SPICE ISLAND ADVENTURE 7 - 16 April 2024

Embark on an exciting culinary cruise to the Spice Islands from Ambon to Banda Neira in 7 – 16th April 2024 on board the good ship Indo Seamore, a traditional wooden Phinisi boat that caters to leisure trips and diving beautiful underwater in eastern Indonesia. Join Janet DeNeefe in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of the world’s most breathtaking jungle wonderlands.  Enjoy morning snorkelling, trekking and sightseeing of old forts, historic sites, villages and markets, lunchtime cooking classes using the freshest ingredients, cocktails under a thousand stars and feasts of Janet DeNeefe’s favourite Indonesian food. 
In between, lounge on the deck reading, relaxing and enjoying conversations with new friends.

7 – 16 APRIL 2024 TO BANDA NEIRA

Join Janet DeNeefe on an adventure to the fabled spice islands, from Ambon to Banda Neira, Eastern Indonesia. We sail on a teak Phinisi Boat and spend 9 unspoiled days trekking, snorkelling, exploring, swimming, dining and absorbing the history of this fascinating part of Indonesia.
Day 1 | Denpasar – Ambon

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

After a morning walk, exploring Banda Neira, we enjoy a cooking class at the Nutmeg Tree Hotel owned by local personality, Reza Tuasikal. Papaya flowers, fish in light turmeric broth, eggplant with
kenari nut sambal and mint-fish patties are part of the menu. The afternoon is for relaxing and snorkelling.

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

We swim and snorkel at Molana Island. After our last cooking class on deck, we enjoy a bbq on the sand under the stars. After dinner, we set sail back to Tulehu, Ambon.

Day 10 | Ambon – Denpasar

After breakfast on the deck, and a wrap-up of our voyage into 17th-century Indonesia, we will say goodbye to the crew before transferring you to Ambon airport for your onward travel.

For more details please email: :

Arum Christina | email: pa@janetdeneefe.com | +62815 5880 9212 

Click Here for our detailed tour program