Bundal Island 2026: Latest Updates and Trusted Details

Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city. It stretches along the coastline of the Arabian Sea. Most people know its busy streets and crowded markets. Many visitors explore popular spots like Manora Beach Karachi along the way. But just off its coastline lies a hidden treasure that even fewer people know about. Bundal Island is that treasure. This small, uninhabited island surprises every visitor. It offers pristine beaches, rich history, and an untouched ecosystem. Yet very few people talk about it. This guide covers everything you need to know about Bundal Island, from its location and wildlife to its billion-dollar development story.

Quick Facts

What Is Bundal Island?

Bundal Island is a small island located in the Arabian Sea. It sits southeast of Karachi’s DHA (Defence Housing Authority) area. The island spans approximately 24 square kilometres. It is part of the Indus River Delta.

The island goes by several names. Locals call it Bundaar. It is also known as Bhandar Island or Bundle Island. In Urdu, it is written as جزیرہ بھنڈار, and in Sindhi as ڀنڍار ٻيٽ.

The island is currently uninhabited. No permanent residents live there. It is mostly visited by local fishermen, pilgrims, and nature enthusiasts. Its twin island, Buddo, lies to its west. Khiprianwala Island is also nearby.

Location and How to Get There

Bundal Island is easy to locate on a map. Its coordinates are 24.726118°N latitude and 67.123833°E longitude. The island stands opposite DHA Phase 8’s Do Darya area. On a clear day, it is visible from the shoreline.

Getting there is straightforward. Visitors can reach the island by taking a short boat ride from Kemari Harbor in Karachi. It serves as the main gateway to the island.

The boat journey is short and scenic. The ride gives you a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. It also offers a fresh perspective on the Karachi coastline.

There are currently no bridges or roads connecting the island to the mainland. All access is by water. It is advisable to hire a local fisherman’s boat. Go during daylight hours for safety. The best season to visit is between October and March when the weather is cool, and the sea is calm.

A Brief History of Bundal Island

Bundal Island has a long and layered history. Local fishermen have known it for generations. They pronounced its name as Bhandar in their dialect.

The island has strong spiritual roots. It is home to the shrine of the Sufi saint Yousuf Shah. His annual Urs at the tomb attracts thousands of people from the coast to the island.

During the Urs festival, the island transforms completely. Pilgrims arrive by boat from all around Karachi. Food stalls appear. Music fills the air. For those few days, the once-quiet island bursts with life and devotion.

Beyond its spiritual heritage, the island has also been at the centre of several major development plans. Each plan promised to change its future. So far, the island remains as it always was, peaceful and undeveloped.

A Quick Historical Timeline:

• Pre-2000s: Island known mainly to local fishermen and pilgrims
• 2013: Bahria Town announces a $20 billion development deal
• 2019: PM Imran Khan reviews new development proposals
• 2020: Pakistan Islands Development Authority (PIDA) is formed
• 2021: PIDA ordinance lapses; island remains undeveloped
• 2025: Island still in the planning stage

Things to Do at Bundal Island

Bundal Island may not have five-star resorts. But it offers something better, a raw, untouched nature. Here are the top things to do when you visit.

Relax on Pristine Beaches

The beaches here are quiet and clean. There are no crowds. No vendors. No noise. Just the sound of waves and wind. It is a perfect escape from Karachi’s chaos.

Snorkelling and Marine Exploration

The surrounding waters are full of marine life. They are excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving. Visitors can explore the underwater world and witness colourful coral reefs and various fish species.

The water visibility is excellent in the winter months. Bring your own snorkelling gear as no rentals are available on the island.

Birdwatching

The island sits within the Indus Delta migration corridor. Many migratory bird species pass through every year. Native waterbirds are also present year-round. Birdwatchers will find this island very rewarding. Early morning is the best time to spot birds.

Photography

Bundal Island is a photographer’s dream. Wide-open beaches, the blue Arabian Sea, mangrove patches, and dramatic skies create stunning shots. The golden hour just after sunrise or before sunset is magical here.

Visit the Tomb of Yusuf Shah

This is the island’s most significant landmark. The tomb of the Sufi saint Yusuf Shah sits peacefully on the island. It holds deep cultural and religious value. Whether you are a pilgrim or a curious traveller, it is worth visiting with respect.

Island Hopping

The neighbouring Buddo and Charna Islands add to the area’s allure. You can arrange a combined island tour with local boatmen. Each island has its own character and charm.

Water Sports

Basic water activities are possible here. Kayaking is popular among adventure visitors. Some groups also bring their own jet-skiing equipment. The open sea and clean water make it ideal for water-based activities.

Ecosystem and Wildlife

This is where Bundal Island truly stands apart from other tourist spots. Its ecological value is immense.

The island boasts vital mangrove forests. It is part of the Indus Delta and hosts diverse marine life and bird species.

