Maluku & Banda Islands Guide: Maritime Journeys into the Historic Spice Islands

During the Age of Discovery, the Maluku archipelago (the legendary Spice Islands) controlled the global monopoly on precious nutmeg and cloves. Today, these far-flung volcanic islands offer independent travellers a captivating mix of colonial history, old stone forts, and staggering underwater visibility in the Banda Sea. Because flight options are sparse, navigating via national PELNI passenger ferries is key. These articles share essential maritime routes and regional reviews from my voyages through Ambon, Ternate, and Banda Neira.

🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: 【モルッカ・バンダ諸島ガイド】歴史を刻む香料諸島へのフェリー旅とテルナテ・アンボンの見どころ

Sorong to Bandaneira via Ambon: PELNI Boat Trip, A Long Journey Experience

A maritime epic capturing our 37-hour journey on national PELNI liners from Sorong through Ambon to Banda Neira. Packed with endurance tips, it serves as an authentic blueprint for surviving multi-day open-sea transit across eastern Indonesia.

Sorong to Bandaneira via Ambon: PELNI Boat Trip, 23 + 14 Hours Journey Experience
After a week in Raja Ampat, we decided to go to the Banda Islands via Ambon.It is possible to fly from Sorong to Ambon, …

Sailing the Banda Sea: Boarding PELNI Passenger Ships Between Ambon and Banda Neira

An authentic review of taking long-haul public water transport, specifically the PELNI boat Sabuk 106, to reach the quiet colonial streets and brilliant coral reefs of remote Banda Neira.

Travelling from Banda Neira to Ambon on the PELNI boat Sabuk 106
We travelled back from Banda Neira to Ambon by PELNI boat. When we travelled there in March 2023 two PELNI boats were op…

What To Do in Bandaneira? Walking Route and Sightseeing

An evocative walking guide showcasing the colonial streets and trade history of Banda Neira Island. Perfect for self-guided strolls, it maps out paths to ancient stone forts and historic ruins while capturing the slow-paced rhythm of modern island life.

Walking around Banda Neira Island: Spice Island
Yesterday, we returned from Hatta Island to Banda Neira Island. Banda Neira is a small island and you can walk from one …

How to Get fom Bandaneira to Hatta Island: A Boat Trip to A Hidden Gem

A scenic coastal travelogue tracking a local public boat run from Banda Neira to the untouched shores of Hatta Island. It details rural wooden boat departure points, scheduling realities, and what to expect when stepping onto this remote coral paradise.

Boat Trip from Banda Neira to Hatta Island: A Practical Guide (2026 Edition)
One of the main reasons for us to visit the Banda Islands was to go to Hatta Island. This is our second visit to Hatta h…

Volcanoes and Trade History: Ferry Connections from Bitung (Sulawesi) to Ternate Island

A look into northern Maluku’s maritime paths, documenting the journey from North Sulawesi over to the ancient spice-trading island of Ternate, tracking local passenger liner logistics.

From Bitung to Ternate: Pelni Boat Trip
From Bunaken Island we returned to Manado and then on to Ternate.It is possible to fly to Ternate, but we decided to tak…

Sightseeing in Ternate: Discover Dramatic Volcanic Island Beauty

The definitive independent visitor’s guide to the historic spice-trading volcanic island of Ternate. Discover centuries-old stone forts, dramatic volcanic crater lakes, and scenic viewpoints under the shadow of the majestic Mount Gamalama.

What to do in Ternate? Sightseeing and attractions
Ternate is located on the island of Ternate and has a population of 200,000. We spent three nights in Ternate.Here are s…

A Day Trip to Tidore from Ternate: Sightseeing and Atractions of Lesser-Known Island

A refreshing day-trip planner exploring the historic volcanic outpost of Tidore Island from neighboring Ternate. Learn how to catch cheap commuter boats, visit colonial ruins, and stroll through tranquil waterfront villages in a single afternoon.

A Day Trip to Tidore Island from Ternate
Tidore Island is a 15-minute boat ride from the city of Ternate.The island is about the same size as Ternate.We hired a …

How to Get to Jailolo from Ternate: A Speedboat Trip to Halmahera Island

A quick maritime log covering the short, choppy speedboat run from Ternate across to the town of Jailolo on Halmahera Island. It maps out bustling harbor coordinates and ticketing steps for an easy independent day trip or onward connection.

Boat Trip from Ternate to Jailolo
We travelled by boat from Ternate to Jailolo in the North Maluku Region.It took approximately 1 hour by speedboat from T…

Jailolo to Tobelo by Public Transport: How to Get a Shared Vehcle

An adventurous overland route breakdown detailing our journey from Jailolo across Halmahera Island to northern Tobelo. Filling a vital information gap, it shares notes on securing shared local vehicles and navigating bumpy regional roads.

How we got from Jailolo to Tobelo
Whilst Tobelo is the second largest town in North Moluccas after Ternate, but there is not much public transport going t…

Tobelo to Ternate via Sofifi by Shared Car and Speedboat

A dynamic multi-modal transit log tracking the route from Tobelo through the transit hub of Sofifi back to volcanic Ternate. Discover how to connect shared regional cars with coastal speedboats efficiently without losing time at the docks.

Journey from Tobelo to Ternate via Sofifi
After two nights in Tobelo, we returned to Ternate.When we came from Ternate to Tobelo, we travelled via Jailolo, but th…

How to Get from Ternate to Raja Ampat via Sorong

A rare logistical report tracking a multi-leg sea journey from Ternate in North Maluku over to Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. This breakdown helps independent backpackers connect regional passenger vessels across lesser-visited waters.

Boat trip from Ternate to Raja Ampat via Sorong
After our stay in Ternate, our next destination was Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat is world famous for diving and snorkelling.Th…

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