Tarakan Island
Island Indonesian Borneo island with oil-industry and port city
Tarakan Island in North Kalimantan bears oil‑industry and WWII history, mangrove fringes and busy seafood markets; visitors come for historical sites, local fisheries and nearby coastal scenery.
Tarakan Island is an island in Indonesia’s North Kalimantan province off the northeastern coast of Borneo. The island hosts the city of Tarakan and has been an economic center for local oil and natural-resource activities.
Urban development is concentrated around the island’s port and city, with transport links including an airport and ferry connections to other parts of Kalimantan. The island has a mix of urban, industrial and coastal environments used for commerce and transport.
Tarakan was the scene of military operations during World War II and later developed as an oil-producing and trading locality. Today the city and its facilities are the main points of arrival and services on the island.
The island lies off Borneo’s northeastern coast in Indonesia’s North Kalimantan province, close to the international border with Malaysia’s Sabah region and connected by air and sea to the Kalimantan mainland.
- World War II history: The island was strategically important in World War II and was the focus of Allied operations in 1945 to recapture it from Japanese forces.
- Airport access: Juwata International Airport connects the island to larger regional hubs and is the main air gateway for visitors and freight.
What to See #
- Tarakan city and port: The city of Tarakan occupies most of the island and is the island's administrative and economic center, including port facilities and urban infrastructure.
- Juwata International Airport: Juwata International Airport on the island provides regular scheduled flights connecting Tarakan to other Indonesian cities.
Tips for Visiting Tarakan Island #
- Most visitors arrive to Tarakan via Juwata (Tarakan) Airport-confirm flight schedules in advance and prebook your airport transfer since taxis and ride apps can be limited at off-peak times.
- If you plan to explore the island, ask your hotel or a local operator to arrange a guide for WWII sites, mangrove areas and local markets-local guides will point out spots that independent visitors often miss.
Best Time to Visit Tarakan Island #
For Tarakan Island, the drier months (roughly April-October) are generally the best time to visit for outdoor activities and more reliable weather.
Weather & Climate near Tarakan Island #
Tarakan Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3284 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (248 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (207 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (268 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (293 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (292 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (268 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (259 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (263 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (264 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (300 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (314 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (308 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
