en
- Signature
- 10-day trip
- From €16,055 p.p.
Indonesia trip | Luxury cruise Indonesia: Ambon and the Spice Islands
The Ambon and Spice Islands region of Indonesia offers a unique blend of ancient culture, impressive history and pristine nature. Located in a transitional area between Asia and Oceania, this part of the Moluccas is a fascinating meeting place of cultures, ecosystems and traditions. The islands are famous for their historical role in the global spice trade, but also for their extraordinary biodiversity, both above and below water. Think colourful coral reefs, rare bird species and charming villages where traditional ways of life are still alive and kicking. A perfect way to discover all this is via Aqua Blu's luxury cruise. This expedition combines comfort and adventure with an in-depth cultural experience. Led by expert guides, you will enjoy snorkelling excursions, hikes, diving and historical visits. The intimate setting on board ensures a personalised experience.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Arrival in Jakarta
- Day 2 Ambon & Spice Island Expeditions
- Day 3 Hila
- Day 4 Banda Islands & Banda Neir
- Day 5 Banda Besar & Pulau Hatta
- Day 6 Pulau Manuk
- Day 7 Pulau AI & Pulau Run
- Day 8 Nusa Laut & Molana
- Day 9 Journey to Jakarta
- Day 10 Departure from Indonesia
Arrival in Jakarta
Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia! On arrival at the airport in Jakarta, you will be welcomed and transferred to your airport hotel by private transfer. This is because the next morning you will fly on to Ambon.
Inclusief:
- Meet & Greet
- VIP Fast track on arrival
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Exclusief:
- International flight
Ambon & Spice Island Expeditions
Today marks the start of your 7-night Ambon & Spice Islands cruise expedition. Following a domestic flight from Jakarta to Ambon, you’ll receive a warm welcome and be taken to the Swiss Bel Hotel, situated on Laha Bay. Take a moment to relax and freshen up in your comfortable day room.
Then step aboard the Aqua Blue, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch. As you settle into a spot on deck, bid farewell to the harbour and let yourself be enchanted by the breathtaking views of Ambon’s picturesque north coast – a foretaste of the magic that awaits you on your journey.
Inclusief:
- Domestic flight Jakarta - Ambon
- Transfer from Ambon airport to the port (operated by Aqua Blu)
- 8 days/7 nights Aqua Blu cruise including full board and associated group activities conducted by the cruise
Hila
Get ready for your first excursion and explore the historic Dutch fortress, Fort Amsterdam, in the coastal town of Hila. Cruise through the afternoon as you are immersed in the fascinating history of the spice trade. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious sunset cocktail as the Aqua Blu sets sail for the Banda Islands. As you journey through the deep waters of the Banda Sea, take part in an ancient maritime tradition - 'hands to bathe' - where you jump into the water and float over depths thousands of metres below.
Inclusief:
- 8 days/7 nights Aqua Blu cruise including full board and associated group activities conducted by the cruise
Banda Islands & Banda Neir
Reach the Banda Islands at sunrise, greeted by Kora-Kora war canoes in the harbour. Walk through history at Dutch Fort Nassau on Banda Neira - once the world's most hotly contested island in the 16th and 17th centuries. Wander through centuries-old corridors, now alive with modern life but still steeped in history. After lunch, head out for a snorkelling or diving excursion and end the evening with a sunset drink at Fort Belgica.
Inclusief:
- 8 days/7 nights Aqua Blu cruise including full board and associated group activities conducted by the cruise
Banda Besar & Pulau Hatta
Spend the day exploring the world's oldest nutmeg plantations on Banda Besar. Discover the rich history of this spice and the fierce wars fought over it. At lunch, resume your journey to Pulau Hatta, where you can dive and snorkel along beautiful coral walls inhabited by colourful fish and vibrant marine life. Upon returning to the Aqua Blu, enjoy a fascinating screening of the documentary Ring of Fire, followed by sunset drinks and a sophisticated dinner curated by chef Benjamin Cross.
Inclusief:
- 8 days/7 nights Aqua Blu cruise including full board and associated group activities conducted by the cruise
Pulau Manuk
Enjoy a sunrise breakfast while overlooking the imposing 300-metre-high cliffs of Pulau Manuk - a volcanic island that rises as much as 3 kilometres above the seabed. For early risers who like to exercise, a morning dive from Aqua Blu to the island's active volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pulau Manuk is a haven for birds hunting for fish, as well as sea snakes and reef sharks gathering to enjoy the underwater thermal springs in the area. At sunset, take tender boats out to sea and enjoy drinks at our purpose-built floating bar.
