Indonesian Spice Trade Route Sailing

A day to day guide

D A Y  1

Arrive early into Bali as your guide meets you at Maumere airport and takes you to meet Ombak Putih and her crew.

After settling in, head back to shore and take a short drive to the scenic Iwang Gete highlands to visit the small village of Watublapi. You will be met with singing and dancing by the local people, famous for their unique textiles and ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving their fabrics. Here we will have the chance to view (and purchase) some of the local textiles, try their betel nut, and brave their locally produced liquor.

Back on the boat for lunch, we will cruise out of the harbour and head off to the east, giving you a chance to become familiar with your new home for the next 12 days, stopping for a snorkel and a swim along the way, before sunset cocktails and dinner as we cruise on into the night.

D A Y 2

The crew will sail Ombak Putih overnight, so you’ll wake up anchored near the Komba volcano where you can go for a snorkel on the surrounding reefs. In the late morning, head south and cruise towards the mainland and the beautiful Lewaling Bay.

Snorkel and watch the sunset over Ile Apé, another active volcano and after dinner, we will make the overnight crossing to Alor.

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D A Y 3

After breakfast, we will head to shore and board local boats to visit Mawar, a friendly but wild dugong that resides in the seagrass beds of the nearby bay. We will also have the opportunity to meet our “local hero,” Pak One, who makes sure that Mawar is well protected.

In the afternoon, we will visit Umapura, a village renowned for its weaving and dyeing industry. Here, we can observe how the local women create their intricate ikat cloth, and there will be opportunities to purchase some as a memento. Later, we will enjoy a fantastic snorkelling experience at a nearby reef before cruising to our next destination, where we will spend the night at the anchor.

D A Y 4

Today, we will visit the traditional village of Takpala in the hills of Alor. We’ll be welcomed by the chief and witness a ceremonial war dance. We’ll see their ‘Moko’ war drums and intricately designed ‘Ikat’ fabrics, which have been used in bridal dowries for centuries.

Around midday, we’ll cruise east and enjoy lunch on board. In the late afternoon, we’ll stop at a scenic tropical island to snorkel and swim on a coral reef before continuing our journey east into the night.

D A Y 5

After another overnight cruise, guests will wake in the bay of Wetar island, a local fishing village that still plays an important part in the way of life for the local people. Watch as they haul and dry their catch on the beach still using the traditional nets and methods.

Spend the day relaxing either on the boat reading a book, wandering the island of snorkelling the reef. Indulge in a little local culture and try the traditional “sopi” drink, a strong alcohol made from the sap of a local palm tree!

D A Y 6

Head ashore for a morning stroll through the local village where guests can meet and talk to the local farmers and fisherman, sharing their different ways of life.

After lunch, Ombak Putih will continue cruising to another tiny deserted island with sandy shores and crystal clears waters perfect for snorkelling. The sandy beach here makes a great spot for an evening beach BBQ as the crew sing and dance into the night.

D A Y 7

Another day of island cruising and exploration sees us on one the most remote parts of Indonesia. Visit this simple village where the local houses are made using the sago palm tree, the staple crop of this part of the world. The local villagers will demonstrate how they process the sago palm into the products that sustains them here.

After lunch, Ombak Putih will cruise around the island stopping off to explore the beaches and reefs along the way.

D A Y 8

Sail along Indonesia’s ring of fire where Ombak Putih will pass four spectacular volcanic sea mounts. One of the islands here is uninhabited by people but is home to tens of thousands of sea birds, mainly red-footed boobies and frigate birds, who will likely come and circle the boat as we approach.

As long as the tide allows, we can go ashore here to explore and have a snorkel before continuing towards the fabled Spice Islands.

D A Y 9

Sailing overnight, by dawn, the Banda archipelago should be in sight. These Spice Islands are the original home to the nutmeg tree and have seen much bloodshed between the colonial powers of Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries as they fought for control of the spice trade. Visit the Fort Revenge, built by the Dutch, before we relax with some afternoon snorkelling in the local reef.

Later in the day, Ombak Putih will head across to the main island group where she can anchor in the formidable gaze of the 600m high volcano. If we reach here before nightfall, guests can go ashore to explore the town.

D A Y 10

Today is for exploring the history and beauty of the Spice Islands as guests visit the main town and its fort overlooking the harbour. Wander through bustling streets and explore local markets before taking the boat over to explore the nutmeg plantations on the biggest island. There is yet another Dutch fort here to explore and guests can visit one of the last “perkineers” the farmers who still run the plantations to this day.

Take a quick dip in the afternoon on a local reef where guests may get the chance to see the rare and multi-hued Mandarin fish that only come out at dusk to mate. Dinner this evening will be served at a local restaurant that offers delicious local and traditional cuisine.

D A Y 11

A final stroll or last snorkel on the Spice Islands before we pull anchor and head north for Ambon. Enjoy lunch underway as we pass another major seabird island and spend the afternoon keeping a lookout for whales on the horizon.

D A Y 12

Wake up on anchor just south of our final destination as guests enjoy the final journey to port and bid farewell. The crew will take guests to the airport for their onward travel arrangements.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will likely be more than 12miles offshore.

Package Travel Regulations

This trip is covered by our Package Travel Regulations (PTR) Insurance. Please click here to view the Terms & Conditions.