The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

178 WEST COAST OE SUMATRA. [chap. m.
the best track to keep is from 26 to 30 fathoms water. As there are
numerous shoals in this vicinity, great caution must be exercised, and
navigation at night should not be attempted. Having passed eastward of
Pulo Burong, steer E. by S. or East for the mainland, and leave Pulo
Karang, a small island covered with trees, a mile distant on the port hand,
or less if requisite, and anchor in Baros road iu 10 fathoms mud, with the
flagstaff bearing N.N.E., and Pulo Karang, West about 2 miles.
Pulo Sorkam is a small island lying near the coast, 15 miles
S.E. by E. from Baros; a vessel may pass on either side and anchor to the
eastward of it.
TAPANULI (SibOga) BAY lies 30 miles south-eastward of
Baros. Between Tanjong Batu Burn and Tanjong Mama, the bay is
9 miles across. Tanjong Batu Burn, the northern point of the bay, is
of considerable height. Pulo Nassie Satunkus, or Sugar Loaf, a conicalshaped
islet, lying off Tanjong Mama, is a conspicuous object when
approaching or leaving Tapanuli bay by the southern channel.
The northern channel between Pulo Mansalar and the main, leading to
Tapanuli bay, is 7 miles wide, with depths of from 12 to 18 fathoms.
The southern channel, between Pulo Mansular group and Pulo Nassie
Satunkus, is free from danger, with regular depths of about 24 fathoms.
The west side of Pulo Nassie Satunkus is clear of danger, but rocks
extend about one cable eastward of it.
Shoals.— ^Bordering the north channel, at about 6 miles southward of
Pulo Sorkam, and 1^ miles ofi shore, is a rock named Karang Gadang, with
a depth of 9 feet. Argo shoal lies one mile off Tanjong Pandang, and has
from 9 to 10 fathoms close to. A rock lies about 3 cables off Tanjong
Batu Baru, the south-west point of the entrance to Tapanuli harbour.
Banda shoal of 5 fathoms, steep-to, lies midway between Pulo Mansalar
and the main, and nearly 5 miles W. by S. ^ S. from Tanjong Pandang.
Tapanuli harbour*
is an extensive inlet on the north side of
Tapanuli bay ; it is subdivided into many coves or harbours by islands,
where a large number of vessels may lie sheltered from all winds. It is an
open port, and the seat of the Dutch residency, but it has little commerce,
the natives around are barbarous, and the country a mere forest.
Towns.—The town of Tapanuli is at the northern part of the bay,
3^ miles from the entrance ; thence the bay is continued to the westward
by a narrow channel that opens into a large lagoon, with depths of
2 to 3 fathoms. Siboga, the Dutch I'esidency, lies on the eastern shore,
3 miles southward of Tapanuli.
* See Admiralty plan of Tapanuli bay, and Pulo Mansalar, No. 855 ; scale. m = 0-28
of an incli.