Floating book fair, Doulos Hope, docks at Port Klang
It’s not every day that bookworms get to browse books on a cruise ship. But Malaysian book lovers are in for a treat, as the world‑famous “floating” book fair, Doulos Hope, has returned to Malaysia this December. You can step aboard the former cruise liner and explore book titles while literally on the waves.
The cruise book fair will be docking at Port Klang till 4th January 2026, giving you plenty of time to plan a visit with loved ones or the kiddos during the year‑end holidays.
What to expect at Doulos Hope?
Image credit: Doulos Hope via Facebook
Whether you are hunting for your next favourite read or just want a unique day out on the weekends, this is one maritime experience you do not want to miss. Operated by GBA Ships, the now-retired Doulos Hope has been refurbished into a seafaring bookstore that travels across Southeast Asia.
It concluded in Kota Kinabalu in September and is currently docked in Bangkok. On 11th December, it made its way to Klang and will dock for 24 days, so Klang Valley folks won’t have to travel far to get on board the cruise ship to bury their noses in books.
Image credit: Doulos Hope via Facebook
Measuring approximately 85m in length with a beam of 14m, the cruise ship carries over 2,000 book titles and around 300,000 copies, offering everything from children’s picture books to educational texts, cookbooks, self-development reads, and novels from international authors.
Last year, the floating library’s collection, which landed in Penang, covered a wide range of genres, including science, medicine, faith, history, languages, hobbies, and world literature. This year, you can expect the same genres and even snag a cookbook or a thought-provoking novel — all in one visit.
Ticket prices & visiting hours
Image credit: Doulos Hope via Facebook
Entrance to the ship is expected to remain affordable, with tickets priced at RM2/pax, and free admission for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and above. Tickets will go live on Doulos Hope’s website. Walk‑ins are still welcome, though access may be limited depending on daily capacity, so planning ahead is recommended.
For admission and book purchases, QR Code, Touch ’n Go, and DuitNow payments are accepted, so you don’t need to worry if you forget your wallet or purse.
Image credit: Doulos Hope via Facebook
If you plan to visit, arrive early in the day to enjoy a more relaxed pace, as evenings tend to get busier. The ship’s opening hours are Thursday, Sunday to Tuesday from 1 pm to 8.30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 8.30 pm, with the last entry at 8 pm.
Do note that the ship is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance, as well as on 25th December 2025 and 1st January 2026.
A bookish adventure by the sea
Whether you are a casual reader, a diehard bookworm, or just looking for something unique to do over the holidays, the Doulos Hope is a must-visit to experience browsing through rows of books while feeling the ocean breeze and hearing gentle waves against the hull.
So grab your tote bag, call your favourite reading buddy, and plan a little day trip to Port Klang this December.
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Cover image adapted from: Doulos Hope via Facebook