Raja Ampat and The Spice Islands

Embarkation | Dili. Timor Leste

Lying on the northern coast of the island of Timor, along the narrow plains between the central mountains and the Ombai Strait, the laidback seaside city of Dili was thrust into the role of a national capital when Timor Leste became an independent country in May 2002. The peaceful city has a small-town vibe with a distinct Portuguese flavour.

PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Dili.

Ambon, Maluku Province, Indonesia

Ambon is an island steeped in history from the first European contact by the Portuguese in 1526 to its strategic role in WWII. Today, there still remains many historical and cultural sites among the remnants of forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the heyday of the spice trade. The ANZAC War Cemetery near Ambon commemorates the allied soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. All this aside, it is the friendliness of the Ambonese people that will leave the greatest impression.

Sawai, Seram. Maluku, Indonesia.

Located to the North of Ambon Island, Seram is the largest island in Maluku Province. For most central moluccans it is colloquially known as Nusa Ina or Mother Island, and is considered to be the original ancestral home of all the people of Central Maluku. Set at the foot of towering limestone cliffs on the North coast, the remote village of Sawai is one of the oldest villages in the Maluku region, said to have existed long before the arrival of the Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch to the archipelago. Located at the edge of the bay, the village is predominantly built on stilts atop the clear tropical waters of the Ceram Sea.

Raja Ampat. West Papua, Indonesia.

Situated off the northwest tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula on New Guinea Island, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, comprises over 1500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo.

According to Conservation International, the diversity of marine life is greater than any other area sampled in the Coral Triangle, making Raja Ampat quite possibly the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world. Whilst Raja Ampat has gained fame for its remarkable marine environment, it also boasts spectacular landscapes, diverse culture and unique wildlife encounters.

Kitikiti Waterfall. West Papua, Indonesia.

The remoteness and beauty of West Papua’s landscape is showcased at the remarkable Kitikiti falls.  Whilst the falls are not very high, they are unique in that they fall directly into the ocean, surrounded by rainforest clad mountains, the falls are a photographer’s dream. The surprisingly cool waters are filtered by the limestone and volcanic terrain, creating a crystal clear cascade into the Ceram sea. Despite the influx of freshwater, colourful coral reefs are located nearby that provide good snorkelling opportunities. 

Banda Neira. Maluku, Indonesia.

Banda Neira was the global centre for nutmeg trade for more than four centuries. Join local guides and your expedition team for a guided walking tour and gain an insight to a time when every colonial power of significance was fighting for control of this small island that today has become almost forgotten. Explore the ruins of the Dutch and Portuguese forts, and see the home of Christopher Cole, the British captain who liberated the Bandanese from their oppressive Dutch dictators. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the Spice Islands.

Disembarkation | Dili. Timor Leste

Lying on the northern coast of the island of Timor, along the narrow plains between the central mountains and the Ombai Strait, the laidback seaside city of Dili was thrust into the role of a national capital when Timor Leste became an independent country in May 2002. The peaceful city has a small-town vibe with a distinct Portuguese flavour.

PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Dili and disembarkation will commence after breakfast.