The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP, in.] BOTJTES.—RIAN BAT, 155
A good look-out from the masthead is nevertheless useful, particularly when
the sun shines, for many of the dangers will then be discernible before
they are approached very close.
General Directions.—Vessels bound to parts of the coast situated
betwixt Benkulen and Tapanuli may, in coining from seaward, pass through
some of the channels formed by the principal islands in the offing, adopting
a safe and convenient one, according to the season and prevailing winds-
A description of these channels will be found with that of the islands.
Vessels bound to the northern part of the coast, anywhere betwixt
Tapanuli and Achi head, should pass northward of Pulo Simalu, and
make the land near their port ; but when northerly winds prevail, they
ought to keep well to windward, and after making the land, coast along at
a moderate distance to the place whence they are bound.
ACHI (ACHEEN) HEAD, the north-west extreme of Sumatra,
has been described at page J 6 of this work.*
Earang Saba bay lies 3 miles south-eastward of King point, on
the south side of a low green point. The shore of the bay is low, covered
with trees, and fronted by a reef. At a distance it has the appearance of a
strait and is sometimes mistaken for such. In this bay is a rocky islet,
and at its south point two rocks above water, on which the sea breaks ;
there are depths of 12 to 14 fathoms near the rocks.
RITIENG BAY.—Siddoh harbour situated on the east side
of Siddoh point, the southern extreme of Eitieng bay, lies 10 miles south-
ward from King point. The entrance is narrow, its shores being fringed
with reefs. Cattle may be obtained at Siddoh.
There is anchorage north-eastward of Siddoh point in 8 fathoms.
At one mile southward of the point are some rocky islets, the largest
of which is named Batu Mandi.
Amboina bay, 2 miles southward of Siddoh point, is about one mile
broad, and affords anchorage in from 5 to 9 fathoms.
Riau bay, 5 miles southward of Amboina, is open to the south-west,
about half a mile broad and one mile deep. The west point of entrance
attains a height of 3,280 feet. The bay is apparently free from danger,
and anchorage may be found in the entrance in 8 fathoms.
Pulo Siussa, an island nearly circular, and about half a mile in diameter,
lies near the entrance of Riau bay.
The shore between Amboina and Biau bays is fringed by several small
islands, and sunken rocks extend about three-quarters of a mile ofE from
the south-west point of Amboina bay, and from the shore southward of it.
* See Admiralty chart:—Suinatra, west coast, sheet 1,, Achi head to Tyingkok
bay, No. 2,7CO, scale, ;« = 0- 1 of an inch j also Aohi head to Diamond point No. 21
scale m = 0*2 of an inch. Tor north and east coasts of Sumatra, see pages 12-34.