The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

„^.. ..„.jj wuAuiVw ioiiAjjijLib.—INNEB CHANNELS. 387
PENEBANGAN ISLAND, lying north-eastward of the Pelapi
isMnds, rises to a peak 1,'722 feet above the sea. This island lies within
the edge of the bank of 5 fathoms and less, extending westward from Maja
island.
Anchorage and Water-—There is good anchorage at one mile
off the north-western side of Penebangan, in 5^ or 6 fathoms, mud, with
shelter from southerly winds. Fresh-water bay, at this part of the island,
has two runs of good water, the westernmost of which is the largest, where
the water is obtained behind a large black rock on the beach ; the boats
may approach close, or the casks can be landed on the beach, which
consists of fine sand. There are four watering places on the west side, all
of which are fronted by fine sandy beaches, and easily discerned.
There is good anchorage on the eastern side during the westerly monsoon,
but a reef extends from the south point, which should not be approached
within half a mile. The island abounds in wild pigs.
Bulat and Burong islands, four in number, lying eastward of
Penebangan island are IdW and thickly wooded,
Meledan or Button island, is a wooded islet, lying on the shore
mud bank, with surrounding depths of 4 fathoms ;
it is a useful mark when
navigating the Inner channels.
INNER and GREIG CHANNELS.—The passage eastward
of the Papan islands and Penebangan, is known as the Inner channel, and
is used by light draught vessels and coasters, when working against the
monsoon ; the depths are regular, being from 3J to 4 fathoms, soft bottom,
gradually decreasing to the Borneo coast ; the shallow water makes it
convenient to anchor for tide or at night. See directions, page 396.
Greig Channel is the passage between Penebangan and the
Pelapi islands. It is 2 miles in width and free from danger. The route
by this channel and among the islands to the south-eastward, although
contracted in some parts, has moderate depths with generally good anchor-
age, and is, with Inner channel, the only route by which vessels may work
against the monsoon, whether bound northward or southward.
WEST COAST OF BOENEO; SAMBAR POINT TO PONTIA-
NAK, WITH THE ADJACENT DANGERS.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Landmarks.—Tne west
coast of Borneo is very low and almost uninhabitable. It is principally
composed of a muddy slimy soil, which at high water is transferred in many
parts into a morass. There are a few isolated hills, the principal of which
are Mount Kedio, 1,707 feet high, Batu Jurang, and Minto hill, just north-
ward of Pulo Kumpal or Rendezvous island ; a mountain near Sukudana,
3,700 feet high, and a conspicuous mark in clear weather ; Maja mount,
B B 2