Bintan: Guided Tour of the Bintan Desert and Blue Lake

Planning your trip to Bintan and wondering how to make the most of your time? This guided tour of the Bintan Desert and Blue Lake offers a unique way to experience some of the island’s most eye-catching sights. For just $22 per person, you get a three-hour adventure filled with incredible photo spots, activities, and natural beauty that will leave your camera full and your mind refreshed.

What we love about this tour? First, the combination of desert and lake scenery creates a striking contrast that’s perfect for memorable photos. Second, the local guides are known for their friendliness and knowledge—making the experience both enjoyable and informative. A potential downside? The three-hour duration can feel a little tight if you’re eager to explore everything in more depth, especially if you want time for extra activities like snorkeling. Still, it’s a fantastic option for travelers who want a quick, scenic escape from their resort or hotel.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty, quick adventures, and cultural exchanges. It suits travelers with a sense of curiosity and a camera in hand, eager to see Bintan’s more unusual sights without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $22, this tour offers great value for a scenic, activity-filled experience.
• Variety of Experiences: Includes exploration of the desert, photo stops at Blue Lake, ATV riding, and motor rickshaw rides.
• Convenient Pickup/Drop-off: From select hotels, making logistics simple and stress-free.
• All-Inclusive Entry Fees: No hidden costs—entry to attractions and activities are included.
• Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides with multilingual audio options enhance understanding and comfort.
• Limited Time: The 3-hour window means some activities, like snorkeling, may require separate bookings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect When You Sign Up

This tour begins with a pickup from a range of hotels in the Bintan resort area, typically in the late morning or early afternoon depending on availability. The transportation is air-conditioned, which is a relief given Bintan’s tropical climate. Expect to spend the journey learning about Bintan’s landscape and culture from your guide, a friendly local who keeps the atmosphere light and informative.

Once at the attractions, you’ll be guided through the mini desert, a surprisingly striking stretch of golden sands. Here, the sense of vastness is real, and the scenery offers excellent opportunities for photos of sweeping dunes and desert landscapes. The Blue Lake is a highlight—the vivid, shimmering waters set against the sands create a stunning contrast that’s perfect for snapping memorable pictures.

From there, activities ramp up a bit. You’ll have the chance to hop on an ATV, giving you a quick adrenaline rush across the sands, and enjoy a motor rickshaw ride, which adds a fun, cultural twist to the trip. Both activities are included in the package, and guides are on hand to help if you’re new to riding.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or nearby location. Most participants find that three hours fly by, leaving plenty of time to explore further or unwind back at their resort.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Departure

Starting from 17 pickup locations across Bintan, the tour offers flexibility. From the iconic Grand Lagoi Hotel to Natra Bintan and other popular resorts, the pickup process is straightforward. The air-conditioned vans are comfortable and typically run on time, which is helpful for travelers with tight schedules.

Exploring the Desert and Blue Lake

Once at the Bintan Desert, you’ll see a landscape that, despite the name, is not a true desert but a mini desert—a vast expanse of golden sands that stretch quite far. The guides are helpful in explaining how this unusual landscape was formed and offer plenty of photo opportunities. As one traveler remarked, “Bring your camera and your smile because you’ll want to capture this view.”

Next, it’s on to the Blue Lake—a true showstopper. Its waters, often described as bright and shimmering, create an almost surreal backdrop. The contrast between the blue waters and surrounding sands makes this a top spot for photos. Many visitors describe it as “breathtaking,” and it’s easy to see why.

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Activities and Photo Opportunities

The included ATV ride is a highlight. It’s a quick, fun way to experience the sands and get some adrenaline flowing. Guides are available to assist beginners, and the ride adds an element of excitement to your scenic exploration.

Following that, the motor rickshaw ride offers a relaxed way to take in the sights with minimal effort. It’s also a good chance to chat with your guide and learn more about Bintan’s local culture.

Additional Notes from Reviewers

One reviewer shared, “The scenery along the way is part of the experience,” emphasizing how much the journey itself adds to the enjoyment. Another appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable guides who helped make the experience memorable—”so many memorable photos of this beautiful man-made desert and bright blue lakes.”

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Bring cash: Some stalls at the attractions may sell snacks or photos with eagles.
• Camera ready: The scenery is stunning, and there are plenty of moments worth capturing.
• Dress comfortably: Lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sun protection are a must.
• Time management: The three-hour window is tight; plan your activities accordingly.
• Consider extra activities: If you’re interested in snorkeling or other adventures, book them separately as they aren’t included here.
• Children under 5 are free, making this accessible for families.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a quick yet beautiful sightseeing experience. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy photography, outdoor activities, and learning about local landscapes. If you’re short on time but want to see the most visually striking spots on Bintan, this trip hits the mark.

However, it might not be ideal for travelers seeking a long, in-depth exploration or those with motion sickness, as rides and transport are involved. Also, if snorkeling or swimming are high priorities, you’ll want to plan for separate trips.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Bintan’s desert and Blue Lake offers an accessible, fun way to experience some of the island’s most picturesque scenery. For only $22, you get a well-organized trip that combines natural beauty, light adventure, and cultural insight, all guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals.

The highlights—the contrast of sands and shimmering blue waters, ATV rides, and photo opportunities—make it a memorable addition to your Bintan itinerary. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers looking for a short, affordable adventure that packs a punch visually and culturally.

While the three-hour duration may limit some activities, it’s a perfect snapshot of Bintan’s more unusual landscapes, especially if you’re eager to maximize your sightseeing time without overspending. If you’re after a fun, scenic, and straightforward tour, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip transportation from select hotels in Bintan’s resort area, with air-conditioned vans.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, starting around late morning or early afternoon, depending on availability.

Are entry fees included?
Absolutely. All entrance fees for the desert, Blue Lake, and activities like ATV riding are covered.

Can I book from any hotel?
Pickup is available from 17 designated locations, including major resorts and hotels in the area.

Are there any additional costs?
Extras like photos with eagles or snacks may cost extra and are available at stalls near the attractions.

Is this suitable for children?
Children under 5 are free, making it family-friendly, but consider the activities’ nature if your kids aren’t comfortable with rides.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for optional extras, your camera, sun protection, and comfortable clothing.

Is the tour suitable for people with motion sickness?
Since it involves rides and vehicle transport, those prone to motion sickness should consider this before booking.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides and audio guides are available in English, Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, Korean, and Japanese.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

In essence, the Bintan Desert and Blue Lake tour offers a snapshot of some of Bintan’s most photogenic landscapes for a very reasonable price. Whether you’re snapping photos, riding an ATV, or simply soaking in the scenery, it’s a memorable outing worth considering during your stay.

You can check availability for your dates here: