The Maluku Islands cover a vast area, so for one week in Maluku I’d concentrate on Ternate and Kusu
Island in North Maluku. Start on a Sunday with two nights at Villa Ma’Rasai, a small hillside guesthouse
with a pool. The rooms are straightforward and the service is personal; the more indulgent part of the
stay comes later. Have a quiet first afternoon, then go out for dinner with a driver arranged in advance.
How to Spend One Week in Maluku
On Monday, explore Ternate’s spice history with a local guide. Visit Fort Kalamata, then head to the
lower slopes of Gamalama for the Afo Clove Gastronomy Tour, organized by a local community group.
Walking among the spice trees and learning how cloves are grown gives the island’s history a tangible
setting. There’s a cooking element too, so mention dietary preferences beforehand. By lunch, the
cloves at the back of your kitchen cupboard should feel rather more interesting.
Tuesday is the transfer day: fly from Ternate to Labuha, where Kusu Island Resort arranges the
onward car and boat journey. Spend four nights in an Ocean Villa, with an outdoor bathroom and a
deck above the water. There are only eight villas, so reserve early and keep the rest of the afternoon for
settling in.
Explore the house reef with a guide on Wednesday, then take the afternoon off. On Thursday, go
kayaking along the island’s shore when conditions allow, stopping at a beach for a rest. A guided walk
across Kusu’s wooded interior offers a different view of the island if you have energy left. The resort
also arranges birdwatching, so ask what is realistic for the season and your interests.
Friday brings a visit to Bacan, with a guide to explore Labuha’s market and the surrounding villages.
Ask about the produce sold here and which ingredients end up on your plate at the resort. Come back
for an afternoon on your deck and a final dinner by the water. On Saturday, transfer to Labuha for
your flight back toward Ternate.
This route follows Kusu’s published Tuesday and Saturday arrival and departure days, with its four-
night minimum stay. Confirm the island flights and transfers before committing to dates, and allow an
extra overnight connection outside this week if needed. Bring enough rupiah for extras: the resort
currently lists cash or bank transfer for on-site payments. Reserve snorkeling equipment in advance,
and dress with shoulders and knees covered for town and village visits. For a longer journey that also
combines cultural visits with an island stay, explore my luxury Indonesia itinerary through Java, Sumba,