One of the Instagramable spots in the Riau Islands is Telaga Biru (the Blue Lake) Desert.
The location is in Busung Village, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.
This place was originally a mining area which was then abandoned. In the end, this place becomes a tourist attraction for local residents and tourists.
Now, the former mining area is bluish in color has become a photo spot for tourists in Bintan.
The scenery in the form of a combination of a lake with blue water surrounded by a desert is a fitting match to be immortalized.
This lake is a mining basin that is filled with rain and is blue in color. Meanwhile, the desert sand is a former quarry that has hardened to resemble a rock.
Being in this place is like being in the Middle East. As far as the eye can see, there is only white sand, blue water ponds like oases, and the scorching sun.
The Telaga Biru Desert in Busung Hamlet, Tanjung Uban District, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province is located about 45 minutes by road from RHF Tanjung Pinang airport and from Tanjung Pinang port. From the Tanjun Uban port, it is only about 15 minutes.
This desert was previously a mining area for bauxite sand which has now hardened like coral. Mining has been halted for a long time since the New Order era during the reign of President Soeharto.
After being opened for tourism, the blue lake desert is crowded with tourists. Most of them are amazed by the 6,000 hectare stretch of sand and the blue lake in the middle. Tourists do not need to pay an entrance ticket, they will only be charged a vehicle parking fee of IDR 2,000 for motorbikes and IDR 5,000 for cars.
This tourist attraction is perfect for taking pictures. Moreover, various properties are provided to add to the uniqueness of the photos, such as swings, camel dolls, bamboo ornaments, and an archery arena. The price is relatively cheap, around IDR 5,000 per person.
In addition, there are also duck boats and special canoes in the lake with rental rates of IDR 15,000 – IDR 20,000.
Tourists are advised to prepare goggles, hats, or head and foot protection because the sun is very hot during the day.
Tired of walking around the desert, tourists can rest while enjoying young coconut ice and various drinks in the surrounding stalls.
