Spice Islands Excursion | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Sailing to Spice Islands: An Insider's Aliikai Voyage Review

Lifestyle / Interview | BY: Murni Oktaviani | 01 / 07 / 2026

The Banda Sea holds a long and turbulent history, spanning the early spice trade, colonial wars, and the famous Manhattan swap. It was once the most coveted region on Earth. Until the 19th century, nutmeg from the Banda Islands was as valuable and prestigious as gold.

Today, the Banda Islands remain some of the most beautiful in the world. As part of the Coral Triangle, they feature vibrant underwater scenery and rich biodiversity. During her siblings' expedition aboard the Aliikai, Meryl revealed just how beautiful the islands truly are in this complete Aliikai voyage review.

Meet Meryl: Marketing Professional in Yachting Industry

Guest Review of Aliikai Voyages | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Activities Onboard Aliikai | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Meryl Maharani is a Marketing Manager working within Indonesia's largest yachting agency. Her work revolves around telling the stories of some of the country's most remarkable vessels and destinations, from Raja Ampat and Komodo to remote corners like Alor, Triton Bay, and the Banda Sea.

Outside of work, she seeks out places that offer a perfect balance of nature, culture, and meaningful experiences. Rather than spending her holidays in bustling major cities, she is happiest somewhere remote. Before entering the yachting industry, she worked as a flight attendant, which gave her the rare privilege of seeing Indonesia from Aceh all the way to Papua. Yet, she still actively searches for places just off the usual travel map.

On a recent trip to Japan, she traveled alone for 270 kilometers from Osaka just to visit the Adachi Museum of Art, simply because it wasn't on the typical tourist trail. She has always been drawn to destinations that require a little extra effort to reach. Even after years of exploring Indonesia, the Banda Sea still felt to her like discovering a secret that few people truly know.

A Modern Take on the Traditional Phinisi

Aboard Aliikai Voyages | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Aliikai Combining Modern Design on Traditional Phinisi | The Yacht Club Indonesia

While traditional Phinisi boats are built by skilled shipbuilders in South Sulawesi and represent generations of maritime knowledge, modern travelers also expect lighter interiors and a contemporary feel. The Aliikai Voyage perfectly balances traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with clean, modern design.

Aliikai Twin-Bed Cabin | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Aliikai Voyages Amenities | The Yacht Club Indonesia

With its soft white and cream palette, natural textures, and uncluttered spaces, it feels less like a traditional yacht and more like a bright, airy coastal home in Nantucket.

Aliikai Voyages Vibes | The Yacht Club Indonesia

This thoughtful design allows the vessel to feel luxurious but incredibly relaxed and welcoming. The calming atmosphere naturally encourages guests to slow down, put away their laptops, and simply enjoy where they are.

Why the Banda Sea? Meryl's Perspective on Indonesia's Hidden Gem

Spice Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

For Meryl, what sets the Banda Sea apart is that it offers an experience far beyond beautiful scenery. Here are the five key reasons she believes this region stands completely on its own:

1. A Rare Blend of Nature and Global History

While many destinations boast incredible natural beauty, few carry the historical weight of the Spice Islands. Long before modern trade routes existed, nutmeg and cloves from these small islands shaped the world.

It is remarkable to stand on a tiny island like Banda Neira and realize it once anchored a global trade network, even playing a pivotal role in the famous Manhattan swap.

This rich heritage actively draws travelers, Meryl recalls meeting fellow guests onboard, including a Dutch couple and a British father-and-son, who had read about the Spice Islands for years and traveled there specifically to witness its history firsthand on the best Spice Island cruises Indonesia has to offer.

2. Extraordinary Marine Encounters

Of course, the region's underwater scenery is a massive draw on its own. The marine life in the Banda Sea is spectacular, offering world-class diving where you can encounter everything from schooling hammerhead sharks to graceful manta rays, an underwater experience highly sought after on any Banda Sea liveaboard.

3. A Timeless, Slow-Paced Charm

The local culture offers a nostalgic step back in time. One of Meryl's favorite memories involves wandering through Banda Neira after dinner with her brother, Cesar.

