Biggest Book Fair on Water

MV Doulos Last Voyage To Brunei
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - MV Doulos, the world's oldest ocean-going passenger ship, arrives at Muara Port tomorrow, from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Its upcoming visit to Brunei Darussalam, from Oct 27 to Nov 2, will most probably be the last for the ship.

Subject to international marine regulations, the ship is required to be scrapped by 2010. Therefore, this will be the last chance for Bruneians to board a ship that was built two years after the famous Titanic.

Currently the talk of the town, MV Doulos is known internationally for its onboard Book Fair, cultural performances, a multinational crew and a rich history.

Its stay in Brunei has been made possible by Diamond Sponsor NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd and Gold Sponsor Sheraton Utarna Hotel. The handling agency is Tri-Star Shipping & Trading Co Sdn Bhd.

It last visited Brunei Darussalam in 1999, when it was opened by the then Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Over 18,000 visitors, including His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, visited the Book Fair onboard.

Its next port of call is the Philippines where it will undergo its annual dry docking and technical maintenance.

Early next year, the ship will head to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

The 130-metre-long vessel offers the onboard Book Shop with over 6,000 titles on art, education, cooking, management, sports, dictionaries and many more, for sale.

These books are chosen to meet the educational and social needs of the local community; a large selection is devoted especially to children.

There will be many opportunities for the public to enjoy different events during the opening hours of the Book Fair.

The crew will entertain and give an open house on 'The World in Brunei'. Those interested can meet and befriend members of the international crew; learn more about countries around the world and life onboard this historic ship.

Short cultural programmes with colourful dances, songs and dramas from all around the world will be performed for the interest of the public.

Members of the public also can explore nations around the world and witness more of life and work onboard this unique ship.

Those who wish to visit the ship are required to bring their identification card for security clearance.

Entrance is free. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin