Laut IslandLaut Island at a Glance
About 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.
Best Time to Visit Laut Island
The dry season (May-September) is best for visiting islands and marine activities.
Weather & Climate near Laut Island
Laut Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2487 mm/year), wettest in March.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 292 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 262 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 30° | 295 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 202 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 216 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| June | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 207 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.8h |
| July | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 211 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| August | Very Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 126 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 23° - 32° | 30° | 117 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 163 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 259 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.2h |
How to Get to Laut Island
Access to Laut Island is normally by local boat from nearby mainland ports in South Kalimantan. The regional hub is Banjarmasin; from there overland travel to coastal launches followed by a short sea crossing is typical.
Tips for Visiting Laut Island
- Marine conditions can be rough-book experienced local skippers for island travel.
- Respect local fishing seasons and restricted zones.
- Bring insect repellent and sun protection; coastal sun and mosquitoes are the two main hazards.