Electricity came from noisy diesel generators, roads between villages barely existed, and rough sea conditions often determined whether residents could travel at all.
Today, things are slowly beginning to look different on Sabah’s largest island.
Located about 70km off Kudat, Banggi Island has long been seen as one of the state’s more remote communities. It is home to around 30,000 residents from ethnic groups including the Ubian, Dusun Bonggi, Kegayan, Bajau Samah and Molbog communities.
Fishing, oil palm and rubber plantations remain the backbone of island life, but infrastructure upgrades over recent years have gradually transformed daily routines for many residents.
Paved roads, ferry services, electricity, water supply and internet access are steadily improving connectivity across the island.
For 35-year-old resident Nurhani Lim, the changes are difficult to ignore. Growing up in Kampung Laksian, she remembers spending nearly an hour travelling by small pump boat to school because there were no roads linking villages at the time.
“Life then and now is completely different,” she said. “Back then, there were no roads, internet access was poor, electricity depended on generators, and we had to search for phone signals in higher areas.”
While internet connectivity and power stability still require improvement, Nurhani said life has become noticeably easier compared to her childhood years.
A recent Bernama visit found that improved infrastructure has not only made movement around the island easier, but also helped support education, business activities and communication with the mainland.
Sundry shop owner Ahmad Syukrie Abdul Rajik said sea conditions once dictated almost everything on the island, from transportation to supplies.
“Now, the movement of people and goods is much easier,” he said.
He added that more stable electricity has also changed everyday life significantly, reducing dependence on kerosene lamps and expensive fuel-powered generators.
Still, some challenges remain. Resident Noratizah Ija said the island urgently needs a proper petrol station as the number of vehicles continues growing.
At present, residents depend on small fuel depots with deliveries that can sometimes be delayed for days.
“If it becomes urgent, villagers are forced to buy petrol sold in bottles,” she said.
Despite the remaining gaps, many residents believe Banggi is gradually shedding its image as a remote outpost.
As roads improve and the island becomes increasingly accessible, some also see growing tourism potential in Banggi’s slower pace of life, natural beauty and multicultural identity.