Transforming A Centenarian Vessel into A Hotel on Indonesia's Shoreline

Years back, I would often take my kids to board the MV Doulos whenever it made its stopover in Singapore. Originally a 430-foot ship owned by a missionary group, it had spent over three decades as a traveling library circling the globe.

In 2010, circumstances led me to purchase the MV Doulos, a ship celebrated by Guinness World Records as the oldest passenger ship still active on the high seas.

Established in Texas in the year 1914, merely two years subsequent to the Titanic's demise, this vessel served as a freighter transporting onions from 1914 until 1948. It's now a humorous tale I share that upon acquisition, a few bags of onions remained on board, which inspired us to continue making onion soup.

The ship was nearly a century old when I acquired it, yet I was intent on turning it into a seafront lodging while cherishing its historic charm.

A History with Maritime Transformations

My maritime ventures began back in 2000 when I acquired an old riverboat, once part of the A&W Restaurants fleet.

I turned that riverboat into a floating dining space specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine, located on Sentosa Island's beaches in Singapore, famous for its luxury retreats and amusement spots.

Hearing about MV Doulos being available for purchase in 2010 felt like an opportunity for a more substantial project.

Numerous parties, including private entities and international scrapyards, expressed interest in the ship. However, fortune smiled upon me as I succeeded in my bid.

Soon after, I realized the magnitude of the endeavor now at hand.

Locating the Ideal Abode in Bintan, Indonesia

Initially, my aim was to moor the vessel nearby Singapore. I entrusted it to a dockyard while I awaited approval from harbor officials, hoping for a quick process.

Although I negotiated with concerning bodies to place it near scenic parts, months stretched into over three years, with multiple rejected proposals.

During this period, harboring and maintaining the ship was costly.

A breakthrough came when an acquaintance of mine connected me with Frans Gunara, a developer specializing in hospitality in Bintan. He became receptive to my proposal during a dinner meeting.

His offer wasn't only a berth off Bintan but also to recoup an anchor-shaped island, securing the ship from corrosion.

Revamping the Ship's Interior

After placing the ship on Bintan's reclaimed island, there was significant work to do.

The cabins, although clean, fell short of accommodation standards—undersized and uninviting.

My family was pivotal in redesigning the ship's inner and outer spaces. Together, we envisioned every angle, from dining arrangements to poolside aesthetics.

I provided these blueprints to professionals who then deconstructed and rebuilt large parts of the ship.

Removing bulkheads—which typically limit water peril obligations—required reinforcement measures to maintain structure safety.

Cabin size was enhanced, and expansive windows were fitted to accentuate the mesmerizing coastal vista of Bintan. The room decor respected the vessel's maritime past.

The ship was unveiled as Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel in 2019, featuring 105 rooms, a sea-view infinity pool, fitness and wellness amenities, and various dining venues.

The journey to resurrect MV Doulos, nearly ten years in length, proved to be a mission of great significance—every bit of the effort was justified.