A Hint of Spice
Indonesia’s extraordinary Molucca Islands and Raja Ampat are about as far removed from urbanisation as you can get; wild, timeless and utterly beautiful.
Whether you’re a dedicated diver who’ll go the extra mile to see underwater worlds, or just a keen traveller eager to look towards new horizons, a journey to this sprinkling of islands is wanderlust wish fulfilment. There are long journeys and several stopovers to tackle before you reach each destination, but for the intrepid-at-heart the rewards are priceless: rocky, greenery-smothered cliffs rise out of crystal-clear seas, while unruffled stretches of sand curve in and out of an undulating coastline.
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The small towns and villages are atmospheric with a strong sense of community. Beneath the waves is a diving and snorkelling utopia. Known worldwide as the ‘coral species factory’, with an astonishing 75% of the world’s coral species present on the reef, Raja Ampat’s waters teem with life. Shoals of glittering fish flit in and out of sheltered coves, pygmy seahorses hide in the soft coral, and graceful rays languidly cruise through deeper waters. This kind of luxury isn’t measured by lavish expense, but by the rarity of your surroundings and dedicated time to enjoy them.
Journey highlights
Dive Raja Ampat
Explore pristine reefs home to 75% of the world’s coral species, pygmy seahorses, manta rays, and dazzling shoals of fish.
Sail to the Spice Islands
Drift between Ambon, Seram, and uninhabited Pulau Tujuh, visiting traditional stilt house villages, markets and fresh stretches of sand.
Live over the water
Sleep above the shallows in overwater bungalows with unlimited diving, kayaking, and bird spotting on your doorstep.
Spice-infused Makassar
Wander bustling markets, learn traditional recipes in a cookery class, and explore 16th century Fort Rotterdam.
Wild encounters on Seram
Snorkel Batu Supun, seek out saltwater crocodiles upriver, and learn from members of the island’s oldest known tribe.
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Hidden treasures & spice trails in the Moluccas
The Moluccas are also called The Spice Islands, which immediately evokes images of intrepid sea voyages and aromatic cargo more precious than gold. They’re time capsules of natural wonder.
The Moluccas are also called The Spice Islands, which immediately evokes images of intrepid sea voyages and aromatic cargo more precious than gold. They’re time capsules of natural wonder.
Ambon is the cluster’s most prominent isle, but even though its main city is fairly built-up and modern it only hosts a handful of international visitors. The fresh seafood is outstanding and a visit to the fish market is lots of fun (but don’t wear your good shoes!). Ride down to the harbour on a cycle rickshaw, climb the steps to the panoramic summit of nearby Gunung Sirimau, and head to the island’s northern promontory to take time out on the sheltered sands of Natsepa Beach.
A short boat ride east, Seram – the largest of the Central Moluccas – is a remote wilderness. Drift around the coast to see villages of traditional stilt houses, and stay in very basic cottages rising above the waves. Board a longtail boat to Batu Supun to snorkel in clear seas, or travel further afield to Pulau Tujuh’s uninhabited islands and fascinating coral reef. Head up river for glimpses of saltwater crocodiles, meet members of the island’s oldest known tribe, and enjoy a little more light snorkelling at sunset.
Underwater wonders & unspoilt islands in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat’s prestige as a marine haven is legendary. With conservation at its heart, environmentally responsible travel is key to the region’s economy, and the precious coral reefs that glimmer through the clear waters bring home the need to tread softly.
Raja Ampat’s prestige as a marine haven is legendary. With conservation at its heart, environmentally responsible travel is key to the region’s economy, and the precious coral reefs that glimmer through the clear waters bring home the need to tread softly.
Nestling along the archipelago’s shorelines are a handful of rustic eco resorts where you can base yourself for a few days immersed in paradise. The Sorido Bay is one of our favourites, with cosy and simple stilted bungalows hovering unobtrusively over the shallows. Make use of unlimited dives from Sorido’s sister-property, the Kri Eco Resort and encounter the region’s enormous marine biodiversity at around 30 carefully monitored sites nearby. Even snorkelling closer to the surface is jaw-dropping, and there are opportunities to kayak and paddleboard in the shallows, too. Learn more about the resort’s dedicated conservation projects, unwind at the onsite spa, and wander inland to glimpse wild orchids and birds of paradise.
Sorong & Makassar: Gateways to paradise
Sorong and Makassar’s market wanderings, harbour views, and spice‑scented history can be just a taster if you opt for a cruise to unforgettable diving moments in remote waters.
Sorong and Makassar’s market wanderings, harbour views, and spice‑scented history can be just a taster if you opt for a cruise to unforgettable diving moments in remote waters.
Getting to out-of-the-way places is always going to be more complicated than a simple A to B journey, and it’s a good opportunity to make the most of those necessary springboard destinations along the way. Before sailing out to the seclusion of Raja Ampat, relax for a stopover in Sorong on West Papua’s north-west ‘beak’. It’s a bit busy and grimy on the surface, but has real soul when you look closer. Makassar – Sulawesi’s bustling southern port – has some heady historic grandeur beneath the modernity to explore en route to the Moluccas. Wander through spice-infused markets choosing the best ingredients to use in a traditional cookery class, step back in time amid the 16th-century Fort Rotterdam, and watch the schooners and fishing boats bob peacefully in Paotere Harbour.
For those who really love being out on the ocean, you can take longer cruises to the most remote reaches of the archipelago and, if you’re lucky, have some truly once-in-a-lifetime encounters when snorkelling and diving from the boat, but that’s another story…
A note on cost...
The guide price of #data-in_selling_currencies:journey.guide_price# is a per person price (not including international flights) staying 3 nights in Ambon, 4 nights in Seram, 1 night Sorong, 3 nights in Raja Ampat and 2 nights in Makassar; all in our favourite mid-range hotels.
How yours looks is up to you, our tailor-made specialists work with you to create your perfect journey.
How yours looks is up to you, our tailor-made specialists work with you to create your perfect journey.
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