Inclusief:
- 8 days/7 nights Aqua Blu cruise including full board and associated group activities conducted by the cruise
Pulau AI & Pulau Run
In the early morning, arrive at Pulau Ai & Pulau Run, the westernmost of the Banda Islands. Take a refreshing dip, go snorkelling and diving in the crystal-clear waters, where you will be enchanted by beautiful coral gardens and colourful reef fish. Next, go ashore on Pulau Ai for a tour of Fort Revenge and the historic nutmeg warehouses. Spend the afternoon on a pristine beach on Pulau Run, which was exchanged for Manhattan Island by the British and Dutch in 1667. Watch the sun slowly sink into the sea while enjoying a cocktail party on this historic stretch of sand.
Inclusief:
- 8 days/7 nights Aqua Blu cruise including full board and associated group activities conducted by the cruise
Nusa Laut & Molana
Start the day with an early morning dip in the ocean, followed by a diving or snorkelling trip. On the northern side of Nusa Laut, you will discover the quaint fishing villages of Ameth and Akon. This area is also known as home to the dugong, the Southeast Asian relative of the American manatee. For lunch, enjoy a cooking class before we set sail for Molana Island - a small, densely forested island with beautiful coral reefs.
Inclusief:
- 8 days/7 nights Aqua Blu cruise including full board and associated group activities conducted by the cruise
Travel to Jakarta
Your last day on the Aqua Blu is already here. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on board in Sorong before being transferred to the airport for your domestic flight back to Jakarta. On arrival, check in at the airport hotel. If you have more time to travel, we are happy to extend your trip with another stay on one of Indonesia's many islands.
Inclusief:
- Ambon - Jakarta domestic flight
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Accommodations
Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport
Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport is a luxury hotel conveniently located near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and spacious suites equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, televisions and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy...
Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport is a luxury hotel conveniently located near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and spacious suites equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, televisions and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy various dining options, including four on-site restaurants serving both local and international dishes. The hotel also features a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and flexible meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology. The lush tropical gardens and lake views create a unique urban resort experience.
Your stay: 1 night
Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu is a long-haul discovery yacht with four decks and 15 suites. The ship features brass and ivory interior themes, as well as a wide selection or onboard living and social areas. Some of these areas include a sun deck, a bridge deck with a Jacuzzi, an outdoor seating area and a covered...
Aqua Blu is a long-haul discovery yacht with four decks and 15 suites. The ship features brass and ivory interior themes, as well as a wide selection or onboard living and social areas. Some of these areas include a sun deck, a bridge deck with a Jacuzzi, an outdoor seating area and a covered lounge bar.
Guests on board the ship can enjoy refined Indonesian-inspired dishes created by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson. The ship caters for those looking to relax or stay active with a spa and gym, as well as water sports equipment, including diving and snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The ship is also equipped with launch boats for shore excursions.
Your stay: 7 nights
Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport
Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport is a luxury hotel conveniently located near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and spacious suites equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, televisions and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy...
Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport is a luxury hotel conveniently located near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and spacious suites equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, televisions and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy various dining options, including four on-site restaurants serving both local and international dishes. The hotel also features a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and flexible meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology. The lush tropical gardens and lake views create a unique urban resort experience.
Your stay: 1 night
Destinations
Jakarta
In the far northwest of Java lies the capital Jakarta; the economic, cultural and political centre of Indonesia. Even though this chaotic city is not known for its idyllic beaches, it is more than made up for by its fascinating colonial past and hospitable and helpful inhabitants. Very worthwhile is the area in the north of the city, Kota Tua or often simply called 'Kota'. This area contains most of the colonial buildings from the VOC era, as well as a number of interesting museums. A short visit to Jakarta is definitely recommended if you have more time, as a visit will contribute to getting to know Indonesia better.
Banda Islands
The picturesque Banda Islands are an archipelago in the Banda Sea in the southern Indonesian province of Maluku. Formerly known as the 'Spice Islands', these remote islands were once the world's only source of nutmeg and mace. The Banda Islands are a popular Indonesian travel destination with a mix of spectacular natural beauty, fascinating history and vibrant culture. This remote cluster of ten idyllic volcanic islands offers visitors a perfect island getaway. Explore the remnants of past glory from the colonial era, enjoy the panoramic views from the top of one of the many lushly forested volcanic peaks, relax on the beautiful beaches and dive or snorkel in crystal clear waters to discover an abundance of marine life in colourful coral reefs.
Hatta Island
Pulau Hatta, or Hatta Island, is a small island belonging to the Banda archipelago in Maluku province, Indonesia, with beautiful palm-tree beaches and coral reefs. Hatta Island is becoming increasingly popular as a snorkelling and diving location because of the vivid chasms of the coral reef and the abundance of healthy hard and soft corals in the area. As you explore the sea surrounded by an array of colourful fish, don't forget to look up at the sea lilies or crinoids waving around you as you dive deeper. For land adventurers, there is also the opportunity to go on a jungle trek with some locals, who will be happy to guide you in discovering the couscous bear and other endemic birds that inhabit this wondrous island.
