Last minute Special deal for my Spice Island Cruise!
Only one twin cabin left! Buy one bed get one-half price!
Imagine sailing to Indonesia’s fabled spice islands on an Indonesian pirate ship!
Join me in a spice island adventure, April 16-25, sailing from Ambon to Banda Neira on a Phinisi schooner. 10 days feasting, swimming, snorkelling, exploring old forts, landmarks and nutmeg plantations all in the breath-taking beauty of the spice islands. Enjoy lunchtime cooking classes on deck, learning about Balinese food, the healing properties of spices, and the cuisine of Maluku, featuring nutmeg fruit, wild starfruit, sago, lemon basil and loads of fresh fish alongside a major dose of colonial history. At twilight, sip on cocktails, savour my favourite Indonesian dishes under a thousand stars and revel in the company of new friends.
And for a special treat, on 20th April, view the Ningaloo solar eclipse, only seen in these waters. It has been named ” a rare astronomical event”.
Join me on what might just be the best holiday of your life! I personally can’t wait.
Contact pa@janetdeneefe.com for inquiry
16 – 25 APRIL 2023 TO BANDA NEIRA
We fly together from Denpasar to Ambon and check into Natsepa Hotel near the port of Tulehu. After resting at the hotel, we enjoy a dinner feast of local Maluku food on the terrace at the Natsepa restaurant.
Day 2 | Ambon City Tour
We explore the bustling market of Tulehu and see Maluku ingredients from papaya flowers, sago and lemon basil to green tomatoes, wild starfruit and fresh fish. Morning tea in the city is enjoyed at the legendary café, Cibu-Cibu, followed by a tour of the Ambon War Cemetery and a statue of young freedom fighter, Christina Tiahahu.
A long table lunch at a local Ambon restaurant follows, with a Feast of traditional Maluku dishes, such as papaya flowers, braised fish broth and seafood. After our meal we board our ship and set sail across Ambon Bay towards the open seas sharing stories, sipping cocktails and feasting on Indonesian snacks.
Day 3 | Saparua
We explore Saparua Island, a former Dutch stronghold in colonial times and home of renowned Indonesian national hero, Kapitan Pattimura. The historic Fort Duurstede, located in the heart of Saparua, was established by the Dutch East Indies Company in 1691 and is now a small museum that tells a tale of colonial rule and freedom fighters.
We visit the village market to buy provisions for dinner and then see traditional sago cakes being made. A cooking class on deck follows. The cocktail hour includes a discussion about the region’s history, and then, a lavish dinner under the stars will be presented by Janet DeNeefe and the team.
Day 4 | BANDA NEIRA
At dusk, we arrive in Banda Neira, a picturesque small island in the Banda Archipelago. This region was once the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace. The Dutch secured the coveted nutmeg trade in the 17th Century, thus, changing the course of Indonesian history, but not without resistance. They also changed to course of world history. Despite their illustrious past, Banda Neira is a place where time seems to have stood still. We spend the next two nights anchored off this charming town.
Day 5 | Banda Neira & Banda Besar
We visit Banda Besar and the nutmeg plantation of Pongky Van den Broeke, the world’s last perkeneer followed by a visit to a nearby old nutmeg forest with breathtaking ocean views. A cooking class back on deck follows, then snorkelling. Late afternoon we enjoy a walk around the charming Banda Neira township, visiting Fort Belgica, the Hatta cottage and the Governor’s Palace. Dinner at the majestic Maulana Hotel follows where we meet Mita Alwi, granddaughter of the late Des Alwi, affectionately named the ‘King’ of Banda Neira.
Day 6 | Banda Neira & Banda Besar
Day 7 | BANDA NEIRA
Morning snorkelling in Lava Flow, one of Banda Neira’s iconic spots. Cooking class on deck. Free time to explore the island and continue to one of the best snorkelling spots in Hatta Island
Day 8 | Hatta Island
We sail to nearby Hatta Island and enjoy a morning snorkel to enjoy this pristine underwater garden, followed by a stroll through this quiet village. We sail overnight to Molana Island, a glorious deserted island.
Day 9 | Molana Island
Day 10 | Ambon – Denpasar
For more details please email: :
Arum Christina | email: pa@janetdeneefe.com | +62815 5880 9212
Click Here for our detailed tour program
