Buton
Island Sulawesi-region island with traditional tribes and mining
Buton island in Southeast Sulawesi centers on Bau-Bau city and the Buton Palace complex. Travelers come for fortified palaces, local weaving traditions, coastal reefs for diving and island markets selling sea products.
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Buton is an island in Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, located off the southeast coast of Sulawesi and forming part of the region’s island chain.
The island’s principal town is Baubau, which serves as the main port and administrative centre and contains the island’s primary services and markets. Coastal areas include fishing villages and beaches used by local communities.
Historically the island was the seat of the local Buton polity and has a long history of settlement, trade and local governance.
Geographically it sits off the southeastern coast of Sulawesi within Indonesia’s maritime archipelago and is part of Southeast Sulawesi province.
- Transport hub: Baubau functions as the island's principal transport and service centre, with ferry and air links to Sulawesi and other parts of Indonesia.
What to See #
- Baubau: The main urban centre and seaport on the island, serving as the administrative and commercial hub for the surrounding region.
How to Get to Buton #
Buton is reachable by ferry and by regional air services that connect to Sulawesi’s larger hubs. Local ports and small airports serve inter-island connections; schedules can be irregular.
Tips for Visiting Buton #
- Inter-island ferries between Buton and neighboring Sulawesi islands run irregularly; check schedules and book flexible onward transport.
- Buton has significant Islamic cultural sites; dress respectfully when visiting mosques and local villages.
- If exploring remote beaches or reefs, hire local guides - conditions and access are variable.
Best Time to Visit Buton #
The dry season (April-October) is generally preferable for getting around the island and for outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Buton #
Buton's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1784 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (186 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (201 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (244 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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November
November is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