They found themselves at a colonial-style hotel overlooking the harbor, drinking hot chocolate made from local cacao, and playing billiards on a table so old they had to share a single cue. With the port alive with locals gathering and chatting, the island exudes a comforting feeling that time simply moves a little slower there.

4. Traditional, Untouched Landscapes

While visiting the historical sites of Banda Neira is fascinating, the traditional nutmeg plantations offer a completely unique environment. In a modern world focused on industrial, single-crop farming, Banda's fields still look like natural ecosystems.

Here, nutmeg trees grow organically alongside cloves, coconuts, and large tropical walnuts. It feels entirely untouched by the fast pace of modern development.

5. A Deep, Nostalgic Connection to the Past

The Banda Sea carries a massive global history, but it also evokes a powerful, personal feeling of timelessness. For Meryl, walking through the plantations and catching the scent of freshly harvested cloves drying in the sun felt unexpectedly familiar, bringing back vivid memories of her grandparents' farm.

In a world that changes so quickly, the most memorable part of the Banda Sea is how comforting it feels to stand in a place where traditions, landscapes, and ways of life are still deeply connected to the past.

The Aliikai Voyage Experience: Barefoot Luxury Redefined

Meryl said, the term "luxury" in travel is becoming overused because everything can be claimed as luxury. But for her, it is rarely about what something is made of, isn't about fancy objects, it's a feeling.

For Meryl, the essence of barefoot luxury distills down to three essential pillars: intention, personalization, and anticipation. Here's the breakdown based on what Meryl explains.

1. Intention

Relaxing on Aliikai | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Meryl explains "you can immediately tell when a product has been thoughtfully designed. Every space, every detail, and every experience feel purposeful rather than added for show."

Whether it's the layout of the vessel, the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, or the way the itinerary has been crafted, you get the sense that everything has been carefully considered. Guests may not always be able to explain it, but they can feel it the moment they step aboard.

2. Personalization

Breakfast Onboard Aliikai | The Yacht Club Indonesia

One of the greatest luxuries is feeling known. It might be something as simple as waking up to a fresh coffee prepared exactly the way you like it, or having the crew remember your favorite place onboard to watch the sunset and they serve your preferred cocktail without you having to ask. The best hospitality experiences never feel scripted; they feel personal.

3. Anticipation

Dining Onboard Aliikai | The Yacht Club Indonesia

This is where exceptional hospitality separates itself from good hospitality. The best crews don't simply respond to requests; they think ahead. They understand that guests will have different preferences, routines, and needs throughout a voyage.

Meryl then describes another guest onboard Aliikai, sharing that one of his favorite things about Aliikai wasn't a particular destination or excursion. He was snorkeling three times a day, and every time he returned to his cabin, it felt refreshed and cared for. His pajamas would be neatly folded, the room would be perfectly prepared, and yet nothing ever felt intrusive.

"I noticed something similar myself. If I left a book open, a notebook on the table, makeup or a few personal items scattered around before heading out on an excursion, I would return to find everything tidied thoughtfully and respectfully. Nothing felt moved unnecessarily or out of place," Meryl notes.

Furthermore, she explains that the cabin simply felt calmer and more organized, while still feeling entirely her own. To her, that's a perfect example of luxury. It's not about grand gestures. It's about paying attention to the small details that make a guest feel comfortable, cared for, and completely at ease.

Luxury Yacht is Beyond The Vessels

Dinner Onboard Aliikai Voyages | The Yacht Club Indonesia

When people talk about luxury yacht, they tend to focus on the vessel itself. But luxury is created by people.

The experience doesn't begin when you step onboard. It begins much earlier, the moment you first discover the yacht through a website, an article, social media, or a recommendation from someone you trust. It continues through the inquiry process, the booking journey, the communication leading up to departure, and every interaction that follows.

As someone who works in marketing, Meryl sees luxury hospitality as an ecosystem. The vessel may be the stage, but it is the people behind it who bring the experience to life.

