The area is characterized by low lying coastal areas which extend inland towards the Crocker Range,Traditionally this was good rice growing land and the flat open padi fields may have given it the name. The Town is on the bank of a Papar River not far from the sea. There are also areas of tidal wetland that are home to mangrove and saltwater palm or nipah.
The town has seen considerable growth in recent years but still manage to maintain some of its older buildings. The Railway Station is much the same as ever and the huge old banyan tree is still there. The old town is being renovated either by design or as the result of fires destroying parts of the town




























