Located to the southeast of Greater Kuala Lumpur, the township consists mainly of residential condominiums, office complexes and factories.
Notable landmarks in Balakong include AEON Mall Cheras Selatan and Sin Ann Meow Temple (星安庙).
Since the early 2010's, Balakong has seen rapid commercial development in the form of Dataran C180 and Cheras Traders Square.
The MRT Kajang line, running parallel to National Route 1, serves the locality via the Bandar Tun Hussein Onn and Cheras 11 Miles stations.
Cheras 11 Miles station is located at Balakong Interchange of the Grand Saga toll road.