Northern & Central Moluccas Expedition (17 Days)
An epic 17-day journey connecting North and Central Maluku. Explore ancient clove sultana forts in Ternate, trek to nomadic Togutil river tribes in Halmahera, observe endemic Birds of Paradise in Foli, ascend volcanic Tidore highlands, set sail to the iconic Banda Islands, and navigate the rainforest rivers of Seram and Saparua.
Ternate Sultanate & Halmahera Rainforest Safari
Discover the 350-year-old mother clove tree, 16th-century colonial forts, encounter the nomadic Togutil tribe in Subaim, and observe endemic Birds of Paradise in Foli.
Days 01–02: Ternate Historical Tour & Drive to Tobelo
Arrive in Ternate under Mount Gamalama. Visit Cengkeh Afo (the world's oldest clove tree), Kastella, Kalamata, Toloko & Oranje forts, Lake Tolire, Sultan's Palace, and Wallace's house. Cross by speedboat to Sofifi on Halmahera, driving past WW II sunken shipwrecks to Tobelo.
- 🏰 Explore 15th–16th century Portuguese & Dutch volcanic fortresses
- 🌱 Visit Cengkeh Afo—the 350-year-old mother of world clove trees
- 🚤 Speedboat to Halmahera & scenic drive to Tobelo past WWII sites
Days 03–05: Togutil Tribe Encounter & Foli Birdwatching
Explore Telaga Duma in Galela before taking a charter longboat to Subaim. Trek Mt. Uni-Uni to spend time with nomadic Togutil river families. Rise early at 4 AM for 4x4 canopy birding in Foli to observe Wallace's Standardwing Birds of Paradise and visit Hatetabako beach.
- 🏹 Guided cultural trek to simple Togutil tribe families along Uni-Uni river
- 🦜 Early 4x4 birding trip to spot endemic Wallace's Standardwing Paradise birds
- 🏖️ Visit Japanese wartime fortifications & swim at Hatetabako white sand beach
Tidore Mountain Highlands & Sunset over Molucca Sea
Cross to volcanic Tidore Island, stay with local hosts in high-altitude Gurabunga village (800m), visit traditional iron forging, and return to Ternate.
Days 06–07: Tidore Island & Gurabunga Highland Stay
Drive from Subaim to Sofifi harbor and charter a fast boat to Tidore Island. Ascent winding roads to Gurabunga village (800m ASL) nestled on Mount Kiematubu (1,730m). Experience 2 nights staying with local families, walking spice farms, and visiting Toloa iron blacksmiths.
- 🏔️ Stay 2 nights with local families in mountain village Gurabunga (800m)
- 🌿 Walk through terraced tomato, clove & nutmeg drying plantations
- ⚒️ Visit traditional iron forging in Toloa or optional Mt. Kiematubu hike
Day 08: Return to Ternate & Molucca Sea Sunset
Bid farewell to your Gurabunga hosts and transfer to Rum harbor for a 30-minute speedboat ride back to Bastiong harbor in Ternate. Check into Villa Marasai and spend the afternoon at Florida restaurant to watch panoramic sunsets over the islands of the Molucca Sea.
- 🚤 Speedboat ride from Rum harbor across the narrow strait to Ternate
- 🌅 Sunset dinner experience at Florida restaurant overlooking surrounding volcanoes
- 🏨 Overnight stay at Villa Marasai in Ternate
Banda Islands Nutmeg Kingdoms & Coral Islets
Fly to Ambon and board an overnight ferry to Bandaneira. Explore Fort Belgica, historical exile houses of Hatta and Syahrir, Lava Flow reefs, and Ay Island.
Days 09–10: Flight to Ambon & Overnight Ferry to Banda Neira
Fly from Ternate to Ambon, tour the Australian War Memorial and Natsepa Beach, then board an overnight ferry to Bandaneira. Tour Fort Belgica, Banda Museum, House of Hatta & Syahrir, and Mini Palace. Afternoon snorkeling at Lava Flow and Karaka Islet.
- ✈️ Flight Ternate to Ambon & evening overnight PELNI ferry to Banda
- 🏰 Tour 17th-century pentagonal Fort Belgica & colonial exile residences
- 🤿 Snorkel pristine volcanic coral reefs at Lava Flow & Karaka Island
Days 11–12: Nailaka, Ay Spice Island & Banda Besar Plantations
Cruise to Nailaka sandbar islet for beach relaxation and continue to Ay Island. On Day 12, tour ancient nutmeg plantations (perkeniers) on Banda Besar and visit Lontoir village. Board the evening ferry back across the Banda Sea to Ambon city.
- 🏝️ Island-hopping cruise to Nailaka white sandbar & Ay Spice Island
- 🌰 Guided walk through historic colonial nutmeg groves on Banda Besar
- 🛳️ Evening ferry departure from Bandaneira harbor back to Ambon
Seram Sawai Lagoon & Saparua Forts Expedition
Days 13–14: Arrive in Ambon for traditional sago cake and bamboo music in Amahusu. Cross ferry to Amahai (Seram) and overland to Lisar Bahari guesthouse in Sawai village, Manusela National Park. Enjoy island excursions and watch local sago harvesting.
Days 15–17: Drive to Amahai and charter a boat to Saparua Island. Tour Fort Van Den Capellen, Booi village, and traditional sago bakeries. Board the ferry back to Ambon for departure.
View Complete 17-Day Itinerary