On Indonesia's Bintan Island, a remarkable hotel has emerged from a decommissioned cruise liner, the Doulos Phos. This unique establishment, once recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest active ocean-going passenger ship, now provides a luxurious and distinctive travel experience. Guests can immerse themselves in nautical history while enjoying modern comforts, with convenient access from Singapore offering an additional layer of appeal.
The Doulos Phos: A Retired Cruise Liner Transformed into a Luxury Getaway
The Doulos Phos, once known as the MV Doulos and originally constructed in Texas in 1914, has found a new purpose as a luxury hotel on Indonesia's Bintan Island, situated southeast of Singapore. After sailing over 350,000 nautical miles and visiting more than 100 countries, the vessel was decommissioned in 2009, just shy of its centenary. Following a meticulous 15-year conversion, it was permanently anchored on a specially designed, anchor-shaped islet, itself a marvel worth seeing. Travelers can reach this extraordinary destination by flying into Singapore's Changi Airport, celebrated for its culinary offerings and unusual attractions like a butterfly garden and a massive waterfall. From Changi, a one-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, with shuttle services available from 10 a.m. to 7:50 p.m. daily, transports guests to Bintan Island.
The hotel maintains its maritime charm with over 100 'cabins' instead of rooms, located on 'decks' rather than floors, and serviced by 'crew' instead of staff. Accommodations range from porthole-view rooms to suites with private balconies. For the ultimate indulgence, the Master Mariner Suite on the top deck boasts a jacuzzi bath and a hot tub on its private deck. Onboard amenities include a gym with ocean views, two restaurants serving Dutch-Indonesian fusion cuisine (the formal Arisetaffel and the more casual Piano Lounge), and cabin service. Outdoor seating is available for al-fresco dining, and a spa offers relaxing massages. Guided tours of the ship, including the Captain's Cabin and the original engine room, are offered twice daily.
Outside, an infinity pool with a bar overlooks the Singapore Strait. Activities include an air rifle range and snorkeling in the clear waters around Bintan Island, renowned for its diverse marine life. For those who prefer to stay dry, a mudflat walking tour provides an opportunity to observe tidal creatures. Beyond the ship, Bintan Island offers a wealth of cultural and outdoor activities. Roughly 20 miles from the resort lies Gurun Pasir Bintan, or the Busung Desert, a former mining site transformed into a picturesque landscape of sand dunes and a crystal-clear blue lake, perfect for photography. The island's main city, Tanjung Pinang, features cultural sites like the 500 Lohan Temple with its hundreds of life-sized stone statues. Guests can take a water taxi to Senggarang Village to see a temple within a Banyan tree or visit the stilt houses of Panglong Berakit fishing village. Boat rides through mangrove swamps offer wildlife spotting, including macaques and silver leaf monkeys. In the evening, the Rimba Jaya Night Market is a must-visit for street food enthusiasts. Additionally, the exclusive Nikoi Island, an unspoiled beach paradise, is easily accessible nearby.
This innovative transformation of a historic vessel into a luxury hotel serves as a powerful reminder of how creativity and vision can breathe new life into old structures. It highlights sustainable tourism practices, showcasing that preservation doesn't mean stagnation, but rather reinvention. The Doulos Phos offers a unique blend of historical immersion and modern luxury, setting a precedent for adaptive reuse in the hospitality industry. It encourages us to think about how we can repurpose existing resources to create novel and captivating experiences, while simultaneously honoring their past.