MV Clipper Odyssey Visits Bengkulu

Bengkulu, Jan 16 (ANTARA) - MV Clipper Odyssey, a cruise ship carrying hundreds of tourists from various countries, arrived in Bengkulu on Tuesday afternoon. Bengkulu port administration spokesman Pieter HB Fina said here on Wednesday that the cruise ship, sailing under the Bahamian flag, arrived at Pulau Baai port with hundreds of tourists from the United States, Britain, Canada and Hong Kong on board. "The cruise ship was in trouble for several hours due to bad weather. However, it finally docked at the port so the passengers could visit a number of tourist attractions in the city of Bengkulu," he explained. "They went to see the Raffles flower, China town, Bung Karno`s house of exile in Anggut village and Fort Marlborough ," Pieter continued. When the tourists visited Fort Marlborough, he added, they were captivated by its splendour and architectural beauty. Kathrine, one of the tourists, said the fort from the British colonial era should be preserved as a legacy in order to attract tourists, especially from Britain. Visiting Bengkulu for the first time in her life, she noted that the historical monument was built in 1700s, but is very well maintained. "This fort (Marlborough) should continue to be preserved and maintained in order to attract as many foreign tourists as possible, particularly from Britain," said Kathrine, who is also a tour guide of the MV Clipper Odyssey cruise ship.