Gurun Pasir Busung: Bintan’s Hidden Desert That Was Never Meant to Exist
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
When you think of Bintan, pristine beaches, luxury resorts and seafood probably come to mind.
A desert? Yeah… probably not.
Yet just a short drive from the ferry terminal lies a completely unexpected landscape. Gurun Pasir Busung (Busung Sand Dunes) looks like a slice of the Sahara dropped into the middle of a tropical island, complete with a turquoise “oasis” called Telaga Biru (Blue Lake). It’s not a mirage. This is a real place.
It just wasn’t meant to exist.
Gurun Pasir Busung went from abandoned mine to Instagram attraction
Photo source: The ANMON Resort Bintan
One of the biggest draws of Gurun Pasir Busung is just how surreal it feels.
Golden sand stretches across the landscape, while lush tropical forests surround the dunes in every direction. Depending on the time of day, the dunes shift from soft cream colours to rich golden amber, making every visit look slightly different. Together, they create a landscape that’s almost too surreal to be real.
The entire landscape started as a bauxite and sand mining site, with mining activities dating back to the colonial era. Once operations stopped, the area was abandoned for years, leaving behind mountains of sand and deep excavation pits. It would have remained an abandoned mine but nature had other things in mind.
Because, over time, nature slowly reshaped the site.
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Years of wind and rain sculpted the discarded sand into the rolling dunes while the abandoned quarry pits gradually filled with rainwater. Thanks to the area’s mineral-rich soil and the way sunlight reflects through the water, they transformed into the brilliant turquoise pools now known as Telaga Biru.
The local community embraced its unusual beauty, turning it into one of Bintan’s most photogenic attractions with plenty of activities and accommodation nearby.
Things to do in Gurun Pasir Busung
Photo source: mejaredaksi.co.id
Gurun Pasir Busung has fully embraced its popularity as a photography spot. You’ll find wooden boardwalks stretching across the dunes, swings overlooking the blue lake, viewing platforms, quirky camel cut-outs and other props that play up the “desert oasis” theme.
It’s part sightseeing, part treasure hunt as you roam the dunes like Indiana Jones searching for the Holy Grail of photo compositions. Nearby resorts and operators also offer additional activities such as ATV and UTV rides to traverse the rolling hills, archery, and more.
The only thing you can’t do here is swim.
Telaga Biru certainly looks inviting with its crystal-clear turquoise water, but don’t be tempted to take a dip. The lake was formed from an abandoned quarry, and the water contains naturally occurring acidic minerals. Combined with the unknown depths left behind by mining operations, swimming is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
Where to stay near Gurun Pasir Busung
Photo source: The ANMON Resort Bintan
The site itself doesn’t offer accommodation, there are resorts nearby that add to the overall experience.
The first is The ANMON Resort Bintan and Natra Bintan at Treasure Bay, which are about 30 minutes away. Their luxury teepees and safari-style tents complement the desert atmosphere, making it feel like you’ve just stumbled onto the set of an Arabian adventure movie.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay that isn’t entirely desert-themed, Banyan Tree Bintan or The Sanchaya both offer private villas, beachfront settings and curated day tours that often combine the sand dunes with a mangrove cruise.
If you’re on a budget, nearby hotels such as the Grand Lagoi Hotel by Willson offer comfortable accommodation, and can help connect you to local drivers offering trips to the dunes.
Get to your unique tropical desert experience quickly from Berjaya Waterfront
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
For an island with beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and floating seafood restaurants, Gurun Pasir Busung offers something completely different. It’s not every day you can walk across desert-like sand dunes before gazing over an impossibly blue lake.
Whether you’re planning a quick detour or building an itinerary around Bintan’s most unusual attraction, your adventure begins at Berjaya Waterfront. Their high-speed, air-conditioned ferries make getting to Bintan quick and comfortable - no camel required.