Labuan: Nearly a thousand visitors made a beeline to the Labuan Liberty Wharf today to board the Doulos Hope, the world's renowned floating library, marking the start to the vessel's visit to the island.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Doulos Hope, which is docked at the Labuan Liberty Wharf from July 3 to 27, is open to the public daily from 1 pm to 9 pm, except on Monday when the ship is closed for maintenance and housekeeping works.

The strong turnout on the first day reflected the excitement and curiosity among local residents and tourists alike, many of whom began queuing early in the afternoon to experience the unique library at sea.

In a statement to Bernama today, Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (MPM) chief executive officer Idjal Tahir said arrangements for visitor flow and pick-up points were running smoothly despite the large crowd.

'The response has been tremendous, but thanks to close coordination with Labuan Corporation (LC), we've managed the visitor influx efficiently,' he said.

'We ensured clear access routes, designated waiting areas, and shuttle services to ease movement and ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, despite having to handle container operations today,' he said.

Idjal said Megah Port Management's auxiliary policemen monitored the influx of visitors to facilitate the arrival and operations of Doulos Hope, deployed additional personnel to assist with crowd management and logistics at the wharf.

'On the second day, the excitement continued as a group of government servants arrived by bus to tour the vessel, taking time out of their official duties to explore the ship's extensive collection and onboard exhibitions,' he said.

Idjal said the floating library's presence is a meaningful addition to Labuan's tourism and educational calendar, attracting families, school groups, and book lovers to the island's main port terminal.