The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

84s MALACCA STRAIT.—MALAY COAST. [ohap. i.
From cape Rachada the low woody coast of Sumatra, distant 20 miles,
may be seen, the strait being here more contracted than at any other part
north of Malacca.
Tides.—Off cape Rachada the flood sets to the southward, the ebb
to the northward ;
ripplings.
both streams are very strong and pass the cape in noisy
LIGHT.—On cape Eachada stands a round tower painted white,
78 feet high, which exhibits at an elevation of 446 feet above the
level of the sea, a fixed white light visible from seaward between the
bearings of S.E. by E. and N.W. by W. In clear weather the light
ghould be seen from a distance of 26 miles. The limit of the light to the
northward passes over the centre of Bambek shoal, and touches Parcelar
point ; and the limit of the light to the southward leads half a mile south-
west of Diana rock.
AROA ISLANDS are a group of small islands lying nearly
mid-channel between Sumatra coast and the North Sands ; they are spread
over a space of 9 miles in extent. These islands are situated on a bank
of 6 to 10 fathoms, the northern end of which extends 6 miles north-
westward of the islands, and the southern joins an extensive mud bank
adjacent to the Sumatra shore; Aroa bank is steep-to on the north, east,
and west sides, the depths suddenly increasing to 18 and 20 fathoms.
North, rock, the northern islet, is small, of considerable height,
and has a surrounding reef.
Long Aroa or (Pulo Jummur) lies nearly 3 miles south-west from
North rock ; it is two-thirds of a mile long, 400 yards broad, flat, and
covered with trees. At 2 cables north-east of Long Aroa are two small
islets nearly joined, and having a reef of rocks which extends three-
-quarters of a mile north-east of them.
Malay fishermen sometimes visit Long Aroa to fish and procure turtle.
There is a small spring of fresh water in Long Aroa, but not sufficiently
large to water a vessel from. In the rainy season, in the months of
October to January, an abundance of water may be found, there being in
the island several natural tanks which dry in the hot season. The best
watering place is on the western side, which is clear, and a vessel may
anchor close to the island in 6 or 8 fathoms mud, with the highest pan of
the island being North.
Western Aroa, or group of islets, three-quarters of a mile westward
of Long Aroa, are five in number, namely, Tekong Mass, Pulo
Rendang, Pasir Panjang, Labnan Biti, Tukong Chama, and occupy a
«pace of 1 ^ miles ;
they are all connected by a reef nearly dry at low water
and extending half a mile N.N.W. of them.