SempuAbout Sempu (island)
Sempu is a small uninhabited island off the southern coast of East Java, Indonesia, designated as a nature reserve and known for a sheltered coastal lagoon often referred to as Segara Anakan. The island is valued for its natural scenery and coastal ecosystems.
A brackish lagoon and rocky shoreline are the principal natural attractions, with short trails from the landing points leading to viewpoints around the lagoon. The island is undeveloped and visits are typically limited to day trips arranged from the nearby mainland.
Sempu has been managed as a protected area in recent decades to conserve its coastal habitats; it has not been developed for permanent settlement. Management and access rules are intended to limit visitor impact on the island’s ecosystems.
Sempu lies off the southern coast of East Java near the fishing village of Sendang Biru and is reached by small boat from mainland landing points.
- Access: Access is from the Sendang Biru fishing village on the East Java coast; visits are usually by boat and involve short walks across the island to reach the lagoon area.
- Highlight: The island is a designated nature reserve and has a prominent coastal lagoon-often called Segara Anakan-that is a focus for visitors and photographers.
Best Time to Visit Sempu (island)
Best visited April-October when conservation authorities allow regular day trips and the weather is reliable.
Weather & Climate near Sempu (island)
Sempu's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1621 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 232 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 210 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 216 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 140 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 26° | 123 mm | some cloud | 83% | 3.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Excellent | 21° - 29° | 25° | 51 mm | some cloud | 83% | 2.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 35 mm | some cloud | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 20 mm | mostly sunny | 81% | 4.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 29° | 25° | 49 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 3.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 168 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 240 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
How to Get to Sempu (island)
Most visitors travel to Sendang Biru harbour (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive south of Malang city) and hire a licensed guide and boat from the village. Permits are handled locally through conservation authorities in Sendang Biru; day-trip arrangements are the norm.
Tips for Visiting Sempu (island)
- Obtain the entry permit and hire a local, licensed guide in Sendang Biru - ranger checks are common and guides know the safe lagoon crossings.
- Time the visit for low tide when the walk into Segara Anakan is easier; the trail includes muddy mangrove and slippery boulders.
- Avoid the rainy season (November-March): heavy rain makes the trail hazardous and the lagoon can flood.