There is something about diving and exploring the Spice Islands that feels special. Some things that you see in this historical place simply deserve such deep attention, a deep admiration. And today we are here to share them with you.
Until the next tide,
South Halmahera, September 17th, 2026
Wallacea Dive Cruise Team
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While the vessel was on her way back to port, our Cruise Director Franck was able to capture the lovely view of the sunset. But this was not your regular sunset; it was one that overlooked the two legendary volcanoes of the Spice Islands, situated between Ternate with Mount Gamalama and Tidore with Mount Kiemtabu.
That sunset is one that gets you questioning whether someone in the past – a boat captain, a spice trader, an explorer – has ever sailed in that exact same spot, looking at the exact same sun. Because Ternate and Tidore have a tale they still tell even to this day.
The Sultanates of Ternate and Tidore were once the two strongest spice powers, who dominated the global age of spice trading with their priceless cloves. Led by their powerful sultans, they traded in balance with healthy rivalry.
In the early 16th century, the European explorers arrived on their shores, and they had the ambition to dominate local spice traders and monopolize the market. They used the devide et impera (divide and conquer) tactic to turn both sultanates against each other.
The tactic brewed hostility between the two empires and created instability in their business. However, they managed to uncover the tactic and united to fight back. This tale has been told in Indonesian schools for so many years, even to this day.
Just below that sunset lie underwater wonders who have seen such tales. A manta ray gliding in the water on its own, a school of spadefish gossiping about human life. If only they could talk, imagine how much they could tell us.
Looking at things more closely often shows things that you normally would miss. While Spice Islands is teeming with big critters, undivided attention will take you deeper into its wonders, revealing the smaller details nature carved for us. Because the longer you look, the more you will see.
It was a lovely dive near Saleh Kecil Island when we encountered a really tiny creature, looking strikingly pink between the reefs. We recognized that this one looked quite familiar, but it didn’t come in its regular size. It was a frogfish, a juvenile.
But the frogfish was just an opening act. Deeper into the dive, time seemed to slow as we looked closer into the reef. What first appeared to be a quiet ocean floor soon became alive with hidden encounters. Tiny creatures emerging from their camouflage, swaying gently with the current; such bright colors appearing in the strangest places. These moments of discovery became the memories that stayed long after returning to the surface.
