About Samber Gelap Island
Samber Gelap Island (Pulau Samber Gelap) is a small uninhabited coastal island located off the southeast coast of Sebuku Island in Kotabaru Regency, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is notable for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a historic white lighthouse. The island is a popular day-trip destination for beach recreation, snorkeling and photography, accessible only by chartered boat from Kotabaru.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small, uninhabited island with a white sandy beach encircling the island, clear shallow water and coral reefs suitable for swimming and snorkeling, and a prominent historic lighthouse in the center. The setting is natural and undeveloped with limited facilities, surrounded by the Makassar Strait. Access is by boat, and visitors typically explore the beach perimeter, lighthouse area, and shallow reef areas.
Key highlights
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White sandy beach with clear turquoise water
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Historic Dutch-era lighthouse at the center of the island
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Coral reefs and shallow waters for snorkeling
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Uninhabited natural island environment
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Sunset and sunrise views over the Makassar Strait
History of Samber Gelap Island
The island is known for its historic white lighthouse built during the Dutch colonial period to guide ships navigating the Makassar Strait along the southeastern coast of Kalimantan. The lighthouse remains the main man-made structure on the otherwise uninhabited island.