Manuk Island
The enchanting tropical island of Manuk, located in Indonesia's enchanting and remote Banda Sea, is an uninhabited volcanic country. Its name means 'bird' in Austronesian. The island is known for its incredible diving opportunities and impressive bird population. The strange and wondrous sea snakes that inhabit the waters around this island are an enchanting sight, along with the kaleidoscopic corals, fish and marine life that belong here. Bird lovers can look forward to seeing frigate birds, gannets, brown gannets, white gannets and other seabirds.
Nusa Laut
Nusa Laut, located southwest of Saparua, is the smallest inhabited island of the Lease Islands and offers a unique glimpse of authentic island life. Quiet and unapologetically rural, this peaceful island avoids any form of commercialisation and few accommodations or restaurants can be found. Visit Fort Beverwyk, a 17th-century Dutch fort, or discover the history surrounding anti-colonial heroine Martha Christina Tiahahu in the village of Abubu. Immerse your feet in the shallow natural hot springs at Sila, which can only be experienced at low tide - but be careful, as they can disappear completely underwater at high tide. For something more adventurous, the rock Batu Pintu leads to several caves once used by the Dutch baron as a hideout during the Japanese invasion in World War II. For an unforgettable snorkelling experience, head to the coast of Ameth, where the spectacular reefs are considered one of the best diving spots in the Lease Islands.
Tangerang
Located in the Indonesian province of Banten, right on the western edge of Jakarta, lies the satellite city of Tangerang. This bustling city welcomes visitors with a diverse mix of attractions that draw people from all over the world. Think of sprawling golf courses, modern shopping centres, a touch of historic charm, delicious street food and lively open-air markets.
Discoveries await around every corner: admire the Pintu Seribu Masjid, the ‘mosque of a thousand doors’; be awed by the imposing dome of the Al A’zhom Mosque; discover the art of weaving and batik at the Textile Museum; step inside the elegant Chinese Buddhist Jin De Yuan Temple; or enjoy a relaxing day at the beautiful Cipondoh Lake, lined with cosy restaurants overlooking the water. Here you can go fishing, hire a pedalo or simply enjoy the peace and quiet on the shore.
Indonesia
Maluku
Maluku (otherwise known as the Moluccas) is an archipelago of tropical islands that rose to global fame as a centre of spice agriculture in the 16th century, when its yields of cloves and nutmeg were invaluable bartering commodities. When the region's spice production was overtaken by larger global producers in the 1900s, it faded largely into international oblivion - but since then it has slowly started creeping back onto the itineraries of intrepid travellers due to its exceptional natural charms - endless stretches of pristine sand beach, flourishing coral reefs,and rugged volcanic peaks - and its historical architecture.
Ambon Island
Ambon is the most prominent island of the Maluku archipelago in Indonesia, consisting of two parts connected by a narrow stretch of land. Ambon is known for its traditional mountain and coastal villages, beautiful white sandy beaches and idyllic surrounding islets. Home to the city of Ambon, which serves as the capital of the province of Maluku, the island boasts colonial architecture, cultural and historical sites, Portuguese and Dutch forts, as well as several mosques, churches and temples. Don't miss the village of Waai, famous for its eel population living in crystal-clear rock pools believed to be sacred. Visitors can look forward to many outdoor activities, including snorkelling and diving at the beautiful beaches of Latuhalat and Liang.
Banda Neira
Banda Neira, on Neira Island, is the most significant settlement on Maluku's 10 volcanic Banda islands, and the gateway to the rest of this beguiling archipelago. This remote destination was once part of the world's sole supply region of mace and nutmeg, setting it in the sights of the Dutch East India Company, who took it over from in the 17th century. As a result, it is dotted with historical forts, cannons and old colonial buildings that give it a timeless ambience - but even more compelling than the region's cultural heritage is its superb natural environment. Several good snorkelling spots are dotted around Neira Island, while the Bandas beyond it present a cornucopia of tropical attractions waiting to be explored - deserted beaches, idyllic coves, tangled rainforests and azure waters teeming with corals and other marine life.
Forgotten Islands
The 'Forgotten Islands' stretch along 1000 kilometres, from Timor to West Papua, in Indonesia. With their dramatic, volcanic, and bright-green outlines, dreamy and pristine beaches, and remote location, the islands offer a special experience to visitors. Inland, savannah, mangroves, and broadleaf forest beckon to be explored, while the underwater life provides the primary drawcard for outdoor enthusiasts. The warm, volcanic waters, diversity of underwater landscapes and relative lack of human presence has created an other-worldly paradise beneath the surface, where colours and creatures never seen before can be spotted frolicking and decorating the seafloor. A must-see for scuba divers is the spectacular Cenderawasih Bay site, where whale sharks can be spotted. A rich traditional way of life is still celebrated here, and there are several cultural experiences on offer, too.
Indonesia trip | Luxury cruise Indonesia: Ambon and the Spice Islands
We offer the described trip from €16,055 per person.
The tour price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flight
• Accommodation in excellent and unique lodges and hotels
• Luxury Aqua Blu cruise on a full-board basis, including excursions
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)