Bintan Sand Dunes & Blue Lakes Tour with Seafood Lunch

Summary

Golden dunes meet blue lakes, seafood lunch by the water, local crafts on bintan

You’ll wander Bintan’s golden sand dunes and stare into unreal blue lakes before sharing seafood lunch above gentle waves at a kelong restaurant. With hotel pickup, local stories from your guide, and time to browse crafts or souvenirs — expect moments that stick with you long after you’ve brushed off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s waving us over from the shade — turns out it’s our guide, Wira, who’s already grinning like he knows what we’re about to see. The drive from the ferry terminal is longer than I thought (Bintan’s bigger than it looks on a map), but the air-con van is a relief. When we finally step out at Gurun Pasir Busung, the sand feels warm through my shoes and there’s this dry breeze that makes everything look sharper. The place is weirdly quiet except for some distant laughter and the crunch of sand underfoot. I keep squinting at the dunes — they really do look like something out of an old movie, not Indonesia.

Wira points out where the mining used to be, says nobody expected rainwater to turn those craters into such bright blue lakes. There’s this odd moment where I’m just staring at the water — it’s so clear it almost looks fake, you know? A couple of locals are selling drinks nearby (coconut water in plastic bags), and some kids are daring each other to run up one of the smaller dunes. My friend tries to get a photo of me with both the lake and the sand in one shot but mostly catches me blinking in the sun. Still, I kinda love that picture.

Lunch comes next — a short ride to a kelong restaurant built right over the water. The wooden planks creak under our feet and there’s this salty smell mixed with frying garlic coming from the kitchen. We get a set menu (seafood everything), and I’m not sure what half of it is but it tastes fresh and spicy. Someone jokes about getting used to eating fish with your hands here; honestly, after that meal I don’t mind. Before heading back, we stop at a little souvenir shop — lots of hand-carved stuff and woven bags. I try bargaining for a keychain and probably pay too much but whatever, it makes me smile when I see it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bintan Sand Dunes and Blue Lakes Tour

• Pick up from hotel or ferry terminal
• Visit Bintan Sand Dunes and Blue Lakes
• Have seafood lunch at local kelong restaurant
• Visit local souvenir and handicraft shop
• Return to hotel or ferry terminal

Top questions

How far are Bintan Sand Dunes & Blue Lakes from main resorts?

The dunes are located quite far from Bintan's city and resort areas; transport is included in the tour.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bintan tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal is included.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

A set menu featuring fresh seafood is served at a local kelong restaurant.

Are entry fees for Gurun Pasir Busung included?

Yes, admission to both Sand Dune & Blue Lake is included in your tour price.

Will there be opportunities to buy souvenirs?

Yes, you'll have a chance to stop at a local souvenir and handy craft shop during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families or all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is bottled water provided during the trip?

Bottled mineral water is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are service animals allowed on this Bintan day trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour according to provided info.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, comfortable air-conditioned transport across Bintan Island, entry fees for both Gurun Pasir Busung sand dunes and Blue Lake, bottled mineral water throughout, a full set-menu seafood lunch at an overwater kelong restaurant, plus time to visit a local souvenir and handy craft shop before returning in comfort.