Well over  in length and up to  wide, the numerous reefs, sand banks, and mangrove swamps of the island's coast offered few suitable landing sites. Farther inland, the coastal plain gave way to heavily forested mountains that offered great defensive potential to Japanese forces.
The lengthy coastline of the island, with its extensive reefs, sandbanks, and mangrove swamps, did not offer many suitable locations for landing operations. Inland, the flat coastal regions were replaced by dense forests that provided excellent defensive positions for Japanese troops.