Balambangan
Welcome to Balambangan, a Tropical island in the Sulu Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Balambangan unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Balambangan
Size: 110.7 km²
Coastline: 90.5 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: Sulu Sea
Continent: Asia
Balambangan is a Large Island spanning 111 km² with a coastline of 91 km.
Archipel: Greater Sunda Islands – A group of large islands in Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi, known for their rich biodiversity and cultural diversity.
Tectonic Plate: Pacific – The world’s largest tectonic plate, covering much of the Pacific Ocean, known for the Pacific Ring of Fire with extensive seismic and volcanic activity.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 7.27324302 / Longitude: 116.94038128
Climate and weather of Balambangan
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Rainforest Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: This climate is typified by heavy rainfall throughout the year, high humidity, and consistently high temperatures, leading to lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. Seasonal temperature variations are minimal.
Topography and nature of Balambangan
Timezone: UTC+08:00
Timezone places: Australia/Perth
Max. Elevation: 80 m
Mean Elevation: 16 m
Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
Tree Coverage: 46%
The mean elevation is 16 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 80 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
A mix of cropland and natural vegetation, often seen in rural landscapes where agricultural fields are interspersed with patches of natural habitats. Balambangan has a tree cover of 46 %.
Vegetation: 14 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Balambangan
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Balambangan. The nearest airport is Kudat Airport, located 30 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Balambangan. The closest major port is KUDAT, approximately 34 km away.
The mean population of Balambangan is 88 per km². Balambangan is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Malaysia.
Continuing your journey, Banggi is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Malaysia is classified as Developing region: Regions characterized by lower income levels, with economies in the process of industrialization and modernization. The level of income is Upper middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Balambangan
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Balambangan. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- SAR op underway for missing Filipino man in Kudat - The Star Onlineon 11 October 2024
SAR op underway for missing Filipino man in Kudat The Star Online
- Sabah CM addresses concerns over Balambang Island status - New Straits Timeson 24 April 2024
Sabah CM addresses concerns over Balambang Island status New Straits Times
- Environmental Impact Assessment raises alarm over silica mining proposal in Sabah - New Straits Timeson 22 February 2024
Environmental Impact Assessment raises alarm over silica mining proposal in Sabah New Straits Times
- Mining plan on island in Sabah’s marine park sparks transparency, environmental concerns - The Vibeson 7 February 2024
Mining plan on island in Sabah’s marine park sparks transparency, environmental concerns The Vibes
- Sarawak businessman pulls out of Kudat land deal after controversy linked to Sabah CM - Malay Mailon 17 October 2023
Sarawak businessman pulls out of Kudat land deal after controversy linked to Sabah CM Malay Mail
- The fascinating tale of the Bonggi community of Borneo - Citizens Journal Malaysiaon 29 August 2022
The fascinating tale of the Bonggi community of Borneo Citizens Journal Malaysia
- Sabah allocates RM1m to turn Gua Balambangan into tourist attraction - The Malaysian Reserveon 31 March 2021
Sabah allocates RM1m to turn Gua Balambangan into tourist attraction The Malaysian Reserve
- Balambangan mining project won't affect coral reef, archaeological treasures: Yayasan Sabah - Malaysiakinion 4 September 2020
Balambangan mining project won't affect coral reef, archaeological treasures: Yayasan Sabah Malaysiakini
- Groups alarmed mining project on Sabah ‘heritage’ island starts without EIA - Malaysiakinion 3 September 2020
Groups alarmed mining project on Sabah ‘heritage’ island starts without EIA Malaysiakini
- KTS subsidiary, YSG sign agreement for silica sand project JV - The Borneo Poston 20 November 2019
KTS subsidiary, YSG sign agreement for silica sand project JV The Borneo Post
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.