The travel dates Ternate - Bitung: 06.02.-19.02.2025.2024 and 07.02..-20.02.2026.2025 will be guided by Dr George Beccaloni, head of the Wallace Correspondence Project and leading Wallace researcher. Under his guidance, you will have the opportunity to learn many research-backed details about the travels and discoveries of Alfred Russel Wallace.

Day 1: Arrival in the Moluccas, Visit of the Spice Islands of Ternate and Halmahera

• Ideally, you arrived in Ternate a few days ago and have already had a chance to adjust to the climate. In any case, your exciting sailing tour starts today with a tour of the historical highlights of the small but historically very important island of Ternate, which you should take a look at before boarding your floating 'home'.
  
  The program includes a visit to one or two impressive fortifications as well as a visit to the Sultan's Palace, where you can take a look at the rich collection of royal gifts to the local ruler of his time. You'll also visit the site of Wallace's House, where the Victorian naturalist wrote his theory on the natural selection of species in an essay in 1858 and sent it to Charles Darwin.
   
• You'll be on board in time for lunch and while you fortify yourselves, the crew will set sail for your short journey over to the island of Halmahera and the village of Dodinga. Dodinga is a central location in evolutionary theory, as it was here that the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace developed his theory of evolution by natural selection under the most adverse circumstances imaginable. In recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements, a commemorative plaque was erected here in his honor on 5 October 2024 as part of a festive ceremony. Here you have the opportunity to get an impression of Wallace's work and, of course, the small village on the edge of the jungle.
• Later in the afternoon, you can get into the water for the first time and snorkel and swim along your first coral reef. And as the sun gradually sets behind the perfectly conical volcanic island peaks of the northern Moluccas, you make your way south.
• Your dinner will be served on the yacht.

Day 2: Exploration of the Guraici Archipelago

• If you like to be on your feet 'before you get up', this is the first opportunity to enjoy one of the beautiful sunrises. Anchored off one of the small islands of this untouched mini-archipelago, you can greet the new morning in complete silence. Enjoy this precious moment...
• Today you will visit the Guraici archipelago, a chain of islands with white sandy beaches, lively coral reefs and some pretty villages. You'll spend a whole day snorkeling and swimming here and - if possible - visit one of the villages where you can interact with the locals.
• Before you go on your first snorkeling trip, however, you will have a leisurely breakfast where you can take in the enchanting island world that lies before you - a great way to get in the mood for the exciting sailing tour through Indonesia east of the Wallace Line :-)
• The Guraici Islands are part of a government-controlled marine reserve, which aims to preserve the reefs with their many enchanting underwater inhabitants in all their diversity. These protected waters also offer the perfect introduction for beginners and inexperienced snorkelers to familiarize themselves with the conditions in the water and prepare for the many days of snorkelling that lie ahead. Alternatively, you can stay on board and simply enjoy the fantastic island scenery.
• Lunch is served on board in between.
• In the late afternoon, you will head for the island of Bacan. And during the crossing you can enjoy the wonderful sunset over the Indonesian islands east of the Wallace Line.
• Dinner on your boat.
• Overnight stay there.

Day 3: Island-Sultanate of Bacan: Continuing in the footsteps of Alfred Russel Wallace

