The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

300 BANKA STRAIT. [chap; vi
often to Wait for the tide, ;
are amply compensated by the advantage that
vessels of even the greatest burden suflfer no delay at its mouth. •
DIRECTIONS.—To enter Sungi Banju Asing, bring Mondpin
Jiili to bear N.E. by E., and False Point N.W. by N., then steer in a S.W.
direction, accordihg to the state of the tide, for the ebb runs strongly
towards the banks fronting the Sungsang and the flood towards the inner
banks on the western shore of the river.
Having reached Api point, take the mid-channel, between the beacon-
poles, towards Bayam point, and then keep rather towards the Laga point
side, round which the Pontian channel is entered. With a flood tide keep
on the eastern shore, as the stream runs with force past that channel ;
taking care, at the same time to avoid the shoals which surround the point.
In this river care is necessary when passing the points, as from most of
them project small mud-banks.
Pontian and other Affluents.—The junction of Pontian,
Kietjar, Gassing, and Sebalick rivers, which last unites Pontian to Jarang
river, causes a part of the ebb to run from the first two rivers, through
Sebalick, and compels vessels having come so far with the flood to anchor,
and wait for the ebb. Pontian river is generally deepest on its western
side, except near its mouth, where the greatest depth is in the middle ; but
again towards the western side, higher up, and in front of the shoal ofi" the
point, between Kietjar and Sebalick rivers. When near its junction with
Sleino and Jarang rivers, keep close to the eastern shore, in 6 to 8 fathoms,
to avoid the reef which projects from the point between Sebalick and
Jarang. When there is no wind it is necessary to anchor and wait for the
flood coming up by Sleino river, in order to proceed up Jarang, and it
will be found that a great part of the flood goes into Tambangadin river,
while that going up Jarang is very trifling. Having reached Jarang
Kechil, anchor again till high water, to wait for the ebb from this river,
which will soon take the vessel into Sungi Sungsang. Remarks on the
freshets (page 299) apply also to Asing river.
Jarang Bank.—The bank off Jarang river is very shallow, but on
the north side there is a narrow passage with 5 or 6 fathoms. Vessels
of less draught than 15 feet can also find a passage on the south side.
BATAKARANG POINT, the north-west boundary of Banka
strait, bears N.W. f W. about 30 miles from Fourth point, and may be
identified by a group of trees, 130 feet high, which gives it a bluff and
jagged appearance. False point is more sloping and flat, and lies about
9 miles to the south-eastward of Batakarang point.
The mud-bank projects 7 miles northward from Batakarang point,
4 miles north-eastward of it, and 2 miles off False point ; thence trending