Matabao

Welcome to Matabao, a Tropical island in the Philippine Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Matabao 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 Matabao
Size: 1.359 km²
Coastline: 7.8 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: Philippine Sea
Continent: Asia
Matabao is a Small Island spanning 1.4 km² with a coastline of 7.8 km.
Archipel: Malay Archipelago – The world’s largest archipelago, located between mainland Southeast Asia and Australia, known for its immense biodiversity and cultural diversity.
Tectonic Plate: Sunda – Extends across Southeast Asia, encompassing parts of the Sunda Shelf, known for its interaction with the Australian Plate, contributing to volcanic activity in Indonesia.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 12.32242127 / Longitude: 123.80384784
Climate and weather of Matabao
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 Matabao
Timezone: UTC+08:00
Timezone places: Australia/Perth
Max. Elevation: 6 m
Mean Elevation: -1 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 53%
The mean elevation is -1 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 6 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: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Characterized by dense, lush canopies of broadleaf trees that retain their leaves year-round. These forests are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and are known for their high biodiversity. Matabao has a tree cover of 53 %.
Vegetation: 3 vegetation zones – Moderately Diverse Island
These islands start to show a broader range of ecological niches. With three vegetation zones, they may offer a mix of ecosystems like coastal areas, inland woods, and perhaps a distinct wetland or dry area. This diversity supports a wider range of flora and fauna, making these islands more ecologically complex than those with minimal diversity.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Matabao
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Matabao. The nearest airport is Moises R. Espinosa Airport, located 19 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Matabao. The closest major port is MASBATE, approximately 20 km away.
The mean population of Matabao is 495 per km². Matabao is Moderately Inhabited. The island belongs to Philippines.
Continuing your journey, Ticao is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
MATABAO ISLAND LANDSCAPE



Philippines is classified as Emerging region: G20: Group of Twenty – Major economies comprising both developed and emerging countries, representing the world’s largest economies. The level of income is Lower middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Matabao
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Matabao. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Weak mag. 2.3 earthquake - Philippine Sea, 34 km northwest of Masbate, Philippines, on Monday, Apr 20, 2026, at 01:33 am (GMT +8) - Volcano Discoveryby "Ticao island" - Google News on 20 April 2026
Weak mag. 2.3 earthquake - Philippine Sea, 34 km northwest of Masbate, Philippines, on Monday, Apr 20, 2026, at 01:33 am (GMT +8) Volcano Discovery
- Light mag. 3.0 earthquake - Philippine Sea, 29 km west of Ticao Island, Philippines, on Sunday, Apr 19, 2026, at 02:08 pm (GMT +8) - Volcano Discoveryby "Ticao island" - Google News on 19 April 2026
Light mag. 3.0 earthquake - Philippine Sea, 29 km west of Ticao Island, Philippines, on Sunday, Apr 19, 2026, at 02:08 pm (GMT +8) Volcano Discovery
- Light mag. 3.0 earthquake - Philippine Sea, 42 km northwest of Ticao Island, Philippines, on Saturday, Mar 28, 2026, at 12:56 pm (GMT +8) - Volcano Discoveryby "Ticao island" - Google News on 28 March 2026
Light mag. 3.0 earthquake - Philippine Sea, 42 km northwest of Ticao Island, Philippines, on Saturday, Mar 28, 2026, at 12:56 pm (GMT +8) Volcano Discovery
- Tourism, conservation meet in Masbate’s Manta Bowl - Inquirer.netby "Ticao island" - Google News on 15 March 2026
Tourism, conservation meet in Masbate’s Manta Bowl Inquirer.net
- DigiPlus Foundation Launches First Tech Hub on Ticao Island - SunStar Publishing Inc.by "Ticao island" - Google News on 19 January 2026
DigiPlus Foundation Launches First Tech Hub on Ticao Island SunStar Publishing Inc.
- 14 areas under signal 1 as Ada moves closer to Eastern Visayas - ABS-CBNby "Ticao island" - Google News on 16 January 2026
14 areas under signal 1 as Ada moves closer to Eastern Visayas ABS-CBN
- DigiPlus Foundation brings digital learning hub to remote Ticao Island - Daily Tribuneby "Ticao island" - Google News on 16 January 2026
DigiPlus Foundation brings digital learning hub to remote Ticao Island Daily Tribune
- Over 7,000 travelers stranded at ports nationwide due to Uwan - GMA Networkby "Ticao island" - Google News on 10 November 2025
Over 7,000 travelers stranded at ports nationwide due to Uwan GMA Network
- Villagers from San Jacinto, Masbate, receive relief support from gov’t - Philippine Information Agencyby "Ticao island" - Google News on 1 October 2025
Villagers from San Jacinto, Masbate, receive relief support from gov’t Philippine Information Agency
- DSWD sends P22-M aid to Bicol as ‘Opong’ leaves thousands displaced - Philippine News Agencyby "Ticao island" - Google News on 27 September 2025
DSWD sends P22-M aid to Bicol as ‘Opong’ leaves thousands displaced Philippine News Agency
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.
