The island is located about 13 km (8.1 mi) from mainland Mindanao, separated by the Sarangani Strait.

Politically, the group is organized under the Municipality of Sarangani of Davao Occidental since 1978, having previously been part of Jose Abad Santos.

Hot springs and thermally altered grounds with temperatures of 95–96 °C (203–205 °F) are located at the west and Southwest basal slopes of Balut Volcano.

Balut is part of the Central Mindanao Arc, an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Later studies showed that the eruption was of Mount Parker, 80 kilometres (50 mi) NW of Balut Island.

At a latitude of 5° 24', the sun passes directly overhead at noontime on or about April 3 and September 8 of each year, causing zero-length shadows.

According to local folklore, eclipses are caused by a large, celestial dragon called the Bakunawa, that devours the sun.