Things to Do at Blue Lake Bintan & Sand Dunes
Blue Lake Bintan and the Sand Dunes right beside it offer photography, a slow boat ride around the lake, dune walking, ATV rides, and eagle photo sessions.
Most on-site activities are first-come, first-served and paid in cash IDR to local vendors.
Photography at Blue Lake Bintan
The elevated edge of the lake is the most popular viewpoint for photography.
- The viewpoint looks down over the water, showing the contrast between the turquoise lake and the surrounding landscape
- Local photographers are available for hire on-site, using professional cameras
- Photographers know the best positions around both the lake and the dunes
- Photos are typically shared with the guest directly on the same day
Sunday mornings around 10:00 are usually the busiest, especially during peak season.
Bintan and Batam are close to each other, so many day-trippers arrive by bus from Batam and queue for photos at the same time.
Slow Boat Ride Around the Lake
A slow boat ride is another well-known way to sightsee around Blue Lake.
- The boat ride gets busy during weekends and public holidays
- It is a popular option for couples, families, and groups who want better results than smartphone photos
- Prices vary from IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000 per person
- Negotiating the rate with the local vendor is recommended, and payment is cash (IDR) only
Explore the Sand Dunes
The Sand Dunes sit right beside the lake and are worth exploring during the same visit.
- The dunes are not vast, but the landscape feels different from a typical tropical island setting
- The sand gets very hot by mid-morning, so arriving earlier makes walking more comfortable
- Comfortable flat footwear, such as sports shoes, trainers, or flat sandals, works best; high heels or wedges sink into the sand and are unsuitable
The best light for photos at the dunes is before 11:30 in the morning and after 14:30 in the afternoon, when the sun is less harsh and less bright.
ATV Ride
Local operators offer ATV rides around the sand dune area.
- Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis; advance booking is not typical
- Prices generally range from IDR 350,000 to IDR 450,000 per ATV
- Sessions last around 30 – 40 minutes
- Payment is cash in Indonesian Rupiah; card payment is not usually available
Beginners are advised to raise their experience level directly with the local vendor on-site, since the riding area is open and can get crowded during weekends and peak season.
Guests should also confirm with the vendor whether the price includes insurance, as it is not always included as standard.
Confirming this on the spot is recommended.
For guests who want a safer ATV experience suited for beginners, with a guide and everything included, the 8-km ATV route in the Coffee Plantation area is worth considering.
This route runs before the visit to Blue Lake Bintan & Sand Dunes, offered as part of the ATV Adventure, Sand Dunes & Blue Lake Tour.
Eagle Photo Session
Trained eagles are available for photos with local handlers on-site.
- The fee is typically around IDR 50,000 per person, paid directly to the handler
- Handlers are usually found at the entrance to Blue Lake, in the Sand Dunes area, and at Blue Lake itself, though not all three are present at the same time
- Payment is cash (IDR) only
- Guests can choose the photo background, either the sand dunes or Blue Lake
This session is popular with families and visitors looking for a souvenir photo.
For children, requesting a smaller eagle is advisable, since the standard eagles used typically weigh 2 to 4 kg.
Getting Help On-Site
Guests on a private tour with Bintan Travel Guide (BTG), the Bintan Travel Specialist, have a driver-guide present throughout the visit.
Raising any of these activities with the driver-guide allows them to help arrange it on the spot.
Private tours to Sand Dunes & Blue Lake Bintan are available through Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
Written by
Sigit Supriadi
Founder & Travel Specialist, Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
With over 13 years in hospitality across Bintan, from luxury resorts to private villas and islands, and now running Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) since 2023.
I share practical travel information and local insights to help travelers plan with confidence. Every guide reflects local knowledge and up-to-date information on Bintan’s destinations, attractions, and travel logistics