The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

190 WEST COAST OP SUMATUA. £chap. hi,
SOUTHERN APPROACH. - Pule Niamok or
MuskitO, situated about 18 ibiles southward of Padang head, and
6 miles off the coast, is the outer and south-eastern island in the approach
to Padang from the southward. It is a low island covered with trees,
with a square-shaped beacon 26 feet high on its south-west side. Reefs
extend to the distance of about half a mile from the north and south sides
of the island.
Karang Laut lies about lO^ miles N.W. from Pulo Niamok and
6 miles southward of Pulo Thoren, the southern Padang island. It was
formerly a breaking reef, but trees have since grown up, and a beacon has
also been erected.
Between Pulo Niamok and Karang Laut lies Iskander shoal, with Pulo
Niamok bearing S.E. "^ S~ distant 3^ miles. A similar shoal lies E. by S.
4 miles from Karang Laut.
Pulo Merak (Marra) lies 4^ miles N.N.E. of Niamok, and
2 miles off shore. It is 1\ miles in extent, inhabited, and affords good
water.
Pulo Bintangor and Pulo Seronda are small islets lying northward of
Pulo Merak. There is anchorage in from 10 to 20 fathoms on the east
side of all these islets, and shelter from N.W. and West winds. The best
route to Padang from the southward is westward of Pulo Merak and close-
to on either side of Pulo Bintangor and Seronda.
Dolphin and Serinda shoals.—Dolphin shoal lies nearly
3 miles N.W. by W. from Pulo Merak ; and Karang Serinda W. by N.
distant 2 miles from Pulo Bintangor, with deep water between.
Pulo SenarO
lies 4 miles N.W. from Pulo Seronda, and is covered
with cocoa-nut trees. A shoal lies nearly midway between these islets. A
ehoal of about 3 fathoms lies N.E. by E. about If miles from Pulo Senaro ;
and a reef with a rock above water lies W.N.W., distant 2J miles from
Pulo Senaro. The above are the principal dangers in the southern
approach to Padang, but it is necessary to keep a careful look out aloft
when in the vicinity of any of these reefs.
PADANG
is the chief settlement of the Dutch on the west coast of
Sumatra or the head residentie of the district. Its principal portion, with
a fort, is situated on the north bank of the river, one mile within Apenberg
head. It is generally considered healthy. There are no regular wet and
dry seasons ; rain most frequently falls during the night, but sometimes it
rains for two or three days in succession.
Padang is an open port and connected with Batavia by a telegraph
cable.
Supplies.—Provisions, bullocks, poultry, fruit, vegetables, and fresh
water, are abundant.
Coal.—The Dutch Government have a small coal depot here.