Name and Location

The GI Koba Lighthouse is situated in Simpang Perlang, Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia. Its official name is GI Koba. The lighthouse can be accessed by car or motorbike from Koba town (approximately 5 km northwest) and is located near the junction of Jalan Depati Amir and Jalan Cut Nyak Dien.

Construction and History

The exact year of construction for the GI Koba Lighthouse is unknown, but it likely dates back to the second half of the 20th century. The structure is a single-tower masonry or reinforced-concrete construction, typical of Indonesian coastal beacons.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a presumed cylindrical tower, painted white with a contrasting gallery rail (unconfirmed without site survey). The height and focal plane are not publicly documented, but the estimated tower height is under 10 meters, and the focal plane is under 15 meters above mean sea level.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic of the GI Koba Lighthouse is not officially published. Its range is likely in the order of 5-10 nautical miles (speculative based on tower height). The lighthouse marks local coastal approaches and small-craft channels along the eastern shore of Bangka Island.

Accessibility and Visiting

The base of the tower is reachable by public road, but the lantern gallery is not open for visitors and lacks public stair access. There are no facilities on-site; nearest shops and restrooms can be found in Simpang Perlang village center (500 meters away). Visitors should remain clear of operating equipment and respect fenced or warning signage if present.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area features a low-lying coastal plain interspersed with smallholder tin-mining ponds, coconut groves, and village rice paddies. The nearby Koba beach shoreline is approximately 2 kilometers northeast, while local markets in Koba and traditional Bangka Belitung houses are also worth visiting.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Simpang Perlang ("Perlang Junction") serves as a minor crossroads in Central Bangka Regency. Local folklore mentions fishermen invoking coastal spirits before setting out, although no specific GI Koba anecdotes have been recorded.

Technical and Operational Details

The GI Koba Lighthouse is an active navigational aid operated by the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Ditjen Perhubungan Laut), Ministry of Transportation, Republic of Indonesia. The Port Authority of Bangka Belitung Islands (KSOP Pangkalpinang) oversees routine maintenance. The facility appears to be fully automated; no on-site keeper's quarters are visible.

Further Information

For more information, please refer to OpenStreetMap way/211412458 and the Indonesian Directorate General of Sea Transportation (http://hubla.dephub.go.id). Nautical chart services of the Indonesian Hydrographic and Oceanographic Office (www.bakosurtanal.go.id) can also provide additional details.