Aliikai Voyage is a great example of this. Of course, the yacht itself is beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and exceptionally comfortable. But what elevates the experience is the human element behind it. "The vessel provides the setting, but it is the people who transform a trip into a memory," Meryl said.

Ultimately, what guests remember most is rarely the thread count of the sheets or the type of stone used in the bathroom. They remember how they were made to feel.

For Meryl, that's the ultimate measure of luxury. It's the feeling that everything has been taken care of so thoughtfully that you stop thinking about logistics, schedules, or what's missing. You're simply present in the experience, completely at ease, surrounded by the sea, and wishing the journey could last a little longer.

Finding Your Own Personal Sanctuary

Aliikai Onboard Vibes | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Aliikai Voyages Onboard Vibes | The Yacht Club Indonesia

One of the hallmarks of great yacht design is that it allows guests to gather when they want to, while still offering plenty of private, personal space. Everyone naturally discovers their own favorite spot onboard.

For Meryl, her absolute favorite sanctuary was a corner seat on the L-shaped sofa on the main deck, near the dining area. She would sit there in the mornings with a coffee and a book, watching the sunlight hit the water. On some days, dolphins would appear in the distance. The layout of the space naturally framed the scenery, making the endless blue of the Banda Sea look like a living painting.

A Glimpse into the Archipelago: The Banda Sea Itinerary

A Banda Sea cruise offers an unparalleled glimpse into this majestic and historically rich archipelago.

Day 1: From Ambon to The Spice Island

Arriving in Banda Sea | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Meryl's journey began in Ambon. As her flight descended, heavy rain swept across the landscape, but even through the clouds, eastern Indonesia revealed its beauty. Looking down from the aircraft window, she could see scattered islands surrounded by turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and endless stretches of ocean.

“It felt like an introduction to a part of Indonesia that remains wonderfully remote,” she notes.

After arriving in Ambon, she and the other guests boarded a dinghy that would take them to Aliikai Voyage. From the moment they stepped onto the water, the scenery was breathtaking. The sea was so clear and glistening under the tropical sun that they found themselves reaching for their sunglasses almost immediately.

As they approached the yacht, the crew welcomed them with smiles, waves, and a song that immediately set the tone for the journey ahead. A welcome drink appeared in their hands, and within minutes the pace of everyday life seemed to disappear.

On the way to the Spice Islands, they made a brief stop for their first snorkeling and diving session while the yacht refueled. Lunch was served onboard, followed by time to settle into their cabins and explore the yacht.

That evening, the Cruise Director gathered everyone together and explained the journey ahead. Overnight, Aliikai would sail toward the Spice Islands while the guests slept, officially embarking on their Spice Islands yacht cruise, and by morning they would arrive at first destination: Molana Island.

"One of my favorite memories from the first day was meeting the other guests. It was a fascinating mix of people from different backgrounds and countries," Meryl said. There was a Dutch couple in their thirties, another couple from England, a French couple in their seventies, a British father and son, an Australian couple, and she with her brother Cesar from Indonesia.

By breakfast the following morning, they had already begun getting to know one another. The crew introduced themselves, they introduced themselves, and within a surprisingly short time it felt less like a group of strangers and more like a small traveling community.

Day 2: Tropical Relaxation at Molana Island

Tropical Relaxation in Molana Island | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Snorkeling in Molana Island | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Meryl and her fellow guests awoke to the sight of Molana Island, a small tropical island surrounded by crystal-clear water. The crew had prepared a comfortable beach setup, allowing everyone to spend the morning however they pleased.

While some chose to snorkel and others went diving, Meryl and her brother, Cesar, took a slower approach. They spent their time swimming, reading, and simply enjoying the beach.

One of the things Meryl appreciated most about the voyage was the complete lack of pressure to constantly be active. Some guests were happiest underwater, while others were content with a book and a quiet stretch of sand, and both choices felt equally rewarding.

Aliikai Voyages Paddleboarding | The Yacht Club Indonesia

On the way back to the Aliikai, the crew even let Meryl take the helm of the dinghy for a few moments, under very close supervision, of course. It made for a fun memory and an excellent photo opportunity.

