can provide.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking among dunes and around the crater.
- Pack sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to deal with the sun, especially on clear days.
- Don’t forget your camera—this is a scenery-rich environment perfect for photos.
- Weather can influence the scenery’s vibrancy; a sunny day will enhance the blue lake’s color, but even cloudy days can be enjoyable.
- If you’re outside the resort area, budget for the extra pickup fee.
- Kids under 3 go free, making this suitable for family outings.
- The tour requires at least 2 participants—if you’re solo, you might need to wait or join a group.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This private tour is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and curious travelers eager to explore Bintan’s lesser-known natural sites. It’s perfect for those who want a cost-effective, personalized experience that balances scenic beauty with local authenticity. If you’re looking for a quick getaway from the usual beach resorts or want to add some striking landscape photos to your travel collection, this tour delivers.
Families with young children will appreciate the easy pace and free entry for kids under 3. Budget travelers will find it offers not just affordability but also quality, especially considering the private guide and all entrance fees are included.
However, if you’re after a more extensive tour or want to explore additional attractions like beaches or cultural sites, you might want to consider combining this with other experiences.
FAQs
Q: How much does the tour cost?
A: The tour is priced at $20 per person, including transportation, entrance fees, and mineral water.
Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, children aged 0-3 can join for free, making it family-friendly.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, your camera, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Q: Are there any extra charges?
A: Pickup outside the Bintan resort area costs an additional IDR 250,000 per vehicle. Personal expenses aren’t included.
Q: How flexible is the schedule?
A: The tour can be adjusted somewhat, and the driver-guide can suggest other local experiences if you wish.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to reserve beforehand, especially if you want to secure a spot and pay later with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours.
Q: How long is the tour?
A: It generally lasts a few hours, enough to explore both the desert and blue lake at a relaxed pace.
Q: Is the scenery really as striking as it looks?
A: Yes, many visitors find the combination of dunes and the vibrant blue crater truly photogenic, even on cloudy days.
Final Thoughts
The Bintan Desert and Blue Lake Private Tour offers a distinctive, wallet-friendly way to enjoy some of Bintan’s most unusual landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers who value authentic experiences, beautiful scenery, and personalized service without paying a premium. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a different perspective on Bintan, this trip provides a memorable snapshot of island life beyond the beaches.
With friendly guides, flexible options, and scenery that sparks the imagination, it’s a small adventure with big rewards—well worth considering for your next visit to the Riau Islands.
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