Narrative of the Voyage of HMS Samarang, during the Years 1843–46

Published in 1848, Sir Edward Belcher's account of the Eastern Archipelago appealed to Victorian readers' enthusiasm for exploration and adventure. Describing exotic locations including Borneo, Manila and Singapore, Volume 1 blends topographical and strategic observations with vivid descriptions of Asian villages and temples, and of encounters with rulers and pirates.

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Sir Edward Belcher (1799–1877) was a British naval officer who served as surveyor on several long voyages in the Atlantic and Pacific. Published in 1848, this two-volume account, interspersed with charts and illustrations, was the second of his journals to appear in print, and appealed to Victorian readers' enthusiasm for books on exploration, natural history, ethnology and adventure. Volume 1 combines reports on navigation and encounters with pirates with vivid descriptions of coral reefs, villages and temples. It describes the topography and inhabitants of exotic locations including Borneo, Manila, Singapore and Korea, and visits to sultans, rajahs and governors. It also documents the expedition's gathering of practical and strategic information on subjects including reliable water supplies, the goldmines of Sarawak and the quality of coal available for naval steamships.