The modern village of Ngiwal is located on a broad section of coastal plain north of the point known as Bkulatabriual and comprises the traditional villages of Ngermechau and Ngercheluuk. The traditional villages were relocated to the coast in the mid-nineteenth century from their positions on the lower slopes of the coastal ridge.
The state has an area of 26 km2 and is known for its beautiful beaches. To get to Ngiwal by boat it is necessary to do it at high tide, although there is a pier a couple of kilometers south of the village which can be reached at any tide.
For this project, Ngiwal was a control site.