BATU FERINGHI – GEORGERTOWN

Of course, probably it will not happen, but we don’t really have any other option since the passengers vessel doesn’t cruise on weekends. We close ATA carnet at the cargo section of the harbor and wait for the vessel from Indonesia named „Mitrautama”. We have found out that our captain has good contacts with the pirates of the Sumatra and we don’t have to worry. Yes, the Straight of Malacca is one of the places where 20th century pirates still live and rob. Mostly they gather charges from tiny fishermen boats, but sometimes they steal some bigger foreign vessel to later share its insurance money with the owners. The ship is here at 5PM, and it’s exactly what I have imagined: approximately forty meters long wooden vessel of uncertain age. It only needs a black flag! We get acquainted with the captain who asks us about unallowed stuff in the boxes and organizes the boarding process. After this I call him aside and put $10 banknote in his pocket. He obviously is pleased and we already become friends.