The world's oldest passenger ship, the Doulos Phos, has been converted into a luxury hotel on Bintan Island, Indonesia, after a £13.6 million investment. Originally built as the SS Medina in Texas in 1914, the vessel served as a cargo ship, immigrant carrier, cruise ship, and floating bookshop before being decommissioned in 2009.
Facing the scrapheap, the ship was rescued by Singaporean businessman Eric Saw, who invested $18 million to turn it into a beachfront hotel. The ship was towed onto land over seven weeks, its engine removed, and interior restructured while preserving historical features such as lifeboats and the heritage engine room.
After a decade of renovation, the Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel opened in 2019. It features 93 cabins across four decks, an infinity pool, spa, fitness centre, sun terrace, garden, and restaurant. A Deluxe Plus double room costs around £78 per night including breakfast.
Owner Eric Saw takes a salary of $1 a year, with all operating profits donated to charity. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the hotel as 'one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,' praising its unique atmosphere and the owner's humility.
