Sailing Indonesia in Style: Explore the Serene and Remote Banda Islands

London – Ocotber 10, 2024: Aliikai Luxury Yacht today launches all-new expert-crafted sailing itineraries, including an eight-day and seven-night excursion focusing on Banda Islands, otherwise known as the Spice Islands, a chain of small volcanic islands situated between Timor and West Papua that are rarely accessible to travelers and offer a rich checkered history and some of the most magnificent marine life on the planet. A 41-meter (approx. 135-foot) luxury vessel, Aliikai was built in the phinisi-style in the small village of Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, and took more than three years of meticulous craftsmanship by Indonesian carpenters and artisans to complete the design.

Having recently been refitted and redesigned to suit the tastes of interior-design lovers, Aliikai luxury yacht boasts seven spacious cabins designed with contemporary Indonesian interior elements and each with its own special amenities (outdoor terraces, high-end fixtures and linens), an indoor lounge and dining area with wrap-around glass windows, as well as an airy upper-deck lounge for yoga sessions — which at night transforms into an outdoor cinema. The vessel also boasts a scuba diving preparation room, a well-fitted kitchen where guests can participate in cooking workshops, an on-yacht chef, adventure sports gear including paddle boards, kayaks, scuba diving gear for daily dives with PADI dive masters and licensed instructors, water skis, surfboards, and a beach volleyball setup for docking on islands.

Aliikai’s abundant comfortable living spaces, size, and sailing capabilities make it one of Indonesia’s most sought-after phinisi. Chartering Aliikai to explore the largest wild archipelago in the world is much more than just a cruise; it is an unparalleled experience that fully immerses guests in exquisite nature, culture, and unique one of a kind adventures. Throughout the year, Aliikai will open a limited number of voyages, sold by the cabin for smaller groups, couples, and honeymooners who would like to experience our tailor-made itineraries and unique experiences.

Centuries of rich boatbuilding tradition have transformed what was designed as cargo ships into the ultimate and authentic Indonesian experience. An Aliikai Voyage will uncover the explorer’s soul and feel the spirit of the legendary Bugis tribe. Each voyage aims to bring guests to the heart of Indonesia’s spectacular wonders, a diverse country with a colorful history, exotic culture, and nature. At the same time, our passionate and dedicated team creates unique and singular experiences that make every journey come alive.

An eight-day, seven-night, sample itinerary aboard Aliikai focusing on Banda Islands includes:

Day 1: Arrival in Ambon

Members of the Aliikai crew will welcome guests at the Ambon Airport and then be transferred to the harbor to board the vessel and begin the journey. Guests will be greeted with a welcome beverage and an introduction to the vessel and its crew, before settling into one of the well-appointed cabins. Time permitting, guests will sail to Liang Beach for the first snorkel or kayak excursion for the trip, with the yacht anchoring overnight in the Ambon harbor.

Day 2: Ambon

After waking up to a glorious sunrise over the Banda Sea, guests will enjoy an al-fresco breakfast on the Aliikai deck, and begin an exploration into the historical sights of Ambon. Once occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish, the remnants of its colonial past can be found throughout the city. Fort Amsterdam, initially constructed in 1642, is one of the oldest buildings on the island and known for its unique architecture and design. Located a short distance away is Wapauwe Mosque. Initially built in 1414, the original structure was crafted without the use of nails and pegs, and further renovations have stayed true to its original design. Afterward, guests will enjoy lunch in Ambon, where they will be able to try the local delicacies such as fish soup and papeda. This afternoon, guests spend time at a local beach for snorkeling.

Day 3: Nusa Laut

Guests will explore the treasures of Nusa Lautt, a charming 27-kilometer island offering fantastic dive and snorkel spots. The yacht will sail to the village of Sila to view one of the oldest churches in the Malukus and the Beverwyk Fort, which dates back to the 17th century Dutch settlement. Tucked away in Bandas’ southern part, the Maluku are a small group of picturesque islands that cater to a bevy of world-class outdoor experiences, including challenging hikes along deserted white beaches, awe-inspiring scuba-dives in crystal clear waters, and tasting local produce in the vibrant outdoor markets. Afterward, Aliikai will continue along the island past the enchanting and fragrant clove farms and meet the farmers to learn how they process the spice in the sun. Aliikai will then make its way to the village of Ameth for an afternoon of snorkeling over its beautiful and lively reef. Later tonight, the ship will set sail to Pulau Run.

Day 4: Pulau Run, Pulau Ay

After a delicious breakfast, Aliikai will set out to explore Pulau Run to learn how the smallest island in the Banda played a strategic role during Spice Trade and changed the course of history. “Run Island” is infamously known as the site of the 17th-century battle between English and Dutch settlers that ended with the exchange of islands and New Amsterdam, where the English eventually settled into Manhattan, with the Dutch receiving Run Island. Guests will then return to the boat to enjoy a delicious lunch on the deck as it sails to Pulau Ay. Located on the western side of the island is a marvelous stretch of beach fringed with swaying palm trees where guests will spend the afternoon exploring the water by kayak or snorkeling over the reefs.

Day 5: Banda Besar

After a relaxing breakfast, guests will be guided to explore the fragrant island of Banda Besar, the largest in the group of islands. A trek up to the top of Lonthoir village will lead to a spectacular view of Mt Api, an active volcano that majestically rises from the water at its summit. Afterward, enjoy a visit to a local market where merchants sell their fragrant goods to excite the senses amidst the sounds of a bustling market, sampling the colorful candied nutmeg flowers, and air filled with the sweet fragrance of the spices drying in the sun. Onwards, a retreat from the sun with a relaxing walk through the historic Kelly Plantation where century-old Kenari trees shade the ancient nutmeg trees.

Day 6: Banda Neira

This morning guests will wake up to views of the lush island of Banda Neira where the remnants of the island’s checkered history are now reminders of a colonial world in search of power and spices more valuable than gold. Fort Belgica, initially constructed in the 16th-century by the Portuguese, the fort still keeps a watchful eye on the waters below. From there, guests will stroll onto Banda Neira Old Town, where the Dutch influence can be seen throughout, and ending at a local beach to enjoy a picnic lunch and relax in the beautiful water.

Day 7: Banda Neira

A morning for guests to relax and enjoy free time or to embark on a rigorous trek to the crater of Mt. Api. Efforts will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding islands. If a rigorous workout is not desired, the crew will take guests to a secluded beach where guests can enjoy kayaking along the shore, snorkel, or just sit back and watch the hours pass by while enjoying a picnic lunch prepared by the chef. Afterward, guests will sail to Pisang Island, where a powdery white sand beach melts into aquamarine water, with a spectacular reef located offshore.

Day 8: Ambon and Departure

A fond farewell to the remote islands as Aliikai arrives back in Ambon. After a hearty breakfast, the crew will escort guests to the harbor and continue onto the local airport for a return flight home.

An eight-night, seven-day excursion on the Aliikai vessel with 14-15 guests starts at USD $9,900 / night + 11% tax, while for a shared voyage, it starts from USD $690 + per Night / per person. For more information about Aliikai, visit https://aliikai-voyage.com/.