• This morning you wake up off the west coast of Bacan, one of the Spice Islands, which belongs to the realm of the Four Mountains - 'Moloku Kie Raha'. Bacan is also the place where Wallace made some of his most important zoological discoveries.
• On today's shore excursion, you will roam the forested slopes where Wallace discovered the Halmahera Bird of Paradise - also known as the Wallace Standardwing - the Moluccan Cuscus, the Megachile Pluto, the world's largest bee, and the magnificent Golden Birdwing, one of the world's largest butterflies.
• One of the few people to actually see this rare species of butterfly. As these are free-living creatures, we cannot guarantee a sighting. However, our guide will do everything in his power to get the Golden Birdwing and the Wallace Standardwing with their fluttering company in front of the camera for you.
• For Wallace, the Golden Birdwing was the most beautiful butterfly in the world, prompting him to record the following in his diary immediately after its discovery in 1859: “When I took it from my net and opened its magnificent wings, I was nearer fainting with joy and excitement than ever before in my life; my heart beat violently, and the blood rushed to my head, so that I had a headache for the rest of the day.”
• As the rare endemic birds perform their morning dance before sunrise, your day begins before breakfast today. After a small refreshment provides you with the necessary energy for the start of the day, you head ashore and into the jungle. You will be accompanied by several guides who will keep the group together in the dark and make sure that no one strays from the path.
• Then it's back to the boat for breakfast.
• In addition to this rare bird species, you will also have the opportunity to look out for other animals. Some of them are even endemic and can only be found on Bacan and some nearby islands. You can also look forward to seeing the following animal inhabitants of the island: parrots, cockatoos, hornbills as well as the rather shy cuscus or the endangered black crested monkey, the only monkey species in the Moluccas. With their home on Bacan, they are actually on the wrong side of the Wallace Line. They are found here because they were introduced to the local Moluccan island from North Sulawesi several centuries ago.
• You will have your lunch on board.
• Snorkeling is on the agenda for the afternoon. You will have the unique opportunity to swim and snorkel in warm water, an interesting experience made possible by a nearby hot spring that flows directly into the sea at this point. The warm water forms its own layer and thus stands out from the cooler deeper water layer. The resulting contrast makes for a truly unique bathing experience :-)
• Alternatively - as usual - you can of course stay on the yacht and make yourself comfortable and take in the truly breathtaking island world.
• The day comes to an end with a delicious dinner on board.

Day 4: From Bacan to  Obilatu, South Halmahera

• Even before you have had your delicious breakfast on board, you have already arrived at the next stop on your adventure sailing trip: the paradisiacal little island of Obilatu.
  Your day today is all about culture and spices, because as soon as you reach the coast and set foot on the white sandy beach of Obilatu Island, you will be captivated by the flair of this idyllic place, full of clove and nutmeg groves and reminiscent of the long-gone times of the flourishing Spice Islands.

  The island areas of the Moluccas were a busy sea route long ago, as the highly sought-after spices such as nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and pepper originated from there, giving the islets of this region their legendary nickname and making them simply the 'Spice Islands'. 

  The steep slopes of Obilatu are covered with clove and nutmeg groves, as they have been since time immemorial. In this way they 'tell' the story of the island and the history of the 'Moloko Kie Raha' region, the realm of the 4 mountains, which goes back to the exciting and turbulent days of the spice trade. At that time, numerous European powers vied for control of the East Indies, including the Moluccas. Although the spice trade is much less important in the region today, the cultivation of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon is still an important part of the local economy and culture. Their importance is reflected not least in local history as well as in old traditions, dances and weaving crafts.

• Here you will have the opportunity to stroll through one of the villages with its adjoining plantations and take a closer look at the region's famous spices - on the trees or drying in the sun - before they go to market ready for trade, as they have done for centuries.
• Take a closer look at the small island and the surrounding islands on your shore leave and take the opportunity to walk along the wonderful white sandy beaches, swim in crystal clear water and explore the fantastic surrounding reefs. No matter what you choose, the day is made to relax and enjoy :-)
• Lunch will be served either on board or on the beach.
• Enjoy the end of the day with a sundowner on deck and look forward to another delicious dinner on board.
   

