Balabak

Balabak lies at the southern end of the Palawan island chain, across a strait from Borneo. Its islands and reefs stand amid routes linking the Sulu Sea with waters to the west. The survivors of Magellan's voyage passed this way in 1521 on their journey toward Brunei. Balabak later figured in rival claims by Brunei, Sulu and Spain, whose rulers sought influence over the islands and the maritime routes between them.