Far beyond Komodo and Banda lies a string of islands whispered about by explorers and divers — the Forgotten Islands. Stretching across Indonesia’s southern Maluku region, this archipelago is among the country’s most remote frontiers, known for crystal seas, dramatic volcanoes, and untouched coral reefs.
They’re not forgotten because they lack beauty — but because they’re so far away that few travelers ever reach them.
For those who crave exploration beyond the well-known routes, the Forgotten Islands represent the final edge of Indonesia’s sailing horizon.
✨ And for guests aboard luxury yachts like Mischief and Otium under Samara Yachting, nearby expeditions through the Banda Sea offer a glimpse into this untamed frontier.
The Forgotten Islands (known locally as Kepulauan Maluku Tenggara Barat) stretch for over 1,000 kilometers across the southeastern edge of Indonesia — from Tanimbar and Leti near Timor to the Babar Islands, Damar, and Kisar.
They sit within the Banda Sea, bordered by Timor to the west and Papua to the east — a vast, remote marine corridor where ocean currents from the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet.
These islands are part of Indonesia’s Maluku Province, sometimes called the “Spice Islands of the South.”
Underwater, this region remains one of Indonesia’s last pristine ecosystems. The currents of the Banda Sea bring extraordinary clarity and nutrients, creating thriving coral gardens and deep walls alive with marine life.
Divers describe it as a mix of Raja Ampat’s biodiversity and Komodo’s wild energy, but with none of the crowds.
Common sightings include:
Schools of barracuda, trevally, and tuna
Hammerhead sharks (seasonally around the Banda Sea)
Pristine coral walls plunging into deep blue
Rare macro species like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs
Visibility often exceeds 40 meters, and surface intervals mean sailing past untouched islands with white beaches and coconut forests.
Above the water, life in the Forgotten Islands remains simple and traditional.
Small fishing villages dot the coasts, where locals still build wooden boats and weave palm-leaf roofs by hand. Electricity is limited, and mobile signals often vanish completely.
It’s a region where time slows down, and authenticity thrives — making it a perfect contrast to modern life, and a dream destination for travelers who value raw, genuine experiences.
There are no direct flights to the Forgotten Islands. Most travelers reach them by liveaboard or expedition yacht departing from Ambon or Saumlaki, sailing across the Banda Sea.
Because the islands are so spread out, itineraries are typically 10 to 14 days, including open-ocean crossings.
The easiest way to experience a similar voyage — with smoother access and luxury amenities — is by joining a Banda Sea expedition with Samara Yachting.
These routes explore nearby island chains such as:
Banda Neira — the historic heart of the Spice Islands
Run & Ai Islands — legendary nutmeg ports
Manuk Island — famous for sea snakes and bird cliffs
Hatta Reef — world-class diving near Banda Neira
✨ Banda Sea cruises bring you close to the spirit of the Forgotten Islands — remote, pure, and deeply connected to Indonesia’s maritime history.
While the Banda Islands are more accessible, they share the same sea, geological base, and ecological richness as the Forgotten Islands.
Many Banda Sea itineraries — including those aboard Mischief and Otium — trace routes just north of the Forgotten chain. Guests enjoy similar seascapes, marine biodiversity, and solitude, without the long-distance logistics.
In this sense, sailing Banda is like touching the edge of the forgotten world.
The term “Forgotten Islands” originated from their isolation.
During Dutch colonial times, trade routes connected the northern Maluku and Banda Islands but bypassed this southern chain.
As a result, these islands developed quietly, with little outside influence — their traditions, language, and ecosystems preserved.
Today, that isolation is their charm. For explorers, divers, and luxury sailors, these islands represent a rare chance to see Indonesia as it once was.
The best time to explore the Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands region is April–May and October–November — the calm seasons between the monsoons.
During these months, the seas are glassy, visibility peaks, and marine life gathers in abundance.
For now, few yachts venture deep into the Forgotten Islands — but journeys through the Banda Sea offer a window into this extraordinary world.
Whether you sail aboard Mischief with its handcrafted heritage design or the ultra-luxury Otium, part of Samara Yachting, each voyage through the Banda Sea captures the same spirit of exploration:
untouched reefs, ancient history, and the endless blue of the open ocean.
✨ Sail the Banda Sea with Samara Liveaboard — and discover why Indonesia’s most remote islands remain unforgettable.
Please get in touch with us! We will contact you right away and help you create your dream itinerary.
Mischief is a truly luxury wooden yacht build in the traditional Phinisi-Style.