Day 5: Obi Latu - Sula Sea, including Snorkeling around Mangoli Island

• After a restful night, you start 'today' with a hearty breakfast on deck and are thus well equipped for the activities of the day ahead.
• An interesting mix of customs, history and underwater activities awaits you today, as you are in the middle of the Banda Sea, in a small island world of its own in the scenically breathtaking Sulu archipelago that is as steeped in history as it is secluded.
• You'll spend the morning exploring the secluded beaches and colorful reefs of Mangoli Island, where you'll encounter an incredible array of fish and other marine life. As befits a deserted island, you'll be on your own here and have the opportunity to spend your time doing various activities. Try kayaking, paddling or swimming; take a walk along the white sandy beach or just take time to relax.
• Later in the day, after your lunch, you'll immerse yourself in local history and culture when you visit the colorful village market and tour the ruins of a 17th century Dutch fort. The fort once played a very important role in trade along the spice route that passed through here long ago. Let yourself be inspired by the interesting history.
• Then it's time to return to the boat and gradually make preparations for a relaxed evening program.
• You can round off the evening with a sumptuous dinner and interesting conversations.

Day 6: Mangoli Island - Taliabu Island

• While you may have revisited the experiences of the past few days in your dreams overnight, the Ombak Putih has meanwhile carried you deeper into the remote island world of enchanting Indonesia east of the Wallace Line.
• Today, the colorful cultural impressions you have already gathered will surely intensify even further.
• After breakfast, you will head straight back ashore and enter the island of Taliabu, where you will be warmly welcomed by the locals in a small village with a traditional war dance, the so-called 'Cakalele'.
• Feel welcome to explore the village and get in touch with the inhabitants of this remote island. Another good opportunity to soak up the strangeness and enjoy the moment :-)
• Lunch will be served on board again.
• In the afternoon you will snorkel along a reef that is home to countless fish. Take your time and enjoy the spectacular underwater scenery.
• Then it's time to move on. It's off to a wilder deserted island where you can swim, kayak and relax.
• Look forward to the evening, because the crew will prepare a beach BBQ for you and delight you with traditional Indonesian folk and sailor songs in due course, while you can enjoy your dinner by a cozy campfire and spend the rest of the time with interesting conversations or just relaxing until late into the night.
• Have a good night's sleep :-)
   

Day 7: Taliabu Island - Bokan Islands

• When you leave your bed this morning, you have already arrived at the next stop on your journey - the Bokan Islands.
• The Bokan Islands comprise a very remote island region that is rarely visited and is therefore very untouched in character. You will have the opportunity to take a closer look at one of these beautiful islands.
• Otherwise, today is all about exploring a wonderfully colorful underwater world with plenty of relaxation.  
• Take time for a good breakfast and enjoy the wonderful view from the boat.
• Then it's straight off: snorkeling, swimming, paddling and kayaking around the enchanting reefs or simply enjoying the beach and taking in the surrounding island world - which is home to many caves. That's your program for the morning.
• After your midday refreshment, you will have the opportunity to take a look at another wonder of nature. Enjoy the rare privilege of swimming in a small lake full of stingless jellyfish. This lake with the exotic name 'Danau Piasu Botangan' is one of only 20 known lakes in the world where these aquatic creatures can be found. You have plenty of time to look around. A truly unique experience!
• You will be back on the yacht in time for sunset and can enjoy a cool drink while watching the sun go down...
• ...and round off the evening with interesting conversations with your now familiar fellow travelers during and after dinner. 
   

Day 8: Bokan Islands - Banggai Islands

• The Ombak Putih has carried you to Banggai overnight. And here today an exciting combination of nature, culture and wildlife awaits you. Get ready for the unique experiences that lie ahead of you again today.
• While you are still busy with your breakfast, your crew is already getting the dinghies ready for your upcoming tour program. Let's go!
• The first stop is the bustling Indonesian island port of Banggai, a place full of activity and trade. Here on Banggai Island, you'll visit the local market, explore some of the city's neighborhoods as well as the Sultan's Palace and the Maleo Bird Museum - all from your fleet of colorful motorized rickshaws already waiting for your arrival at the harbor.
• Afterwards - and before getting back on the boat for lunch - you will also visit LINI, a non-governmental organization that is doing really great work restoring the corals in the surrounding reefs and working with local fishermen. Their aim is to find sustainable solutions for supplying the overseas markets with local fish and the trade in live aquarium fish.
• After a short lunch break, it's off to the final highlight of the day: a snorkel along a local reef where you'll see the elegant but highly endangered Banggai cardinalfish - a real favorite with marine aquarium fans worldwide. So keep your eyes peeled and your underwater camera ready to 'capture' this truly rare fish species in a souvenir photo.
• Back on board, you can spend the rest of the day in one of the comfortable sun loungers on the upper deck and take in the enchanting island scenery.
• Let yourself be surprised by what your chef has come up with for dinner today.
   

