Sebatik Island

Sebatik Island at a Glance

About Sebatik Island

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.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Sebatik Island

Visit during the drier months (May-September) for more reliable weather and easier travel around the island.

Dry season (best time)

May-September · ~24-32°C

Relatively drier weather, lower humidity and calmer seas make travel and outdoor activities easier.

Wet/monsoon season (rainier)

November-March · ~24-31°C

Increased rainfall, higher humidity and heavier seas can affect travel and outdoor plans; short heavy downpours are common.

Shoulder months

April, October · ~24-31°C

Transitional periods with variable rainfall; conditions can change quickly but travel is often still possible.

Weather & Climate near Sebatik Island

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 51 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

FebruaryJanuaryMarch

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

32°

Warmest Month

21°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Good	23° - 30°	26°	114 mm	overcast	88%	2.2 m/s	1.9 very high	11.8h
February	Very Good	22° - 30°	26°	119 mm	overcast	86%	2.2 m/s	2.2 extreme	11.9h
March	Good	23° - 30°	27°	132 mm	overcast	85%	1.7 m/s	2.4 extreme	12.0h
April	Acceptable	23° - 31°	27°	157 mm	overcast	85%	1.9 m/s	2.4 extreme	12.1h
May	Acceptable	23° - 31°	30°	219 mm	overcast	86%	1.4 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.2h
June	Good	23° - 30°	27°	182 mm	overcast	86%	1.5 m/s	2.0 extreme	12.3h
July	Good	23° - 30°	26°	219 mm	overcast	87%	1.6 m/s	2.1 extreme	12.2h
August	Good	23° - 30°	27°	210 mm	overcast	86%	1.6 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.2h
September	Good	23° - 30°	27°	183 mm	overcast	86%	1.8 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.0h
October	Good	23° - 30°	27°	207 mm	overcast	86%	1.4 m/s	2.1 extreme	11.9h
November	Good	23° - 30°	27°	202 mm	overcast	86%	1.8 m/s	2.0 very high	11.8h
December	Good	23° - 30°	26°	198 mm	overcast	87%	1.8 m/s	1.9 very high	11.7h