Mangrove forests are critical ecosystems. They protect coastlines from erosion. They serve as nurseries for fish and marine creatures. They also support hundreds of bird species. The island’s mangroves are a key part of the larger Indus Delta system.

The surrounding waters host a wide variety of marine life. Fish, crustaceans, and marine mammals are found here. The coral formations attract snorkellers and divers. The ecosystem is fragile and needs careful protection.

Environmental organisations have raised serious concerns about development plans on the island. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has published a position paper specifically about Bundal Island. It highlights the environmental risks of large-scale construction. Dredging, land reclamation, and infrastructure development could permanently damage the mangroves and marine life.

The Bundal Island Development Project 

This is perhaps the most talked-about aspect of Bundal Island. Over the years, several grand development plans have been announced. Each generated massive media attention. None has been completed.

Bahria Town Deal: 2013

In 2013, Bahria Town announced a joint venture with Thomas Kramer’s companies. The project was called Bodha Island City. It covered Bundal and Buddo Islands. The estimated cost was $20 billion.

The plan was breathtaking in scale. The proposed attractions included the world’s tallest building. There were also plans for the largest shopping mall, a sports city, educational and medical hubs, an international city, and a media city.

The project was expected to create approximately 2.5 million jobs. It aimed to provide housing for millions of people. It was set to be completed within 5 to 10 years. Residential handovers were expected to begin in 2016. None of this happened.

Pakistan Islands Development Authority (PIDA): 2020

In 2020, the federal government revived the idea of island development. Bundal Island was part of a $50 billion city development initiative. A new body, the Pakistan Islands Development Authority, was formed on September 2, 2020. It was dissolved on January 3, 2021. The presidential ordinance that established it failed to pass through parliament.

The federal government’s move was strongly criticised. Environmentalists raised alarms about damage to natural ecosystems. The provincial government of Sindh was not consulted. This created a major political conflict.

Ownership of Islands

There is a long-running dispute over the ownership of these islands. The provincial government of Sindh and the Port Qasim Authority both claim rights over 12,000 acres of land in this area.

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari publicly denounced the federal government’s move. He compared it to illegal annexation. The Sindh cabinet unanimously rejected the ordinance. They demanded that the federal government withdraw it immediately.

As of 2025, Bundal Island remains entirely undeveloped. It is still in the planning stage. The ownership dispute is unresolved. The environmental debate continues.

Bundal Island vs Buddo Island 

Many people confuse these two islands. They are neighbours, but they are not the same.

When most people talk about one, they usually mean the other as well. Both islands are part of the same disputed 12,000-acre zone. Both face similar environmental and development challenges.

Is Bundal Island Worth Visiting?

The honest answer yes, but only if you know what to expect.

Bundal Island is not a luxury destination. There are no hotels. No restaurants. No roads. No electricity. You must bring your own food, water, and supplies.

But if you love nature, you will love this island. The beaches are pristine. The waters are clear. The birdlife is spectacular. The silence is healing.

It is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, and spiritual pilgrims during the Urs. It is not ideal for families expecting facilities or travellers seeking comfort.

Go with a group. Hire a reliable boatman. Carry enough water and food. Leave nothing behind except footprints.

FAQs About Bundal Island

Where is Bundal Island located? 

It is located in the Arabian Sea, southeast of DHA Karachi, in Malir District, Sindh, Pakistan.

How do I get to Bundal Island? 

Take a boat from Kemari Harbor in Karachi. It is the only way to reach the island.

Is Bundal Island open to visitors? 

Yes. There are no formal restrictions. However, there are also no facilities. Plan your visit carefully.

How big is Bundal Island? 

It spans approximately 24 square kilometres (9.4 sq mi).

What is the Urs at Bundal Island? 

It is the annual religious festival at the tomb of the Sufi saint Yusuf Shah. It draws thousands of pilgrims from across Karachi’s coastal communities.

What happened to the Bundal Island development project? 

Multiple projects were announced, but none were completed. As of 2025, the island remains undeveloped due to legal disputes and environmental concerns.

Is Bundal Island safe to visit? 

It is generally safe during the daytime. Always visit with a group and during calm sea conditions. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July–September).

Final Thoughts

Bundal Island is one of Karachi’s best-kept secrets. It is raw, real, and quietly beautiful. It carries history in its soil and spiritual energy in its air.

The future of Bundal Island remains uncertain. Development plans have come and gone. Legal disputes remain unresolved. Environmental debates continue. But through all of this, the island itself stays unchanged. Its beaches remain untouched. Its mangroves stand tall. Its marine life thrives beneath the surface. Whatever happens next, one thing is clear: Bundal Island deserves attention, respect, and careful protection. It is a natural asset that Pakistan cannot afford to lose. 

For more informative blogs on topics like Altit Fort and Gurudwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, visit Chakor Blogs.

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Bushra Farooq