Aliikai Voyages Activities | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Snorkeling in Spice Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

After lunch, the group headed back into the water for another snorkeling session. The French couple remained loyal members of the diving team, while Meryl and most of the others stayed firmly in the snorkeling group.

The marine life was incredible. Even as a relatively casual snorkeler, Meryl managed to spot moray eels, lionfish, countless clownfish, colorful parrotfish, a leopard grouper, and many other species she couldn't quite identify. Everywhere she looked, there seemed to be something moving among the vibrant coral.

Spice Islands Underwater | The Yacht Club Indonesia

By the end of the day, Meryl was beginning to understand exactly why the Banda Sea attracts divers and ocean lovers from around the world. Every time they entered the water, there was something exciting and new to discover.

Day 3: Arriving in Banda Sea

Dolphin of Banda Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

The morning began with one of those magical moments that no itinerary can promise. A pod of dolphins appeared alongside the yacht, swimming effortlessly beside them as they cruised through the open sea.

Among them was a calf swimming closely beside its mother. Watching them from the deck, with nothing but the ocean surrounding her, felt to Meryl like nature's own welcome to the Banda Sea.

By the afternoon, they finally arrived in Banda Neira, the historic heart of the Spice Islands. The Aliikai anchored just offshore, and the group spent the afternoon snorkeling around the Banda Islands.

Sea Turtle of Spice Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

The underwater world was remarkable. Meryl spotted turtles, moray eels, needlefish, parrotfish, clownfish, and countless other species she couldn't identify. What left the biggest impression on her, however, wasn't a particular fish but the coral itself.

Underwater Scenery of Spice Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

There seemed to be endless stretches of healthy coral gardens extending as far as the eye could see, filled with color and life. “It was one of those rare moments where she stopped swimming for a second simply to take everything in,” she remembered.

Exploring Spice Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Hot Chocolate from Banda Neira | The Yacht Club Indonesia

That evening, the yacht anchored near the harbor of Banda Neira, and Meryl and her brother, Cesar, decided to head ashore. They visited a charming colonial-style hotel overlooking the port. They drank hot chocolate made from locally grown cacao and played billiards on a table that looked as though it had been there for generations.

What struck Meryl most was how authentic everything felt. The local dialect, the atmosphere around the harbor, the old buildings, and the pace of life all seemed wonderfully unchanged. Unlike many destinations that have been transformed by tourism, Banda Neira still felt deeply connected to its history and identity.

Day 4: Pulau Ai and the Flavours of the Spice Islands

Explore Museum in Pulau Ai | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Spice Island Excursion | The Yacht Club Indonesia

On the fourth day, it was finally time to explore an island that had fascinated Meryl long before the journey: Pulau Ai, one of the inhabited islands of the Banda archipelago.

After a leisurely breakfast onboard, the group made their way to the island. Upon arrival, they were greeted by their local guide, affectionately known as Pak "Ai" a fitting name considering he was guiding them around Pulau Ai itself.

Spice Islands Museum | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Spice Island Museum | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Their morning began with a visit to the island's small museum, where they found a fascinating collection of artifacts reflecting the many layers of Banda's history. There were relics from the Dutch colonial period, objects from local communities, and even a painting depicting Japanese warriors, all serving as reminders of how significant these tiny islands once were to the world.

From there, they ventured into the nutmeg plantations. For Meryl, this was one of the highlights of the journey. They saw nutmeg growing alongside cloves and tropical almonds, and along the way, they passed homes where locals were drying nutmeg, cloves, and maize under the sun, much as they had done for generations.

At the end of the tour, the group was invited into a local family's home for tea and snacks on a terrace overlooking the sea. They were served banana fritters and a green rolled pancake filled with coconut and brown sugar.

Unique and Delicious Snack from Banda Neira | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Nutmeg From Spice Island | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Meryl immediately recognized the pancake. In Manado, where her family comes from, it is called panekuk. When she mentioned this to the Dutch guests, they laughed and noted that it sounded remarkably similar to the Dutch word pannenkoeken. It became one of those wonderful, full-circle travel moments.

