When you think of Indonesia, your mind likely conjures images of emerald rice paddies, lush rainforests, and vibrant blue seas. However, this archipelago of diverse landscapes holds a fascinating secret: stunning, often dramatic landscapes that mimic the world’s great deserts and savannas.
Trading the typical tropical humidity for sun-baked sand, arid plains, and volcanic dust, these “desert escapes” offer photographers, adventurers, and nature lovers an utterly unique Indonesian experience.
Here are the top unique destinations in Indonesia where you can feel the spirit of a desert or savanna:
1. The Sea of Sand (Lautan Pasir) of Mount Bromo, East Java
The Tengger Sand Sea within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is Indonesia’s most iconic “desert” landscape. This vast, flat stretch of volcanic sand, or caldera, is an astonishing spectacle that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet.
The Vibe: A lunar, monochromatic desert punctuated by the rising volcanic cone of Mount Bromo and the majestic Mount Semeru. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise when the area is often shrouded in mist.
What to Do: Take a 4×4 jeep ride across the sand sea, hike to the rim of the Bromo crater, and explore the Savanna of Teletubbies Hill on the other side of the caldera—a stretch of rolling green hills that contrasts beautifully with the dry sand.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (April to October) for clear views.
2. Baluran National Park: “Little Africa” in East Java
Known as “Africa van Java” (Africa of Java), Baluran National Park offers the closest experience to an African savanna you’ll find in Indonesia. The landscape shifts dramatically between lush monsoon forest and the expansive, golden-yellow Bekol Savanna.
The Vibe: During the peak dry season, the savanna turns into a vast, arid, golden field where animals roam freely, creating a scene right out of a nature documentary.
What to Do: Go on a wildlife safari to spot endemic Javanese buffalo (Banteng), deer, peacocks, and various bird species. Climb the Bekol Observation Tower for a panoramic view of the savanna stretching out to the horizon.
Location Note: Located on the eastern tip of Java, relatively close to the ferry terminal for Bali.
3. Gurun Pasir Busung (Busung Sand Dunes), Bintan
This destination proves that not all “deserts” in Indonesia are volcanic. The Gurun Pasir Busung on Bintan Island (Riau Archipelago) is a striking, man-made phenomenon: a former bauxite mining site that has been transformed into a tourist attraction.
The Vibe: Smooth, rolling hills of soft white sand with stark, dramatic shadows. Interspersed among the dunes are pockets of water that have turned into mesmerizing Blue Lakes (Telaga Biru) due to mineral deposits.
What to Do: Primarily a photography spot—the contrast between the white sand, blue water, and arid hills is perfect for stunning travel shots. You can also rent ATVs to explore the area.
Accessibility Note: Easily accessible from the resort areas of Bintan.
4. Kenawa Island Savanna, West Nusa Tenggara
For a remote island desert escape, head to Kenawa Island near Sumbawa. While surrounded by turquoise water, the interior of this tiny, uninhabited island is dominated by a beautiful, rolling savanna.
The Vibe: Pure solitude. A small, grassy hill sits in the middle of a dry, yellow savanna, offering a 360-degree view of the ocean. It embodies the beauty of arid isolation against a backdrop of pristine beaches.
What to Do: Hike up the central hill for sunrise or sunset views, camp overnight beneath the stars, and then switch gears for swimming and snorkeling in the surrounding clear waters.
Location Note: Requires a short boat trip from the Poto Tano port on Sumbawa.
5. Komodo National Park: Rugged and Arid Islands
While world-famous for the Komodo dragon, the landscapes of islands like Rinca and Komodo themselves are a beautiful, dramatic form of desert-meets-ocean escape, especially during the dry season.
The Vibe: Rugged, arid hills covered in short, dry yellow and brown grasses that plunge directly into the brilliant blue sea. The view from the top of the hills is breathtaking, looking out over countless small islands.
What to Do: Trekking to spot the Komodo dragons, of course, but also hiking to viewpoints like Padar Island for the iconic tri-bay vista, which perfectly captures the contrast between the dry land and the lush sea.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (April to December) for the most vibrant yellow/brown hills.
