[1]: 20 [2]: 27 By the end of the 17th century this ship has been built by Javanese and Chinese shipbuilders in and around Rembang.
[4] According to VOC glossarium, the Malay word pentjalang means "ship that was sent on the lookout", from the word tjalang which means "outlook" with added prefix pe(n)- as an equivalent to English suffix -or/-er.
[2]: 27 The pencalang has a strongly curved front and rear stern and a round bottom with keel.
The ship has heavy transverse beams and a partial or continuous deck.
Two pencalang and two ghurab were used by Majapahit to send a letter and gifts to improve relationship with Malacca.
[4]: 1043 Because of the excellent sailing ability, VOC used this ship to fight against pirates.