Sebatik Island
Island Island split between Indonesia and Malaysia
Island off Borneo divided between Indonesia and Malaysia, marked by an international border. Visitors encounter coastal villages, cross-border markets and everyday fishing activity along its shores.
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Sebatik Island lies off the northeastern coast of Borneo and is administered jointly by Indonesia and Malaysia. The island is notable for the international border that crosses it from west to east, separating Malaysian Sabah from Indonesia’s North Kalimantan region.
Coastal villages, fishing activity and cross-border movement characterize life on the island, and the dividing boundary is marked in places by official posts and road links. Infrastructure and services differ on the two sides, reflecting the separate national administrations.
Geographically the island sits close to the eastern entrance of the Celebes Sea, near the eastern coast of Borneo and opposite the Malaysian state of Sabah.
- Divided island: The international border between Malaysia and Indonesia runs across the island, making it one of the few inhabited islands divided between two countries.
Tips for Visiting Sebatik Island #
- Remember Pulau Sebatik is split between Indonesia and Malaysia - carry a passport and use only official border crossings; do not attempt informal crossings between the two jurisdictions.
- Arrange transport and any boat transfers through a local operator in Tawau (Sabah) or an Indonesian port - local operators will know the correct crossing points and opening hours and can advise on which side's permits you'll need.
- Plan visits in the region's drier months for calmer seas and easier boat access, and ask your operator about fishing and mangrove areas most visitors don't see from the main villages.
Best Time to Visit Sebatik Island #
Visit during the drier months (May-September) for more reliable weather and easier travel around the island.
Weather & Climate near Sebatik Island #
Sebatik Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2142 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (157 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (219 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (219 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (207 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (198 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
