East Indonesia & Raja Ampat
Small Footprints. Infinite Horizons
Explore
This Destination
Join fellow adventurers aboard Paspaley Pearl for an extraordinary journey to Raja Ampat—Earth’s richest marine environment—where over 1,500 islands harbor biodiversity unmatched anywhere on our planet. Our expedition navigates from East Timor through Indonesia’s historic Spice Islands to the pristine limestone landscapes of West Papua.
We’ll discover ecosystems where 75% of all known coral species thrive alongside 1,800 reef fish species in crystal-clear waters. Beyond extraordinary snorkeling opportunities, we’ll connect with communities maintaining traditional lifestyles, explore remnants of colonial spice trade history, and witness unique natural phenomena including freshwater waterfalls cascading directly into the sea at Kitikiti—creating shared discoveries in one of our planet’s last pristine frontiers.
Expeditions
Indonesia’s Forgotten Islands
Welcome to your eastern Indonesia expedition—where traditional whaling villages meet prehistoric dragons, and every island reveals cultural traditions shaped by centuries of isolation and maritime heritage.
Indonesia’s Hidden Heritage: Dragons, Rituals & Remote Island Societies
Welcome to your trans-Timor Sea expedition—where ancient megalithic ceremonies meet spectacular marine parks, and every island reveals traditions shaped by isolation and ancestral wisdom.
Raja Ampat & Spice: Indonesia’s Crowning Glory
Welcome to your Raja Ampat expedition—where pristine limestone islands harbour 75% of all known coral species, and every day reveals marine biodiversity unmatched anywhere on our planet.
Dili, Timor-leste
Begin your expedition from this small but vibrant coastal capital, where Portuguese colonial heritage blends with the resilience of a young nation, and where the iconic Cristo Rei statue stands watch over the Timor Sea.
kitikiti waterfall, mommon
Experience the rare natural phenomenon of a freshwater waterfall flowing directly from lush jungle into the ocean, with opportunities to swim under the falls where chilled freshwater meets warm ocean currents on West Papua's remote Mommon Peninsula.
raja
ampat
Spend five full days exploring Earth's richest marine environment, where over 1,500 islands harbour extraordinary biodiversity including 75% of all known coral species alongside 1,800 reef fish species, with diverse activities from snorkelling vibrant reefs to searching for remarkable birds of paradise.
Banda Neira, Maluku
Walk through a living museum of spice trade history on an island once more valuable than gold, exploring colonial remnants including Fort Belgica while learning how modern Bandanese maintain cultural continuity through traditional rituals against a backdrop of volcanic landscapes.
Komodo National Park
Spend two full days exploring environments that protect the infamous Komodo dragon while discovering dramatic landscapes and snorkeling coral reefs teeming with over 1,000 fish species, experiencing one of Earth's most remarkable convergences of terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
Sumba
Witness the spectacular Pasola festival where skilled horsemen gallop at full speed while flinging wooden spears, and visit traditional villages featuring impressive thatched roof houses and ceremonial tombs marked with buffalo skulls commemorating family sacrifices.
Savu
Discover an isolated island where most inhabitants know their ancestors' names going back several hundred years, and where the ancient megalithic ceremonial complex at Namata village bears witness to spiritual practices dating back millennia.
17 Islands Marine Park
Explore a pristine archipelago where stunning limestone formations rise from crystalline waters, with opportunities to discover secluded beaches with powdery white sand and snorkel among vibrant coral gardens housing an astonishing array of marine life.
Kupang, West Timor
Explore a bustling port city where the vibrant waterfront forms the heart of local commerce, and where Portuguese and Dutch architectural influences stand alongside contemporary buildings in this important gateway to Indonesia's eastern islands.
Badas, Sumbawa
Witness the region's famous water buffalo races, ceremonial events rooted in ancient agricultural traditions, during a special cultural performance arranged in honour of our visit to this authentic harbour town.
Kei Islands, Maluku
Discover pristine coastlines of brilliant white sand on these remote islands, where local oral histories trace ancestral roots to Bali during the Majapahit empire's expansion—creating a fascinating cultural mosaic shared by communities who welcome us with genuine warmth.
Kalabahi, Alor
Discover Takpala Village where the Abui people maintain ancient traditions in authentic thatched-roof houses built on stone foundations, with opportunities to witness cultural performances and traditional craft demonstrations providing insights into largely unchanged ways of life.
Other Destinations
Jul 2025 - Sep 2026
Navigate 14-meter tides sculpting formations, casting lines in pristine waters where few have fished. Discover rock art galleries, swim beneath waterfalls, and explore secret locations accessible only to the expedition vessel.
Oct 2025 - Nov 2026
Immerse in traditional villages across 800 distinct cultures, paddle canoes through Tufi fjords, and snorkel above WWII wrecks. Witness ceremonies and connect with communities whose traditions transform your understanding of human resilience.
Dec 2025 - March 2026
Journey by traditional klotok boats to Camp Leakey, witnessing endangered orangutans at the world-renowned conservation centre, before exploring Indonesia's volcanic landscapes and encountering Komodo dragons.
