The Arenui began life in July 2007. The main hull was crafted from ironwood by over 50 local craftsmen in South Sulawesi. The structure of the boat was completed in Java and Bali.
We are pleased to announce that 70 percent of the wood used to build the Arenui is recycled wood. Many parts of the boat are made from recycled teak wood from Javanese houses. Fourteen different types of wood have been used in the crafting of the Arenui. The hull is made up of seven types of wood and the interior uses seven types of wood.
Seventeen different types of finishing techniques have been used. All wood finishing has been done by hand, using traditional materials and techniques. The bronze, brass and copper features, such as the unique hinges and handles are all handmade. Most of the lamps are made from copper or brass and were handcrafted in Java. The portholes are made from bronze.
We have taken some traditional elements of Javanese houses and recreated them on the Arenui. The steps in front of the restaurant, for crew access to the top deck, are from a Javanese house. Triangular supports with intricate carvings can be found all around the boat. The boon support in the sky lounge area was hand crafted in Bali, designed to look like a typical Balinese doorway.
Take a look at the intricate carvings on the stairs from the restaurant down to the lower cabins. These locally carved wood panels depict the Ramayana story. Ramayana is an important part of Hindu faith. It is an epic poem of courage, magic and humor, containing 18 books and 24,000 verses divided into 500 songs.