Indonesia
Private
10 days from £7,965
Private Tour
Ambon to Ternate – 10 Days
Set sail on the Indonesian Spice Islands Expedition, a unique journey through the remote islands of the Moluccas. The Maluku Islands, once known as the crossroads of the ancient world, played a pivotal role in early trade routes and the rise of historical civilizations. 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, as well as the Banda Archipelago—a historically significant part of the Spice Islands.
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. Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter lush nature and green landscapes, from dense tropical forests to vibrant, untouched environments. 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. Your voyage is guided by an experienced expedition team and operated by a cruise line dedicated to responsible travel and sustainable tourism.
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. As part of your journey, discover hidden coves and small islands, offering secluded beaches and tranquil spots perfect for adventurous exploration. 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. Enjoy shore visits for snorkeling in pristine waters and cultural immersion with local communities. 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. These sites reflect the influence of colonial power and the tumultuous history that shaped the region, as European nations vied for control of the Spice Islands. Journey through the remote Banda Archipelago, home to the legendary ten small islands, renowned for their historical significance in the spice trade and their unique blend of colonial architecture and cultural diversity. 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.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
This 10-day Indonesian Spice Islands tour travels from Ambon to Ternate, exploring remote islands, coral reefs and rich heritage. Enjoy snorkelling, sea kayaking, jungle walks, village visits and Zodiac cruises along dramatic coastlines, including Sebakor Bay. Discover hidden gems, vibrant marine life and centuries-old forts across one of the world’s most fascinating archipelagos. In the pristine Raja Ampat archipelago, encounter diverse marine species, including manta rays. Selected stops may include an Indonesian province famed for underwater thermal springs.
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.
Private Schooner
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, where you can see traces of British architecture alongside Portuguese and Dutch influences. 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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, or snorkel surrounded by vibrant underwater ecosystems with the chance to spot sea snakes gliding through the clear waters. 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Schooner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Banda Neira, with its rich colonial heritage, historic Dutch forts, and vibrant local culture, stands out as a highlight of the expedition.
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. Travellers will explore different Indonesian provinces, each offering unique cultural and natural features that enrich the journey. This tour was designed for those who seek culture, nature, and real discovery. For those interested in luxury voyages, vessels such as Le Jacques Cartier also explore these remote regions, offering another way to experience the Spice Islands.
YOUR TRIP DESIGN, PACE & FLEXIBILITY: This Indonesian Spice Islands Expedition is fully private and built around your preferred dates, pace and comfort level, focusing on the far-eastern archipelagos where spice history, village life and marine wilderness meet. We will advise the most efficient routing across flights and boat crossings to keep travel practical while still reaching the most rewarding islands, then refine the day-by-day with you. In Maluku and surrounding regions, logistics can be shaped by weather, sea conditions and limited schedules, so we plan with sensible buffers and keep sequencing flexible. If you want a slower pace, we can add nights on key islands or extend the trip with extra snorkelling and cultural time.
PRIVATE GUIDES, DRIVERS & ON-THE-GROUND SUPPORT: This is a high-end private journey with private transfers where available, professional local guides for key cultural days, and carefully coordinated boat services for island hops and excursions. We manage meet-and-greet, smooth hotel arrivals, and clear daily coordination so you are met and looked after at each stage. In remote islands, timings can change due to sea state, port clearances or operational factors; we monitor conditions and re-sequence activities to protect the best experiences, keeping the trip calm and well managed. Where appropriate, we can arrange specialist guiding for spice heritage, village encounters and marine activities.
ACCOMMODATION STANDARDS & MEAL BASIS: We select the best available accommodation to match a premium brief, combining strong hotels in gateway towns with characterful, smaller properties on the islands where inventory is limited. Standards can vary outside major centres, and we prioritise comfort, cleanliness, reliable service and good positioning for excursions. Breakfast is typically included, with other meals arranged around your preferences and local availability; in remote islands dining choices can be limited, so some stays may be more inclusive and we plan ahead. Dietary needs can usually be accommodated with notice, but options narrow in remote areas, so we will advise realistically and set expectations.
FLIGHTS, VISAS, HEALTH & TRAVEL INSURANCE: This expedition typically involves multiple internal flights plus boat travel for island access, and moderate activity including short hikes, boat transfers and snorkelling depending on your interests. International flights are optional: we can arrange the trip as land-only, or include flights as a flight-inclusive package under our ATOL (where applicable). Entry requirements depend on your passport and routing; we will guide you on typical requirements and timing, while you remain responsible for compliance. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, including medical cover and suitable evacuation cover for remote islands, and cover for water-based activities where applicable.
COSTING, PAYMENTS, CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS: Tailor-made pricing is built from live supplier rates (accommodation, private transfers, guides, internal flights, boats and permits), so availability and costs can change until bookings are secured. The main price drivers are seasonality, limited-inventory island accommodation, internal flight availability on preferred timings, and the cost of private boat logistics. Some remote services may require advance payments to secure space; we will confirm exactly what is due and by when before taking payment. Changes after booking can trigger supplier fees or fare differences—particularly for flights and capacity-controlled island stays—so we will explain the impact before actioning changes and provide clear documentation of deadlines and terms.
Prices From
Tour: Indonesian Spice Islands Expedition
Tour reference: IND107/2026
Price: Indicative price based on top-end services; final cost varies by season, availability, and your chosen inclusions.
Tour dates: Travel Any day (subject to availability)
Deposit to confirm: £150 per person
Prices From
Tour: Indonesian Spice Islands Expedition
Tour reference: IND107/2026
Price: Indicative price based on top-end services; final cost varies by season, availability, and your chosen inclusions.
Tour dates: Travel Any day (subject to availability)
Deposit to confirm: £150 per person
Tour: Indonesian Spice Islands Expedition
Tour reference: IND107/2027
Price: Indicative price based on top-end services; final cost varies by season, availability, and your chosen inclusions.
Tour dates: Travel Any day (subject to availability)
Deposit to confirm: £150 per person
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Without FlightsYour entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014