DAY 1 – DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
Board Paspaley Pearl in South-east Asia’s youngest nation, where Portuguese colonial
heritage retains its distinctive character. Visit the iconic Cristo Rei statue while our expedition team prepares you for encounters with Earth’s richest marine environments across the legendary Spice Islands and Raja Ampat archipelago.
DAY 2 – AT SEA
Connect with your fellow travellers during our crossing towards the historic Maluku islands as marine biologists prepare you for extraordinary underwater experiences. Learn about coral reproduction, fish behaviour, and the Indonesian ‘Throughflow’ – powerful ocean currents which nourish Raja Ampat’s spectacular marine life through constant circulation.
DAY 3- KEI ISLANDS, MALUKU
Discover pristine white sand beaches on remote islands where local oral histories trace
ancestral roots to Bali during the Majapahit empire expansion. Enjoy traditional welcoming performances, and explore idyllic beaches where your small expedition group represents the only human visitors, respectfully sharing paradise with the local communities.
DAY 4 – KITIKITI WATERFALL, MOMMON
Experience the extraordinary phenomenon of freshwater cascading directly from cliff
faces into the ocean on West Papua’s remote peninsula. Swim under falls where cool
freshwater meets warm ocean currents while surrounded by an environment of pristine
rainforests and vibrant coral reefs creating remarkable ecological contrasts.
DAY 5-9 – RAJA AMPAT
Spend five unforgettable days exploring Earth’s richest marine environment, where 1,500 islands harbour 75% of all known coral species alongside 1,800 fish species. Navigate between stunning limestone karst formations, snorkel and dive vibrant coral reefs, search for birds of paradise, and connect with local communities maintaining traditional lifestyles largely untouched by outside influences.
DAY 10 – BANDA NEIRA, MALUKU
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of this living history of spice trade on a far-flung island where the demand for nutmeg drove European powers to undertake dangerous voyages around the world. Explore Fort Belgica, a remnant of the Dutch and Portuguese colonial times while learning how modern Bandanese maintain cultural continuity through traditional rituals against mighty volcanic landscape backdrops.
DAY 11 – AMBON, MALUKU
Nestling in the Bay of Tangier, this bewitching Moroccan city lies at the northwestern tip of the country, along the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Following in the footsteps of the writers and artists inspired and seduced by the city’s climate and setting, you’ll love its rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You’ll instantly understand as soon as you set foot in the heart of the Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah is your gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just a few minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 12 – AT SEA
Time to reflect on your extraordinary marine and historic trade encounters during our
return to Timor- Leste. Engage in enrichment sessions recounting the remarkable underwater diversity witnessed across Earth’s richest coral reef ecosystems, while understanding the importance of conservation efforts to protect these fragile marine environments.
DAY 13 – DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
Conclude your expedition carrying memories of Raja Ampat’s unparalleled marine biodiversity and historic Spice Islands. From snorkelling among kaleidoscopic coral to exploring spice trade remnants, your journey will have revealed why Raja Ampat represents the ultimate marine sanctuary requiring protection for future generations to experience.