"In Manado, the local dialect still contains many words influenced by Dutch and Portuguese history, and even some traditional cakes reflect those influences, from panekuk and klappertart to ontbijtkoek and brudel," Meryl explained.

It felt like a funny little twist of fate. After bonding over their shared food vocabulary and colonial influences, they discovered that the Dutch couple would also be traveling to Manado after the voyage. Quite incredibly, they had even booked the exact same flight. At that moment, the world suddenly felt very small to Meryl.

Before leaving, Meryl picked up locally grown nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices to take home. After all, what better souvenir could there be than buying spices from the very islands that once changed the course of history? She noted a helpful tip about it: bring cash, as many local purchases are still made the old-fashioned way.

After returning to the Aliikai, lunch was served onboard before the group headed back into the water for two snorkeling sessions that afternoon. By this point in the voyage, it had become difficult to resist the call of the sea.

Day 5: Fort Belgica and Farewell to the Spice Islands

Explore Fort Belgica in Spice Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Explore Banda Island aboard Aliikai Voyage | The Yacht Club Indonesia

The final morning in the Spice Islands began in Banda Neira, where the group set out to visit one of the archipelago's most iconic landmarks: Fort Belgica.

Perched high above the town and overlooking the sea, the pentagon-shaped fort offered spectacular views of Banda Neira, Gunung Api, and the surrounding islands. Standing there, Meryl found it impossible not to think about the extraordinary history that unfolded in these tiny islands and how they once sat at the center of the global spice trade.

The fort itself felt like a silent witness to centuries of exploration, commerce, and conflict. Looking out from its walls toward the calm waters below, it was difficult to imagine that these peaceful islands were once among the most sought-after places in the world.

After the short uphill walk, they were greeted by one of Meryl's favorite of Aliikai touches: cold towels and refreshing drinks waiting for them at the top. It was such a simple gesture, but after exploring under the tropical sun, it felt incredibly luxurious.

The remainder of the day was spent enjoying the sea one last time before leaving the Banda Islands behind. Some guests took the opportunity to relax on deck, others read their books in their favorite corners of the yacht, while many simply stood outside, taking in the final views of the islands that had captivated them over the past few days.

After one final snorkeling session from her liveaboard Banda Sea experience, a shower, a clean linen outfit, a wholesome lunch, and a few pages of her book, she found herself drifting off to sleep. The gentle sea breeze felt like a lullaby, providing the kind of rest and relaxation she hadn't realized she needed.

As evening approached, the Aliikai remained anchored off Banda Neira for one final night. The lights of the town twinkled along the shoreline, and Gunung Api stood quietly in the distance. There was something bittersweet about saying goodbye to a place that felt so rich in history and so wonderfully untouched by time.

For Meryl, the Banda Islands were no longer just a place she had read about in books; they had become a reminder of how interconnected histories, cultures, and memories truly are. Yet, their journey through eastern Indonesia was only halfway through.

As they said their goodbyes to the Spice Islands, the Aliikai turned eastward, carrying Meryl and the rest of the guests toward the turquoise lagoons and limestone karsts of Raja Ampat, the next chapter of their adventure.

Plan Your Banda Sea Luxury Cruises with The Yacht Club Indonesia

The Pristine Water of Spice Islands | The Yacht Club Indonesia

Meryl's expedition to the remote, historically rich Banda Islands was more than just a simple trip, it was a true escape. It offered a rare chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and deeply reconnect with nature, all while wrapped in the seamless comfort of barefoot luxury.

Are you ready to discover your own hidden gem? Plan your remote island escape and Banda Sea yacht charter with The Yacht Club Indonesia and let us craft an unforgettable voyage tailored just for you.

Sailing to Spice Islands: An Insider's Aliikai Voyage Review

Meet Meryl: Marketing Professional in Yachting Industry

A Modern Take on the Traditional Phinisi

Why the Banda Sea? Meryl's Perspective on Indonesia's Hidden Gem