Maluku

SOUTHEAST MALUKU SOUL

A 10-day familiarization journey where you will admire Southeast Maluku. A journey to discover the wealth of the Mother Nature of Maluku. The cultures and crafts are well preserved in these islands. Enjoy the amazing views. During this trip you will find exotic flora and fauna everywhere. The journey includes a visit to the islands of Ambon, Banda, Kei, Aru and Tanimbar. Are you interested in nature, culture and history of Maluku? Then this journey is highly recommended.

Day 1 Ambon
After arrival on the beautiful island of Ambon, there is a transfer to the hotel. Then you can relax on the beach. Discover the beauty of this island. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and the azure blue sea.

Day 2 Ambon - Banda
After breakfast the journey goes on to the village Kaitetu on the Bay of Hila where Fort Amsterdam is located. After a visit to Fort Amsterdam, there is an opportunity to take walks and then visit the old Wapaue mosque and the Immanuel Church. Discover the history of Maluku. In the distance, the Seram Island can be seen. In the evening is transfer to the airport for your flight to Banda.

Fort Amsterdam in Hila, Ambon, was a Dutch fort built by the Dutch East India Company in 1637 on the beach of the island of Ambon. It was an outpost against the pirates of Ternate and North Maluku and against the Portuguese.

The Immanuel Church is the oldest church in Ambon, which was built in 1780. Unfortunately the church was burnt to the ground in 1999 during the civil war. The church is now almost an exact copy of the old church.

The old mosque is so special, because no nails or screws were used during the construction. The Wapaue mosque was built in 1664 by supernatural forces.

Day 3 Banda
Upon arrival at Banda Island, you will be transferred to the hotel. Discover this unique island covered with nutmeg gardens. In the afternoon a boat trip is on the program around Gunung Api which is surrounded by clear blue water. Then the island can be explored on your own on foot or by bike. Enjoy the evening with the panoramic views of the beach.

The Banda Islands form a group of ten small volcanic islands in the Banda Sea. The capital is Banda Neira. Banda islands are called the most beautiful islands of the Moluccas. The islands Lontar and Banda Neira are most known. Nutmeg is grown much. Banda is one of the best places for diving and snorkelling. The reefs are still intact and full of colourful fish and shellfish

Day 4 Banda - Kei Islands
After awakening by the sunrise, it is time to say goodbye to the beautiful Banda for a flight to the Kei Islands. This will be an unforgettable journey, enjoy the green and blue colours under your feet during the flight. Green pearls surrounded by crystal clear water, green and blue can both be seen on the islands and in the water. The Kei islands have, according to experts, the most beautiful beaches in the world. Upon arrival in Tual there is a transfer to the cottage.

Day 5 Kei Islands
In the early morning you can start exploring the dream island of Kei. First a visit is made to the Masbait, from here is a surprising view of the Kei Islands. Enjoy the panoramic views and experience the love that these islands will offer. Then the market Tual will be visited from where the journey goes on to see the Goa Hawang cave. Goa Hawang is a freshwater cave that looks like a bay. The cave has a relaxing atmosphere. You can then explore the small villages of Kei Kecil.

Day 6 Kei Islands - Aru Island
Bright and shining in the morning a visit is brought to Air Baluruk freshwater waterfall. A piece of unspoiled nature in the south of Kei Besar. It remains a unique encounter of freshwater and sea water. Then in the afternoon it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and continue the journey to Aru Island. This is one of the most unknown and traditional Indonesian islands.

Day 7 Aru Island
Time to explore the beautiful island of Aru. Admire the various islands of Aru on a slow pace. In the evening there is enough time to enjoy snorkelling on the beach. In 1857 Alfred Russel discovered many birds of paradise, but also cockatoos, cassowaries and kangaroos. Hopefully you can encounter one of those rare birds. On the beaches of Aru various types of turtles lay their eggs at night, there is a great chance of seeing this. Enjoy the unspoilt nature of the Aru Islands.

Day 8 Aru Island - Tanimbar Island
At daybreak the journey continues from the Aru Islands to Tanimbar Island. Enjoy the magnificent views on the way. Arrival at Saumlaki is followed by a transfer to the accommodation. The rest of the day is free.

Day 9 Tanimbar Island
After breakfast a tour on the island Tanimbar will be made. Discover this island by the unique 18 meter boat in the shape of a canoe that is made by ritual stones. This boat is made by the first inhabitants of the island. Next, traditional villages around the island will be visited. On this island the inhabitants still attach enormous importance to the traditional way of life, the Adat. Learn from these traditions and culture.

Day 10 Tanimbar Island
Take the opportunity to relax in the morning at the beach. In the afternoon, you say farewell to this beautiful island. End of an unforgettable journey. Transfer to the airport for your next destination.

Price starting from € 1.125,- p.p.

* The arrangement as described can be booked as a private or as a group journey.
* Due to weather conditions the program can be changed
* The journey includes hotel or cottage accommodation with breakfast
* Transfer by private car
* Additional options can be arranged, such as:

- International or Domestic flights
- Lunches and/or dinner
- Daily guide, speaking the language of your choice
- Insurances
- Entrance fees at the sites
- Any other wish to complete your journey