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CHAPTER VI.
BANKA STRAIT—^AND NORTH-WEST AND NORTH COASTS OF
BANKA ISLAND.
Variation, 2" 15' East, in 1886.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.—Banka strait separates the
islands of Banka and Sumatra, and trends with many bends to the north-
westward.*
The coast of Sumatra is very low, densely covered with wood, and
offers no otiier variation than a few points, which are only clearly distinct
at short distances, and are easily mistaken for the so-called False points,.
which are observed immediately after rounding the real points. The shore
being inundated at high water, the distance from it is generally over-
estimated.
Banka island is covered with hills and mountains, varying from 900 to^
2,600 feet in height; and it is remarkable that, notwithstanding their
comparatively small height, their summits are generally covered with
clouds.
On the Banka coast are prominent points, saudy beaches, and in some
places deep bights, as on the Sumatra side; as a rule, wherever sand
occurs, casuarina trees will be found ; the other trees are principally pune,
teak, and aspen. Near the western point of Banka stands Muntok, the
capital of the colony (or residency) of Banka, and its roadstead is much
visited by the coasters that supply the Chinese miners with rice.
The whole coast of Sumatra is bordered by a mud-flat, which is nar-
rower off the points, but in some of the bights is from 2 to 4 miles wide.
Towards the Banka side the bottom becomes gradually harder, and even
rocky. Besides the few small islets and rocks in this strait there is the
group of Nangka islands, where vessels sometimes proceed to procure
fresh water and wood. Many rivers discharge themselves into the strait,
* .See Admiralty charts:— Gaspar and Banka straits, -with plans of Lucipara and
Stanton channels, and Nangka islands, No. 2,149 ; scale, ?n = 0" 14 ot an inch. Banka
strait with views, No. 2,597 ; scale, m = • 25 of an inch. Banka strait, south entrance,
showing liUcipara and Stanton channels, No. 2,808 ; scale, m = 0*7 of an inch.
Remarks on the whole of Banka strait, by Mr. W. Stanton, master in cosmraad of
H.M. surveying vessel Saracen, 1859-60.
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