2025-05-01T00:18:01Z

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Eric Saw, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Doulos Phos, has successfully transformed the MV Doulos, a storied vessel with a remarkable past, into an extraordinary hotel located on the picturesque shores of Bintan, Indonesia. His journey, reflecting passion and perseverance, is chronicled in this engaging narrative.

At 73 years old, Eric Saw recalls fond memories of bringing his children aboard the MV Doulos when it would dock in Singapore. This 430-foot-long ship, once a floating library and a beloved Christian missionary vessel, had sailed the seas for an impressive 33 years. Little did he know that one day he would not only own this iconic ship but would also reimagine it as an oceanfront hotel.

The pivotal moment came in 2010 when Eric purchased the MV Doulos, which had earned the prestigious Guinness World Record as the worlds oldest active ocean-going passenger ship. Originally built in Texas in 1914, just two years after the Titanic tragedy, the ship has a rich history that makes it a unique tourist attraction.

Eric humorously recalls how the ship initially operated as a cargo carrier, famously transporting onions from 1914 to 1948. He often jokes with his guests about discovering old sacks of onions during the purchase, quipping that they still whip up some onion soup from the remnants. When he acquired the vessel, it was already 96 years old, and the challenge of converting it into a hotel while preserving its legacy would prove monumental.

This was not Eric's first foray into the world of maritime enterprise. His journey began in 2000 when he purchased a riverboat previously owned by A&W Restaurants. He successfully transformed this vessel into a floating Tex-Mex restaurant on Sentosa Island, a popular destination off Singapore known for its luxury accommodations and entertainment options.

When the MV Doulos was listed for sale in 2010, Eric recognized it as an opportunity to embark on a more ambitious project. However, he was not the only one interested; a competitive array of bidders, including private companies, military organizations, and scrapyards from various countries such as China, South Africa, South Korea, India, and the Philippines, all placed bids on the ship. Fortunately for Eric, he emerged victorious, but this victory was just the beginning of a long and challenging journey.

Initially, Eric envisioned docking the ship off the coast of Singapore. He placed it in a shipyard and anticipated receiving the necessary approvals from port authorities within three months. However, the approval process stretched on for an astonishing three and a half years, during which he submitted multiple proposals to various government agencies, all of which were unsuccessful. The mounting costs of maintaining the ship in the shipyard were a financial strain as he awaited the green light.

After years of frustration, a breakthrough came when a friend introduced him to Frans Gunara, a hotel developer from Bintan, Indonesia. In a pivotal dinner meeting, Eric presented his ambitious vision, and to his delight, Frans agreed not only to provide a location for docking the ship but also proposed reclaiming land to create a dry berth for the vessel. This would significantly mitigate the risk of water damage.

But Eric wanted more than just a mundane rectangular space. Inspired by the ship's unique shape, he boldly requested an anchor-shaped island for the MV Doulos, which his host readily accommodated. This innovative approach would provide an exceptional setting for the ship hotel.

With the ship finally docked on Bintan's shores, the next phase involved extensive retrofitting to transform it into a luxurious hotel. The ships interiors were in dire need of renovation, as the cabins were cramped and lacked the amenities expected in contemporary hotels. Together with his family, Eric meticulously planned the redesign, drafting layouts for everything from the tables to the outdoor spaces, and even how the pool area would function.

Contractors began the extensive renovation process, which involved gutting much of the ship's interior. The removal of bulkheads, designed to minimize damage in case of flooding, required additional structural reinforcement to ensure safety and stability. With a focus on preserving the maritime heritage of the ship, the cabins were expanded, and larger windows were installed to provide stunning views of the beautiful Bintan coastline.

After nearly a decade of relentless effort, Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel finally opened its doors to guests in 2019. The hotel features 105 cabins, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a gym, a spa center, and a variety of dining options, all designed with a nod to the ship's rich maritime history. The transformation of MV Doulos into a luxurious hotel is not only a testament to Eric's entrepreneurial spirit but also his commitment to offering a unique experience that combines history, adventure, and relaxation. Eric views this project as a higher calling, and despite the challenges faced along the way, he believes every effort was worthwhile.