The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. III.] KIGA8 HARBOUR.—PASIER ISLETS. 165
On this coast gales are of rare occurrence, and they seldom blow directly
on shore, but more frequently along the coast. With north-westers (which,
with few exception, are the only winds that blow with much violence)
there would not be so much sea as to prevent a vessel riding in safety
if there should be, there is abundance of room to slip and go into the
harbour or to sea.
Landing.—in passing to and from the shore, boats should be cautious
to avoid a coral spit which projects from the north-west part of Pulo
Rusum; this breaks sometimes, as also does a small rock which lies near
the edge of the reef between Bigas and Eambung points ; the rock is
nearly awash.
Rigas hill or Bukit Kwali.—This is one of the best marks
on the coast of Sumatra as it is isolated and can be seen a distance of
40 miles in clear weather ; nearly the whole of the south side is cleared and
has the appearance of land under cultivation. The peak is covered with
trees and bears from Rigas town N. by W., distant 1^ miles. On a south-
easterly bearing Rigas hill shows two peaks—the northern being lower
and smaller than the other ; each side of the hill slopes very gradually, the
south-east side terminating in Rigas bay ; when bearing north-west, Rigas hill
shows only one peak, the sides appearing much steeper than when bearing
south-east. This hill can be seen in clear weather from neais Tanjong
Bukuan ;
it then appears to be the western extremity of the coast and shows
as an island.
Pasier (Pahsee) Islets are two small groups of rocky islets witL
trees on them, lying south-eastward of Selung peninsula, the farther onir-
being distant 1 J miles. The passage between the islets and the peninsula
is intricate and unsafe ; there appears to be no danger near them on the sea-
ward side, except Pasier rock, which is above water, and 3 cables S.S.W. of
Pasier Besar. The sides of this rock are perpendicular, having 10 or 11 •
fathoms within a few feet of it ; there are also depths of 10 or 11 fathoms
near the islets. *
Selung (Ketapang Pasier) bay inshore of the Pasier islets is
easy of access and affords shelter from north-west winds. A vessel seeking
shelter during a N.W. gale could anchor anywhere between Pasier islets and
the main, in smooth water of a moderate depth. Johore reef, of coral, one
cable in diameter, and with a depth of 4 feet, lies with the south-east
extreme of the promontory of Selung bearing W, by N. ^ N., distant-
ly^ miles ; other shoals may exist.
Ketapang Pasier, a village on the mainland, with a cluster of
cocoa-nut trees near it, is situated E. by N., nearly 2 J miles from the
largest of the Pasier islets.
* See plan of Bigas bay, on Admiralty chart, No. 2,750.