It is still an active and busy port, shipping goods to Borneo. It is crowded with boats that have been working since the 40's and 50's, they are stacked as tight as they can get them.The only difference is that around the 70's they converted all the boats from sail to power, which shaved a substantial delivery time off each trip. It is well worth a visit, and if you are lucky, you just may be invited on board one of the boats by the crew for a look around, like we were. Very unexpected...and cool!
The living quarters for the crew was modest at best. Simple hammocks or a pad on the floor for beds, and nothing more in the galley than a single cook burner with a kettle; I am guessing many a instant mi goreng noodle is cooked there. :) I won't even mention the head...but you can see for yourself in the photo. ;)
The long strip of the port was busy with equipment and workers, noisy and dusty. The occasional smell of crude palm oil wafted around (which is hard to describe and not very pleasant), mixed with exhaust fumes from the work trucks that speed around after unloading their cargo. It makes one very happy to have fresh air to breath on a daily basis back home.
I am so glad we took the afternoon to leisurely visit the port. This is a piece of living history that I imagine wont last too much longer. As the high rise luxury condos are being built all around the area, and they will require a luxury view to go with their price-tags. They are a towering reminder at where this city is continually headed. I'm sure in 20 years, I won't even recognize it as the port I visited. Glad we have the photos. ;)
The living quarters for the crew was modest at best. Simple hammocks or a pad on the floor for beds, and nothing more in the galley than a single cook burner with a kettle; I am guessing many a instant mi goreng noodle is cooked there. :) I won't even mention the head...but you can see for yourself in the photo. ;)
The long strip of the port was busy with equipment and workers, noisy and dusty. The occasional smell of crude palm oil wafted around (which is hard to describe and not very pleasant), mixed with exhaust fumes from the work trucks that speed around after unloading their cargo. It makes one very happy to have fresh air to breath on a daily basis back home.
I am so glad we took the afternoon to leisurely visit the port. This is a piece of living history that I imagine wont last too much longer. As the high rise luxury condos are being built all around the area, and they will require a luxury view to go with their price-tags. They are a towering reminder at where this city is continually headed. I'm sure in 20 years, I won't even recognize it as the port I visited. Glad we have the photos. ;)
Here are a few photos from our mini adventure....
Loading and waiting for high tide to ship out.
To get on board you have to walk the plank!
My tour guide for the afternoon. ;)
Steep plank to walk
All in a day's work
The crew's living quarters....beds, head, bridge, and galley.
A real work ship, they are all made of wood.
I actually never knew he was there...not until I seen this photo!
Who's that girl sneaking on board!?
The plank we had to walk....yes, it moved with every step!
Learning about the cargo
The chill room ;)
Think this would fit in our marina?
This boat was shipping, building supplies, cement, rice, sugar, and palm oil.
I love all the colors!
The Starboard side
Resting in the shade
Mobile shop
Boat Repairs...
After leaving the port, we went to the town square and once there a bunch of super nice school students wanted to interview us for their class assignment to speak to tourists. By our fifth interview, I felt it best to make our leave, or we would never make our flight home! ;)
My new buddies!
Cafe for a quick drink.
It was a fun short trip. What a great way to spend a weekend.
Onward to our next adventure....... ;)
