Maluku Discovery Tour 20 Days | Ternate, Morotai & Seram
Maluku Discovery Journey
A 20-day private journey through the remote and remarkable islands of Maluku, combining volcanic landscapes, WWII heritage, traditional communities, spice history, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.
From Ternate and Tidore to Morotai, Halmahera, Ambon and Seram, this journey goes beyond the usual routes and offers a deeper introduction to one of Indonesia's most fascinating island regions.
Islands, History & Local Life
Explore volcanic islands and remote coastlines while discovering the history, culture and communities that have shaped Maluku for centuries.
• Ternate and Tidore's historic sultanates and forts
• Morotai's WWII heritage and remote beaches
• Halmahera's villages, nature and local traditions
• Snorkeling around Jailolo and Seram
• Jungle, rivers, caves and traditional communities on Seram
From the Spice Islands to Seram
Travel through North and Central Maluku by a combination of flights, local boats, passenger ferry, fast boats and road transfers. The journey is designed for travellers who want to experience Maluku beyond the main tourist routes.
Designed Around the Destination
The journey combines guided exploration with time to enjoy the islands at a relaxed pace. Selected activities may be adjusted according to weather, sea conditions, local schedules and operational circumstances.
A Genuine Island Adventure
This is an adventurous multi-island journey involving long boat and ferry journeys, local accommodation, early departures, snorkeling, walking and occasional basic infrastructure. Boat schedules and activities may change depending on weather, sea conditions and local circumstances.
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Itinerary
Maluku Discovery Journey
A journey through Ternate, Tidore, Morotai, Halmahera, Ambon and Seram, combining history, island life, snorkeling, nature and local culture.
Jakarta – Ternate
Fly from Jakarta to Ternate. Upon arrival at Sultan Babullah Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to Kampung Fitu on the southern coast of Ternate. Settle into your accommodation and begin your introduction to the Spice Islands.
Ternate Island Tour
Explore Ternate on a scenic island circuit including Fort Oranje, the local market, Fort Tolukko, the Sultan's Palace, a Bugis stilt village, Tolire Kecil and Tolire Besar Lakes, and traditional fish lagoons along the southern coast.
Tidore Excursion & Overnight Boat to Morotai
Cross to Tidore for a day of cultural and historical exploration. Visit the Spanish Fort ruins and monument, Rum village, a traditional knife-making workshop, Soa Siu, the Sultan's Palace and local market, followed by time at a secluded beach. Return to Ternate and board the overnight passenger boat to Morotai at approximately 20:00.
Morotai – WWII Heritage
Arrive in Morotai in the morning and begin a full-day exploration of its WWII heritage, including the State Museum, local war collector's house, an American LVT-2 amphibious tank, Nakamura Village, MacArthur's Pool and command sites. Continue to Nunuhu Beach and Tanjung Gurango before enjoying sunset at the hotel.
Morotai Islands – White Sands & Marine Life
Enjoy a full-day boat excursion to Dodola and Kolorai Islands, known for white sands, coral reefs and turquoise waters. Continue to Zum-Zum Island to see the General MacArthur statue, with time for a beach picnic.
Morotai – Tobelo, Halmahera
Take the public boat to Tobelo and continue exploring Halmahera. Visit Luari Beach, a traditional Hibualamo house, Duma Lake, the Hendrik van Dyken statue and Mamuya hot springs before relaxing in Tobelo town.
Tobelo – Jailolo
Travel by road towards Jailolo with scenic stops along the way, including the Japanese warship wreck Toshimaru and local points of interest. Continue to Jailolo, the former capital of an ancient sultanate, followed by an afternoon bentor ride and a short birdwatching stop at Sidangoli.
Jailolo – Snorkeling Adventure
Spend the day snorkeling around Pastoiri, Pulau Babua, Guaeria and Tanjung Matui. Snorkeling equipment is provided for up to six people. Enjoy a late lunch and free afternoon, with an optional evening briefing for the following day's Mount Gamkonora hike.
Jailolo – Mount Gamkonora Option
An optional early-morning Mount Gamkonora hike starts at approximately 02:00 from Gamsugi Village. Subject to weather and local conditions, the day may also include Loloda waterfalls and islands and an exploration of the Gamtala River.
Jailolo – Ternate
Return to Ternate in the morning and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Ternate – Local Island Experience
Enjoy Ternate at your own pace with opportunities for birdwatching, visiting villages producing smoked skipjack tuna, exploring the morning fish market and optional snorkeling.
Ternate – Ambon
Fly from Ternate to Ambon. Meet your guide and transfer to Ambon City, followed by a short afternoon city tour including the Pattimura Statue and World Peace Gong.
