A clan of that name, part of the Yomud tribe, exists, but local elders have stated the name is of a long-dead person.

[2] Esenguly lies on a flat, barren plain, just off the coast of the Caspian Sea.

The city lies at around 22 metres (72 ft) below mean sea level.

Temperatures are not as extreme as other parts of Turkmenistan due to the town's proximity to the Caspian Sea.

Another road to the east connects the town to Ajiyap, Çaloýuk, Garadegiş and Akyayla, from which route P-15 leads to Etrek and Magtymguly, and also to Gyzylarbat.