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SPICE ISLANDS 7N
25 OCT – 01 NOV 2025
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AMBON – BANDA – AMBON

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SPICE ISLANDS 7N
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The ‘spiceries’ were for centuries the most sought-after islands in the world, capturing the European imagination and inspiring Columbus to undertake his famous journey westward. Relive the Spice Island voyages of adventurers throughout history and discover the best of Wallacea, a region that is a key contributor to the mega biodiversity of the Indonesian archipelago, a waypoint for migratory birds and marine life. Snorkel in remote waters, see diverse species of birds and set anchor at the legendary Banda Islands, the original source of nutmeg and mace and now home to some of the most resilient coral and breathtaking underwater worlds. Travel back in time among nutmeg and cinnamon plantations and colonial architecture. One of the smallest of the Banda Islands, Pulau Rhun, was ‘exchanged’ by the British in the 17th century for another island at the other side of the world, a place known today as Manhattan.

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The Yacht & Founder
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Despite being born and raised in the landlocked city of Paris, Thibaud Epstein has been at sea for a good part of his life. Hailing from a family of passionate sailors, he spent as much time as he could on his parents’ boat in the seafarers’ hotspot Brittany, sailing the coasts from Ireland to Portugal.

After studies took him to Australia where he completed an MBA in Finance, he eventually settled in Singapore and Jakarta to join his uncle Remi Epstein, majority owner of the Kudanil Explorer, when the ship was still operating in the oil industry as a safety-standby vessel.

In 2016, Remi and Thibaud decided to convert the ship into a luxury expedition yacht, providing the perfect platform to explore the Indonesian archipelago. A 5* boutique hotel inside the robust shell of an ocean-going vessel, it is this unique mix of safety, space, and comfort that makes the journeys aboard the Kudanil Explorer so exciting; a fine combination of indulgence and expedition alike, paired with Thibaud’s sense for adventure and discovering new treasures amongst the 17,000+ islands Indonesia has to offer.

Thibaud leads every cruise and, together with his crew of 21, he can’t wait to show you the true beauty of Eastern Indonesia.

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Your Host: Jason Friedman
Hospitality Expert & Adventurer
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With a lifelong passion for marine exploration and an impressive career in luxury hospitality, Jason brings a unique blend of expertise to the Kudanil Explorer’s luxury expedition cruise to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. His love for the underwater world sparked at a young age when he earned his diving certification at 13, and by 18, he was a licensed PADI instructor. His fascination with marine life led him further to attend university in Indonesia. Upon completion of his studies, Jason took charge of the dive operations in the Banda Islands for Des Alwi, subsequently joining forces with renowned dive guide Larry Smith on the MV Cehili. Together, they discovered some of Maluku’s most iconic dive sites, including the mesmerizing Twilight Zone muck dive in Ambon and the bustling Too Many Fish on Pulau Koon.

Shifting his focus to hospitality in 1996, Jason made a significant impact in this industry too. He opened the first dive resort on Bunaken Island in Manado, marking the start of a successful career that saw him manage the esteemed Amandari Resort in Ubud and serve as opening General Manager for the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Qualia Australia, and The Siam Bangkok. In 2016, he founded his own hospitality consulting firm, leveraging his experience to assist in the growth and operation of several high-profile establishments including Rosewood Luang Prabang, Shinta Mani WILD, Shinta Mani Mustang, InterContinental Khao Yai and Mountain Lodges of Nepal among others. That same year, Jason joined The Kudanil Explorer’s development team leading numerous yearly expeditions aboard. His vast knowledge of marine life, passion for exploration, and unparalleled prowess in hospitality management have since added an extra layer of luxury and adventure to Kudanil Explorer’s expedition cruises.

DAY 1 | EMBARKATION

After arrival at Ambon Airport and a 15-min ride to the boat, we depart from Laha Bay which is one of the world’s most famous “muck diving” sites, known as the “twilight zone”, where divers can find some of the rarest and most unique marine life anywhere in the world. Ambon is famous in the circles of science and natural history as the “Galapagos of Asia”. As we leave the harbor and enter the Banda Sea, keep a look out for whales as well as schools of dolphins.

DAY 2 | PULAU RHUN

Wake up in Rhun, the (in-)famous island once traded by the British to the Dutch for Manhattan. Kayak over gentle, shallow coral reef to visit the island where Pak Denny will welcome you and show you around the local nutmeg plantation and colourful village. Over lunch, the ship moves to the island’s East side with a picture-perfect white-sand beach at your doorstep. There are several prime dive sites around the island of Rhun, always accessible with our speedboats in no time.

DAY 3 | PULAU AI

In 1615, the Dutch invaded Pulau Ai and built Fort Revenge which you can still visit. Until today, there are active nutmeg plantations as well as colonial-style mansions on the island. One of Ai’s greatest attractions is snorkelling and scuba diving on a pristine coral drop-off that lies just off the beach.

DAY 4 – 5 | BANDA NEIRA

Welcome to the heart of the Spice Islands. Banda Neira is one of the most scenic harbours to arrive in and certainly a highlight of the journey.

Stepping onto the shores of Banda Neira is like taking a stroll through history. Visit Fort Belgica atop the hill overlooking Banda Neira Bay, with ancient canons reminding us of times when Banda’s production of one the most sought-after commodities was one worth fighting for. Colonial architecture is evident everywhere on the island, built by those once catapulted into wealth after completing an arduous journey for spices once worth their weight in gold.

There are around 10 dive sites in Banda Neira, one of them Lava Flow which can also be explored snorkeling. Lava Flow is a unique dive site where an erupting volcano destroyed the reef but it has regrown on the fertile grounds to an even prettier dive experience.

DAY 6 | BATU KAPAL & HATTA

In the morning, we visit a group of islets of which Batu Kapal and Pulau Pisang stand out, Batu Kapal offers a pinnacle dive that would suit more advanced divers who can encounter pelagic marine life. Or enjoy the more user-friendly reefs and beaches on Pulau Pisang. We will spend the afternoon around Pulau Hatta, originally named Rozengain’ Island. It was renamed ‘Hatta’, to commemorate the first Vice President, Mohammad Hatta, who was exiled in Banda Neira in 1936 for fighting the Dutch and gaining Indonesian independence. The Banda Sea is home to migrating schools of hammerhead sharks who pass and are visible on various dive sites around Banda Neira including Karang Hatta, the nearby reef. Advanced divers may try their luck throughout the trip to witness this natural spectacle.

DAY 7 | NUSA LAUT & PULAU MOLANA

On our second last morning, we wake up in Nusa Laut with its colonial architecture and spend the morning at the local hot springs before we cruise over lunch to Pulau Molana where we have the chance for a last snorkel and dive. Get ready for a final cocktail party on the beach with sunset drinks dancing barefeet in the sand.

DAY 8 | DISEMBARKATION

After breakfast, pack and prepare to disembark from Ambon Airport

* All itineraries are sample itineraries and can often be adjusted further to your preferences.
** Please note that sometimes itineraries have to be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen reasons.

RATES

Notes:

• Rates are per cabin
• Early Bird rates are for bookings confirmed before 31 Dec 2024
• 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure
• Rates include all accommodation, meals, activities, experiences, and airport transfers
• Rates do not include flights, spa treatments, or alcoholic beverages

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SPICE ISLANDS 7N
25 OCT – 01 NOV 2025
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AMBON – BANDA – AMBON