Laut Island

Laut Island (Pulau Laut) is an island off the southeast coast of Borneo in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, forming the core of Kotabaru Regency. It is an inhabited island with urban and rural settlements and local economic activity centered on fishing and port services.

The island offers coastal landscapes, working ports and local beaches rather than developed mass-tourism infrastructure; fishing, small harbors and mangrove areas are the main features. Local markets and the town facilities in Kotabaru provide services for inter-island travel and regional commerce.

Pulau Laut has been part of local maritime networks of southern Borneo for centuries and was integrated into colonial and later Indonesian administrative structures; it now functions as the administrative heart of Kotabaru Regency.

Situated in the Java Sea off the southeastern shore of Kalimantan, the island lies within South Kalimantan province and is connected to the Kalimantan mainland by regular boat services.

• Administrative role: Serves as the principal island in Kotabaru Regency and contains the regency's administrative centre, Kotabaru town.
• Access and transport: Access is by local ferries and boats from mainland Kalimantan; the island functions as a regional transport and service hub.

What to See #

• Kotabaru town: The town of Kotabaru serves as the island's administrative and commercial centre, with ports and ferry links connecting the island to the Kalimantan mainland.
• Beaches and ports: Coastal beaches, small ports and mangrove-lined shores that support local fishing, aquaculture and small-scale tourism activities.