In Search of Wallace - Maluka Islands to Raja Ampat with Dr George Beccaloni

Arrive in Ternate, once one of the world’s most important spice trading ports and the historic centre of the clove trade in North Maluku. Dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Gamalama, the island played a pivotal role in both colonial history and scientific discovery. Before boarding Ombak Putih, explore several important sites connected to Alfred Russel Wallace’s time in Ternate, including Fort Tolukko, the Dutch-built Fort Oranje and the Kedaton Palace of the Sultan of Ternate. Visits throughout the city provide fascinating insight into the region’s long maritime history and Wallace’s years spent working throughout the Malay Archipelago. Later, continue to the riverside village of Dodinga — the very place where Wallace conceived the theory of natural selection during a bout of malaria in 1858. Surrounded by rainforest and overlooked by the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, the village remains one of the most significant locations in the history of evolutionary science. As evening falls, settle aboard the phinisi and begin the voyage south through the islands of North Maluku. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules we you need to arrive in Ternate the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation options.

Meals:  L,D

Wake among the islands of the remote Guraici Archipelago, a protected marine region known for its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The day is spent snorkelling, kayaking and swimming among healthy reef systems alive with tropical fish, giant clams and colourful corals. Calm anchorages and crystal-clear waters provide an ideal introduction to the marine biodiversity of eastern Indonesia. Visits to local villages offer insight into daily life within this isolated island chain, where communities remain deeply connected to the surrounding sea.

Meals:  B,L,D

Bacan Island holds a special place in the story of Alfred Russel Wallace. It was here that he documented some of his most important zoological discoveries while exploring the forests and volcanic slopes of the island during the 19th century. Accompanied by local guides, explore rainforest habitats in search of endemic wildlife including hornbills, parrots, lorikeets and the elusive cuscus. With luck, there may also be opportunities to encounter the spectacular Standardwing Bird of Paradise and the magnificent Golden Birdwing butterfly, famously described by Wallace as “the finest butterfly in the world.” The island also supports a small population of black-crested macaques — unusually the only monkeys found east of the Wallace Line within Maluku. Later, snorkel over reefs warmed by nearby volcanic hot springs where the contrast between cooler ocean currents and geothermal water creates a unique marine environment.

Meals:  B,L,D

Scattered across the remote waters of the Ceram Sea, the tiny Pisang Islands offer a picture-perfect tropical landscape of white beaches, swaying palms and coral-fringed lagoons. Spend the morning snorkelling vibrant reefs or simply relaxing ashore before the voyage continues eastward towards the remarkable limestone islands of Raja Ampat. As Ombak Putih sails overnight across open water, enjoy the changing seascapes and the growing anticipation of entering one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early morning excursion offers the chance to witness one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles — the courtship displays of the Lesser Bird of Paradise. Before dawn, local guides lead a forest walk to traditional display trees where the males gather to perform elaborate dances and vocal displays high within the rainforest canopy. Encounters are never guaranteed, but witnessing these remarkable birds in the wild is a truly unforgettable experience. The afternoon is spent relaxing on a secluded island with opportunities for snorkelling, swimming and beachcombing along pristine coral shores.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today focuses on the extraordinary marine environments of Raja Ampat. Snorkel nutrient-rich channels where soft corals and giant sea fans thrive in the currents flowing between the islands. Later, enjoy a slower pace ashore with time to explore white-sand beaches, swim in calm lagoons or kayak along the shoreline while juvenile blacktip reef sharks patrol the shallows nearby. As evening approaches, the phinisi anchors among remote island scenery far removed from the modern world.

Meals:  B,L,D

The dramatic limestone islands of Misool rise from brilliant turquoise waters in one of Raja Ampat’s most visually spectacular regions. Thousands of small karst islets create a maze of hidden lagoons, caves and narrow waterways shaped over millennia by tides and erosion. Explore the archipelago by tender, visiting a rare marine lake inhabited by stingless jellyfish — one of Raja Ampat’s most unusual natural phenomena. The day also includes visits to ancient cave sites containing prehistoric rock art estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. Handprints, fish, human figures and mysterious symbols painted across the limestone walls offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient maritime cultures.

Meals:  B,L,D

Batanta Island introduces another side of Raja Ampat, where rainforest-covered hills descend into mangroves, waterfalls and coral reefs. Depending on tides and conditions, there may be opportunities to encounter manta rays in the nutrient-rich surrounding waters before continuing to sheltered snorkelling sites alive with reef fish and colourful corals. For those seeking a more active exploration, a short jungle walk follows a rocky riverbed inland towards hidden waterfalls surrounded by dense tropical forest. Later, paddleboards and kayaks offer another way to experience the calm lagoons and coastal scenery before continuing northward through the archipelago.

Meals:  B,L,D

Wake beneath the towering limestone formations of Piaynemo, one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic landscapes. A short climb rewards panoramic views across a labyrinth of emerald islands scattered through luminous turquoise seas. After snorkelling nearby reefs, continue to the small island community of Arborek where traditional dance performances and village visits provide insight into the living traditions of the region’s Asai culture. The surrounding waters are among Raja Ampat’s most productive marine environments and snorkelling excursions may reveal reef sharks, turtles and, occasionally, manta rays gliding through the currents.

Meals:  B,L,D

Another early morning wildlife excursion leads into the forests of Raja Ampat in search of the spectacular Red Bird of Paradise — one of the species Wallace was most eager to observe during his travels through the region. At dawn, males perform elaborate courtship displays high within the canopy while guides interpret the remarkable behaviours and ecology of these iconic birds. Returning to the coast, Ombak Putih sails through Dampier Strait, renowned for some of Raja Ampat’s richest coral reef systems. Strong nutrient currents attract enormous marine diversity, with opportunities to encounter large schools of fish and pelagic species while snorkelling. Later, visit Yenbeser Village where Wallace once stayed during his travels. If tides permit, there may also be an opportunity to visit a reconstruction of Wallace’s forest hut and learn more about his years spent working throughout the archipelago.

Meals:  B,L,D

The final wildlife experience of the voyage begins before sunrise near Saporkren Village. Accompanied by local guides, venture into the forest in search of the extraordinary Wilson’s Bird of Paradise — widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful birds. Watching the males carefully prepare and perform their intricate courtship dances upon the forest floor is one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable natural encounters. Back aboard the vessel, continue to Mansuar Island for snorkelling at Yenbuba, often referred to as “the fish bowl” for its astonishing marine abundance. The day concludes with a final snorkel near Mioskon Island before gathering on deck for a farewell dinner beneath the stars.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew of Ombak Putih and transfer ashore in Sorong, gateway to Raja Ampat and the western edge of Papua. The expedition concludes having traced Wallace’s journey across some of the world’s most biologically fascinating islands — a voyage through the landscapes that helped transform our understanding of life on Earth.

Meals:  B