Beras Basah

Beras Basah Island at noon
Beras Basah Location of Beras Basah Island Show map of Kalimantan Beras Basah Beras Basah (Indonesia) Show map of Indonesia
Geography
Location	Makassar Strait
Coordinates	0°03′51″N 117°33′32″E / 0.06417°N 117.55889°E / 0.06417; 117.55889
Area	0.01 km2 (0.0039 sq mi)
Highest elevation	3 m (10 ft)
Administration
Indonesia
Province	East Kalimantan
City	Bontang
Demographics
Population	11

Beras Basah Island is a small island located in the Straits of Makassar and approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) east off the coast of Borneo. Administratively, this island is under the City of Bontang government and Province of East Kalimantan. The island is known to be a tourist destination as a dive site that provides tropical underwater life.^[1]

Etymology and History

The origin name of Beras Basah according to local folklore comes from the Indonesian words of Beras (rice) and Basah (wet). Once upon a time, there was a ship belonging to the Sultanate of Kutai which was sailing in the Straits of Makassar. The ship carries food which includes rice. The ship arrived - suddenly sank and spilled its luggage. Because the waters where the shipwreck is shallow, the ship's congregation, which is mostly rice, does not sink, but appears partly like a mound. Over time the rice mound turns into a white sand island like rice which is always wet because it is surrounded by the ocean.

Transportation access

To be able to visit this island there are several accesses which all come from several piers or ports from Bontang.^[1] The fastest access is via Marina Beach of Badak NGL pier by using a speed boat which takes approximately fifteen minutes. Alternative access through Tanjung Limau and Tanjung Laut docks using small motorized boats that take approximately one hour.^[1]