Day 9: Banggai Islands - Togean Islands

• After your morning meal in an idyllic setting, if you feel like it, you will go out again with the dinghies and into the water for another snorkeling trip to further complete your impression of the diversity of the local underwater world.
• After your morning snorkeling experience, you will sail north to see a special endemic bird species in its natural environment close to the beach. These birds are the symbol of the province in which they live. You will now visit a conservation project on the mainland, where many of these birds live and breed. In groups of two, you can observe them from a camouflaged shelter around their nesting sites in the sand, where they gather to lay their eggs every morning. This is a unique opportunity to see one of the strangest flightless birds in the world - the maleo.
• You will have your lunch on board your sailing yacht as usual.
• Afterwards you will have plenty of time to relax.
• In the late afternoon, you will then set sail for the Togean Islands - an island region that has since been designated a national park - where you will not only be able to snorkel a spectacular underwater world while island hopping, but also experience unique wildlife and interesting local culture.
• On the journey there, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset from one of the comfortable deckchairs on board while your sailing adventure continues. The Ombak Putih will carry you along numerous small islands with tiny villages to your next destination.
• And in between - depending on the time of day - there will be another delicious dinner before the sun hands its baton to the moon and the day draws to a close. 
   

Day 10: Togean Islands 

• Your boat has traveled quite a distance again overnight. So by the time you're sitting down to breakfast, you're already in another center of a spectacular island world - the Togean Islands. The Togean Islands are located between the northern and central 'island leg' of the large island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, east of the Wallace Line.
• Today - here in the east of the island of Sulawesi - you have the opportunity to get to know a tribe of sea gypsies, the Bajau or 'Orang Laut', who can still be found in the region.
• The Bajau sea gypsies have a very special way of life. They live in complete harmony with the water and nature as a whole, and today you have the opportunity to come into contact with them.
• Your shore excursion is planned for the village of Kabalutan, where around 2500 Bajau live. Here you will be welcomed into their extraordinary world, have the opportunity to look around their village and talk to them about their lives. Your guide will be only too happy to assist you as a translator to make this contact possible. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in such an incredibly different world and be surprised by its many facets.
• After this certainly impressive experience, a delicious lunch awaits you on board.
• And after some time to relax, you will have the opportunity to get active again later on.
• Because in the afternoon, you can snorkel and swim along pristine coral reefs before venturing further into the beautiful marine park.
• Your boat will then be back at anchor in time for dinner, and you can simply 'relax' as the sun sets and reflect on this exciting day. 
   

Day 11: Togean Islands 

• Another adventure-packed day awaits you today and after breakfast you can look forward to a whole series of interesting and unusual encounters in the animal kingdom above and below the water. Fish, birds and invertebrates are the main actors in your daily program.
• Your day begins with a wonderful extended snorkeling tour along a lush reef near the island of Malenge. Take your time and let the enchanting underwater world work its magic on your senses. We are sure you will be thrilled :-)
• Don't put your snorkeling gear too far away, because you'll be able to use it a second time, not far from your first snorkeling station is the small, secluded Mariona Lake; a second jellyfish lake that you will visit on your journey of discovery through the impressive island world of Indonesia east of the Wallace Line along your route.
• After a refreshing break back on deck, you will disembark one more time.
• Now you have the opportunity to get to know another small local village with its lovely people and to make intercultural contact.
• In the late afternoon, you can take a walk through the adjacent forest before witnessing an enchanting natural spectacle.
• Only a little later, flocks of the majestic hornbills will visit the forest and find a place to spend the night in its trees. It is a truly impressive sight to be able to see these large birds in such numbers and at such close range - an experience that can hardly be realized in any other way. Take in this moment and enjoy the time.