Northern Ambon Exploration
Explore northern Ambon with visits to Fort Amsterdam, Imanuel Old Church, Wapauwe Old Mosque and the sacred eels of Larike. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Leihitu Peninsula.
Ambon – Saleman, Seram
Transfer to Tulehu Harbour and travel by fast boat to Amahai on Seram Island. Continue by road to Saleman Village and then by boat to the accommodation.
Sawai River & Bay Adventure
Explore the Sawai River and surrounding coastline by boat. Visit a local village to see traditional sago processing, snorkel around Hatupia and Ora, and visit Karamba Cinta and Air Belanda.
Pulau Tujuh – Seven Islands Tour
Take a boat to Pulau Tujuh for snorkeling around vibrant coral areas and walks along the white-sand beaches of the surrounding islands. Dolphin sightings may be possible depending on conditions.
Seram Jungle Experience
Enjoy a guided soft trek with local villagers through tropical jungle at an easy level, followed by a visit to a local village and an introduction to traditional life on Seram.
Seram – Ambon
Travel by boat and land transport back towards Ambon. Depending on conditions, the morning includes a visit to Saleman Village to see the distinctive flying bird formation before continuing to Amahai Harbour and onward by fast boat to Ambon.
Ambon – Free Day
Enjoy a relaxed final day in Ambon. Explore the city independently, shop for souvenirs or simply enjoy some free time before departure.
Ambon – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Ambon Airport for your onward flight.
Price Information
Price & Experience Information
A private multi-island journey through Ternate, Tidore, Morotai, Halmahera, Ambon and Seram, combining accommodation, guided experiences and land and sea transportation throughout the journey.
Private Journey Pricing
USD 4,750
USD 3,950 / person
USD 3,550 / person
USD 3,250 / person
USD 3,050 / person
Included in Your Journey
• 19 nights accommodation as stated in the itinerary
• Accommodation based on double room sharing
• English-speaking guide and local guides where required
• All land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• All scheduled sea and boat transfers mentioned in the itinerary
• Fast boat tickets as specified in the itinerary
• Overnight passenger boat from Ternate to Morotai
• All entrance fees and local activity fees mentioned in the itinerary
• Breakfast where provided by the accommodation
• Lunch and dinner specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Mineral water during the program
Not Included
• International flights
• Domestic flights, including Ternate–Ambon
• Snorkeling equipment, unless specifically stated
• Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Drinks and personal refreshments
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
• Voluntary donations and tips
• Travel insurance
A Remote Island Journey
This journey involves remote destinations, local boats, long transfers and changing sea conditions. Boat schedules, activities and travel times may be adjusted according to weather, sea conditions, local operations and availability.
Accommodation is based on double room sharing.
Single supplement is available upon request.
Accommodations
Your Accommodation
A selection of local hotels, resorts and guesthouse-style accommodation chosen to provide a comfortable base throughout this multi-island journey.
Located in Kampung Fitu on the southern coast of Ternate, providing a convenient base for exploring the island.
Overnight journey from Ternate to Morotai in a shared sleeping hall, with an optional private cabin available.
A local hotel in Morotai providing a practical base for the island's WWII heritage and island excursions.
A comfortable local hotel in Tobelo, suitable as a base for exploring the surrounding areas of Halmahera.
A simple local accommodation in Jailolo, providing a convenient base for snorkeling, nature experiences and the Mount Gamkonora option.
Return to Villa Ma Rasai in Kampung Fitu for two further nights before continuing to Ambon.
A centrally located Ambon hotel providing a convenient base for the city and northern Ambon exploration.
A local resort in Saleman, providing a base for the Sawai Bay, Pulau Tujuh and tropical jungle experiences.
Two final nights in Ambon, allowing time to relax and enjoy a free day before departure.
Food & Beverages
Meals During Your Journey
Meals are arranged according to the itinerary, with selected lunches and dinner included on specific travel days. Breakfast is provided where included by the accommodation.
Meals Included
• Breakfast where provided by the accommodation
• Dinner on the overnight passenger boat to Morotai
• Picnic lunch on Morotai's WWII heritage day
• Picnic lunch during the Morotai Islands excursion
• Simple lunch during the Tobelo–Jailolo journey
• Late lunch during the Jailolo snorkeling day
• Lunch at a local restaurant during the Northern Ambon exploration
• Lunch in Masohi City during the transfer to Seram
• Mineral water during the program
Meals Not Included
• Lunches and dinners not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Drinks and refreshments other than mineral water provided during the program
• Personal dining expenses during free time
Flexible Dining on the Islands
Dining options vary between islands and remote areas. Meals may be simple and locally prepared, particularly during boat excursions and in smaller communities.
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