The Banda Expedition is a seven-night adventure through a cluster of seven tiny islands, part of the fabled Moluccas ‘Spice Islands’ in Eastern Indonesia’s vast Banda Sea.

Located 120 miles southeast of Ambon, the Banda Islands’ location is so isolated that they still do not appear on many present day maps. Yet the Banda Islands enjoyed an extraordinary historic prominence, fought over by the Dutch, British, Portuguese and Chinese in the 16th and 17th centuries as the only place in the world where nutmeg, then a coveted spice, was grown. Today the Banda Islands are a serene tropical paradise, forgotten by time and offering a wonderful array of activities from some of the world’s best diving and fishing, to hiking through dense tropical forests, home to exotic wildlife. Local villages are located on five of the islands, and the remains of Dutch forts can be explored on the islands of Banda Neira, Banda Besar and Run. Gunung Api, Banda’s ‘Fire Mountain’, broods over the islands and dominates the landscape. Its summit (666 metres) can be ascended and descended in half a day, and offers spectacular views of the archipelago.

Amanwana’s Banda Expedition takes place aboard Amanikan, Amanresorts’ custom-built, 32-metre, Phinisi coastal cruiser. The seven-night expedition begins with a stay at Amannusa before travelling to board Amanikan. Amanusa is situated on the Nusa Dua Peninsula overlooking the sea near Denpasar in southern Bali. The Bali Golf and Country Club lies adjacent to the resort, with shopping areas and the international airport just 20 minutes away.

Amanikan is ideal for private cruises for one, two, or three couples, or a family, combining the romance of spice trade sailing vessels with the comfort of modern amenities. The cruiser supports a crew of ten, including a dive instructor and a private chef. An expansive master cabin sits at the rear of the upper deck offering sweeping 270-degree views from the large private terrace. The second spacious double cabin also boasts a king-size bed and a private balcony. A third smaller cabin can offer twin beds, or a king-size bed. All three cabins feature airconditioning, en-suite bathrooms with double vanities, showers and separate toilets. Large teak decks feature loungers and dining furniture for relaxing, sunbathing and eating – either under the stars, or protected from the elements. Amanikan offers a menu of Asian and Western dishes created by the resort’s Executive Chef, tailored to your preferences.

Day 1: Arrive in Bali and stay overnight at Amanusa.

Day 2: Depart Bali early morning and fly to Ambon, via Makassar. Transfer overland to Amanikan (approximately 45 minutes) and depart Ambon around 4pm. Travel overnight to the Banda Islands.

Day 3-6: Explore the Banda Islands aboard Amanikan. Please note the seven islands are all within 15 miles of each other and so are easily accessible from the main natural harbour at Banda Neira. Itineraries will vary according to guest preferences and weather conditions.

Day 7: Travel from Banda to Ambon, arriving in Ambon late evening. Overnight aboard Amanikan.

Day 8: Depart Ambon on an early morning flight to Bali, arriving in Bali late morning.