• Back on board, you can round off the evening comfortably, either with a cool drink and more interesting conversations or just for yourself - just as you like :-)

   

Day 12: Togean Islands - North Sulawesi Mainland

• You have changed position again overnight and when you wake up this morning, you have already arrived in the east of the northern tip of Sulawesi.
  Over a leisurely breakfast, you can prepare your thoughts for the day ahead and look forward to interesting activities and encounters. 
  The first thing to start with is snorkeling. You will be taken by dinghy to one of the numerous spots and have plenty of time to explore the colorful underwater world.
  Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit a small village and gain a further insight into Indonesia's incredibly diverse culture.
  You will be back on board for lunch before embarking on a long crossing to Sulawesi's mainland.
  The rest of the day is therefore dedicated to activities on board. 
  If you would like to be more active in the afternoon, you now have the opportunity to discover the secrets of delicious Indonesian cuisine. The chef offers a cooking course for those who want to learn how to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes.
  For the rest, it's all about sunbathing, reading, relaxing and enjoying :-) And if you haven't already done so, now is the time to try out other cozy features of the Ombak Putih. Feel welcome to daydream from the deck of the ship, lying in one of the super cozy deckchairs, while an enchanting island scenery in the far east of Indonesia passes by. Enjoy this irretrievable moment. A good opportunity to capture it with your camera.  
• At the end of the day, you will be served delicious cocktails on the aft deck before a specially prepared dinner awaits you, followed by a party with music and entertainment provided by the crew's band.

Day 13: Along the 'Northern Arm'

• When you get out of bed in your cabin this morning, you will find yourself on the outer 'elbow' of North Sulawesi. Here you will have the opportunity for another intercultural exchange and of course there will be plenty of impressive snorkeling.
• After breakfast, you will first go ashore and visit a remote village, where you will have the opportunity to get in touch with the locals. You are warmly invited to explore their village and talk to them to learn about their culture and way of life. You can also take a walk through the nearby forest to look for endemic birds.
• Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to snorkel along a local reef and marvel at the colorful variety of marine life there.
• As always, a delicious lunch awaits you on board.
• And you will already be on your way north. On the way, there will be another stopover for another snorkeling and swimming opportunity before the crew invites you to a final beach BBQ.
• Let yourself be tempted by the delicious delicacies. And what a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself once again in interesting conversations with your companions from the past two weeks. The evening is all yours and you can dance and sing until late into the night under the stars by a cozy campfire or simply enjoy the atmosphere ... under the Milky Way tonight :-)

Day 14: Arrival in Bitung and Transfer to Manado

• When you get out of your cozy cabin bed today, your last day of travel on and with the Ombak Putih has begun. But there are still some interesting activities on offer today.
• Immediately after breakfast, you can take the opportunity to visit the nearby Tasikoki Rescue Centre on a shore leave and take a short tour of the impressive facilities of this non-governmental organization. Here you will learn all about the organization's conservation program and have the opportunity to meet macaques, cockatoos and sun bears as well as other endangered animals such as the babirusa pig or the anoa, a species of dwarf buffalo.
• Afterwards, you can take one last opportunity to swim and snorkel or go for a walk on the beach before taking a short drive into the port of Bitung.
• Now it's time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travelers, as your wonderful tour is coming to an end.
• A dinghy will take you ashore, from where you will travel by car to Manado to take your flight home or onwards, or to start one of our follow-up programs. 

We hope you enjoyed it, wish you a safe journey home or onwards and look forward to welcoming you as our guests again soon. Sampai jumpa :-)