One of the most geographically complex areas on earth, the islands of Maluku are a dizzying set of jewels sat between Sulawesi & New Guinea, with intricate affinities to both still being uncovered, it is easier to class the Maluku islands into 3 regions. The Northern group consisting of sprawling & forested Halmahera and its surrounding islands, the central group dominated by mountainous Buru & Seram and surrounding islands down to the Bandas, & the southern group, where the far-flung & idyllic Kei’s and Tanimbar’s lie. In the volcanic north, the original home of the clove, the old sultanates of Ternate & Tidore stand proud with their towns trapped between the coast & their volcanic peaks. A truly wonderous start of a Malukan journey. Further on, the far larger Islands in the group are also far more mysterious, with rolling forested hills lying in the shadow of blistering active volcanoes, giving way to extensive palm groves towards the coast. Ambon is the gateway to the central group, with its languid seaside location & white churches. The giant and mighty Buru & Seram dominate the group, both with indigenous, unique peoples in their rugged interiors also hiding many unique and beautiful species. The beaches of north Seram are legendary with their soaring limestone cliffs and rustic overwater bungalows and fantastic adventures to be had nearby. The smaller islands of the group are gorgeous and absolutely steeped in fascinating history, with echoes of the past being very much in evidence. Particularly in the Bandas, where Nutmeg originates from, causing them to be one of the most valuable land assets in colonial history. The southern group is rather forgotten in it’s wayward corner of the Banda Sea. The Tanimbars are for nature lovers with their many unique species and extensive dry forests, stay in a research station and feel like you’re at the end of the world. The Kei’s are more famous for their outstanding beaches, some of the world’s best. Far stretching pure white powdery sand and an endless azure horizon. You can spend your days contemplating with a bintang in hand or discover caves, sand bars, and its many attractions off shore such as leatherback sea turtles. Even more remote are the Aru islands, with a definitive Papuan element, it’s endless forested waterways and birds-of-paradise are a truly unique adventure in Maluku. The birding here is as exciting & eclectic as it comes, with each major island packed full of colourful, sort-after endemics, with parrots, pigeons, pittas, kingfishers & quite possibly the most bizarre birds-of-paradise taking centre stage. Hides and even tree platforms have started popping up throughout the archipelago, providing excellent views of once mythical species. Pristine lowland forest is predominant in the Northern group, mystical mossy montane forest in the central group & a drier more seasonal, Australian climate in the south. Gorgeous beaches and clear blue sea are universal here, and under the waves lie some of the world’s most exceptional diving. Still in it’s infancy, there are two main areas in Maluku for observing undersea life. The Bandas, with their active volcanoes and limestone islets harbouring pristine and biodiverse reefs with a chance of hammerheads in season & cetacean sightings while at sea, and Halmahera, with sites still being surveyed, hosting two endemic shark species and excellent reefs & macro life. While waiting to access these far-flung locations the city of Ambon also has excellent muck diving & Ternate has a chance of dugongs. Please view the overview for destinations we visit in Maluku & our suggested itineraries below. All our trips are custom built for you & can be combined to create your perfect trip of a lifetime.