Private Tour
Indonesian Spice Islands Expedition
Ambon to Ternate – 10 Days
Expedition Overview
Set sail on the Indonesian Spice Islands Expedition, a unique journey through the remote islands of the Moluccas. Starting in Ambon, travel along the old spice trade route through lesser-known destinations like Manipa, Buru, and Sulabesi, meeting local communities and learning about traditional life. Along the way, discover hidden gems, explore historic forts, walk through vibrant markets, and see how locals extract sago. This journey also includes a visit to the Sea Gypsies of Bajau village and the colonial towns of Ternate and Tidore, where history lives on in every corner.
This expedition is also a dream for nature lovers. Go snorkelling, enjoy sea kayaking, and explore pristine coral reefs full of colourful marine life. Cruise jungle rivers, trek through rainforests, and spot rare birds and wildlife. From calm beaches to volcanic hills, every day offers a new adventure. Ideal for those who enjoy culture, nature, and the sea, this expedition shows you the best of Raja Ampat’s surrounding waters and the untouched beauty of the Indonesian archipelago.
Highlights
SEA LIFE AND VILLAGE TRADITIONS – MANIPA & BURU ISLANDS: Begin your adventure with warm village welcomes on Manipa Island and learn about sago making. Then explore the historic Benteng Wantrouw and meet local fishermen on Buru Island’s coast. These hidden gems offer a window into authentic island life, surrounded by clear seas and untouched nature.
JUNGLE RIVERS AND RARE WILDLIFE – BURU ISLAND: Cruise through Buru Island’s jungle rivers and watch for exotic birds like the Pitta and Kingfisher. You may even spot the rare Babirusa. This quiet, remote part of Indonesia is a hidden gem for nature lovers, offering peaceful moments and fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat.
UNDERWATER ADVENTURES AND SEA KAYAKING – OBI & BACAN ISLANDS: Snorkel or sea kayak in the coral-rich waters between Obilatu and Obi Mayor. Then explore Bacan’s vibrant reefs, alive with colourful marine life. These days are for water lovers – diving, swimming, or drifting through Indonesia’s most vibrant undersea worlds, far from crowded tourist spots.
HISTORY AND ISLAND SCENERY – SULABESI TO TIDORE: Step into the past with visits to Portuguese forts on Sulabesi and Tidore, and walk among clove plantations. Discover the sea-based lifestyle of the Bajau people, known as Sea Gypsies. This stretch of the journey blends rich heritage, natural beauty, and off-the-map cultural treasures.
Why Asian Geographical?
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Itinerary
Private Travel
Moderate
Premium
This 10-day Indonesian Spice Islands tour takes you from Ambon to Ternate, exploring remote islands, coral reefs, and rich heritage. Enjoy snorkelling, sea kayaking, jungle walks, and village visits. Discover hidden gems, vibrant marine life, and centuries-old forts on a journey through one of the world’s most fascinating archipelagos.
DAY 1
MANIPA ISLAND
Start your journey in Ambon and board a luxurious schooner that will take you to Manipa Island. As the island comes into view, relax. On arrival, get into local life in the village of Tumalehu. Meet the community and learn about the process of sago extraction from palm trees. Find out how this starchy staple shapes the local cuisine. Spend the evening watching the sunset on the deck as the schooner gently rocks on the calm waters, ready for the next day's adventure.
DAY 2
BURU ISLAND
Wake up to the gentle motion of the sea and set sail for Buru Island. Visit the historic Benteng Wantrouw, a relic of the island's colonial past. Wander through its old structures, imagine the clove trade of old. Later, meander along the coastline to a traditional fishing village. Observe the day-to-day life of the fishermen and feel the genuine warmth of their welcome. As the day wanes, relax onboard, gazing at the stars, while the schooner anchors off the picturesque shores of Buru for the night.
DAY 3
BURU ISLAND
Experience the beauty of Buru as you go on a river cruise through its jungles. Keep an eye out for the Pitta, Sunbird and Kingfisher flying through the canopy. The elusive Babirusa might also cross your path. This is both exciting and calming. As the sun sets, the schooner sets sail for the Sula Islands, with the sound of waves and stars in the sky to guide you through the night.
DAY 4
SULABESI
Your adventure continues with a morning arrival on Sulabesi. After breakfast, step foot on this enchanting island and head to Sanana. Visit the old Portuguese fortress, a silent guardian of the island's history. Go further to the Bajau village, famous for being the “Sea Gypsies”. Marvel at their aquatic life, where houses on stilts are connected by a network of wooden bridges. As the sun starts to set, return to your vessel and set sail for the Obi Islands, with the calm of the sea by your side.
DAY 5
OBILATU ISLAND
Today Obilatu Island calls with its beauty. Choose to visit a traditional village on the northern coast or surrender to the serenity of the island's bays. Dive between Obilatu and Obi Mayor and immerse yourself in the coral and marine life. As the sun sets, watch the sunset on the deck and feel the gentle rocking of the sea as you sail to Bacan Island overnight.
DAY 6
BACAN ISLAND
Start the day on Bacan Island with a visit to the town of Labuha. Walk through the colourful market where the freshness of local produce fills the air. Continue to the north coast, famous for its coral reefs. Here, spend the afternoon snorkelling in a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. As the day ends, relax back on your ship and reflect on the day's adventures under the stars.
DAY 7
BACAN ISLAND
Spend another day on Bacan Island, this time exploring its rainforests. Start in the village of Geti and venture into the jungle where parrots and cockatoos fill the air with their calls. Keep an eye out for mischievous Macaque monkeys and other wildlife as you trek through this natural sanctuary and immerse yourself in the island's ecosystem.
DAY 8
KAYOA
Set sail from Bacan to the picturesque island of Kayoa. Relish a tranquil day at sea, admiring the endless vistas of small islets dotting the horizon. As evening falls, anchor off the coast of Kayoa. From the deck of your schooner, witness the celestial spectacle of countless stars twinkling in the night sky, creating an unforgettable maritime tableau.
DAY 9
TIDORE
Arrive on Tidore and visit the old Portuguese fortresses, relics of the past. Continue to the clove and coconut plantations where the air is filled with the scent of these tropical crops. Later, walk through the coastal town of Soa Siu and visit the local museum to see the sultan's crown and other royal artifacts, a testament to the island's history.
DAY 10
TERNATE - DEPARTURE
On your last day, dock in Ternate and say goodbye to your sea adventure. If time allows, we recommend a hike to the Gamalama volcano where you will find two beautiful lakes, a serene ending to your expedition. After enjoying the natural beauty, prepare for your onward travel, with memories of this unique journey.
The story
We designed this tour to bring travellers closer to the lesser-known wonders of the Indonesian archipelago, where culture, nature, and history live side by side. The Spice Islands have long been a crossroads of trade, tradition, and unique communities, yet they remain one of Asia’s best hidden gems. This journey was created to share their stories.
We were inspired by the old spice trade routes, the colonial forts of Tidore and Ternate, and the traditional way of life in places like Manipa and Sulabesi. Meeting villagers who still practise sago processing, visiting markets in Bacan, and seeing the Sea Gypsies in their stilted homes brought a human connection to this adventure.
Nature also played a big part in shaping the tour. From sea kayaking through quiet bays to snorkelling vibrant coral reefs filled with colourful marine life, each activity adds depth to the experience. This tour was designed for those who seek culture, nature, and real discovery.
What To Expect
Our expedition’s flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. For those seeking an elevated experience, you may opt to stay at a luxury collection resort featuring lush tropical gardens, serene laguna pools, and a world-class spa. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
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