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One of Malaysia's busiest ports is Pulau Pinang, the beautiful 'Pearl of the
Orient', well known to tourists from all over the world. It is not only
famous for its beauty and charm but is also renowned for its being an
important port which is a hive of activities
at most hours of the day. Lying on the western coast off Peninsular
Malaysia, the island is the stop-over point for numerous ocean-going liners
and cargo vessels.
The scene in the morning is a noisy and busy one at the port. There is
bustling activity as you look towards
the blue-green sea, sparkling in the morning sunlight. Boats of all sizes
and shapes ranging from bobbing sampans, Chinese junks, lighters to small
launches, ply and cut their way across the waters,
churning up white foam. There is a lot of loading and unloading
going on. Tiny, fishing boats can be seen scattered in the distance.
Then, visible too are the ferries that ply between the island and the
mainland. These are often packed with passengers and vehicles. Shrill sirens
from the vessels can be heard as they leave or arrive at George Town on the
island. The larger ocean-going vessels are found at the deeper end of the
port. Here is another bustling scene throughout the day. |
