Tanjong Pelumpong
Tanjong Pelumpong or the Pelumpong Spit in English is the easternmost point
in the Brunei-Muara district of Brunei. Despite its name, it is now an island due
to the artificially constructed 50m-wide, 10m-deep Muara cut, which separated the
spit from the mainland to provide access to Muara Port.
Location and Geography : Tanjong Pelumpong is located between the Brunei
Bay to the south and the South China Sea to the north. Administratively, it is part
of Mukim Serasa of the Brunei-Muara district of Brunei and is separated from the
mainland to the west by the 50m-wide, 10m-deep Muara cut. This channel is protected
at each side by breakwaters which extend seawards towards the northeast.The northern
coast of Tanjong Pelumpong consists of the white sandy beach similar to that of
Muara Beach. This is because it was a continuation of the latter until the Muara
Cut divided it into two. There is however, a series of beach protection structures
constructed here to prevent soil erosion. The island is forested with pine trees.The
island is inhabited and is only accessible by boat.
History : The history of Tanjong Pelumpong is closely related to the history
of Brooketon and Muara. The whole area, including Tanjong Pelumpong, was leased
to Charles Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak by 1889.Politically too, even though
he only had economic rights, Brooke became the de facto ruler of the area. It was
not until 1921 that Muara was "returned" to Brunei.The Japanese occupied Brunei
during Second World War, and Tanjong Pelumpong was one of the landing location of
the Australian forces during the Second World War which liberated Brunei from Japanese
rule.The Muara Cut was initiated in the 1960s to provide access to Muara Port. This
was done by excavating and then dredging a 10m channel at the narrowest point of
Tanjong Pelumpong which converted Tanjong Pelumpong from a spit to an island.A minke
whale was beached on the island in 2003.
Muara cut deepening : There are plans to further deepen the Muara cut to
a depth of 16m in order to facilitate the expansion of Muara Port to Pulau Muara
Besar. The dredged sand will be used for land reclamation on Pulau Muara Besar for
the proposed port construction and extension.
Activities : Tanjong Pelumpong and the Muara cut are used by the general
public for recreational activities. The Muara cut is a popular spot for anglers
and fishermen. The island itself has numerous pristine beaches and is a popular
spot for picnicking.There are a number of fish farms in the sheltered area of the
Brunei Bay between Tanjong Pelumpong (island) and Pulau Muara BesarDue to its remoteness,
the island is also used for other illicit activities such as smuggling.