Tag Archives: seatrek

The Coronation of the Sultan of Tidore — October 2014

Posted on January 12, 2015 by ianburnet

When our first Spice Islands Sailing Adventure reached Tidore in 2012 we sadly learnt that the Sultan had recently passed away. During that visit we were taken to a Council House high on the mountain, where the elders would meet … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sailing the Spice Islands

Posted on August 12, 2014 by ianburnet

The great arc of the Indonesian archipelago starts north of the island of Sumatra and curves south and east until it reaches Papua. This arc of islands is defined by a string of active volcanoes, in Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Death in Paradise

Posted on April 24, 2014 by ianburnet

The whitewashed residence of the former Dutch Governor on the island of Banda has some classical architectural features. From the golden lions mounted on the entrance gates, to the now defunct fountain on the lawn in the forecourt, to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Manhattan Transfer

Posted on March 12, 2014 by ianburnet

  This is a story that never ceases to fascinate. Whenever I give a ‘Spice Islands’ book talk, I am always asked “Is it true that the island of Run was exchanged for Manhattan?” Manhattan is often referred to as … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Spice Islands Sailing Adventure 2014

Posted on February 28, 2014 by ianburnet

The Ombak Putih is sailing again to Ambon-Banda-Lease-Obliatu-Bacan-Makian-Tidore-Ternate from October 8-19, 2014. Nutmeg and clove plantations, historic forts, old VOC buildings, dive spots, remote villages, local markets, Sultan’s Palaces, and lazing on board, are all on the agenda. Follow our … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fort Nieuw Victoria — Ambon

Posted on December 9, 2013 by ianburnet

With a few days to spare before the departure of the Spice Islands Sailing Adventure 2013, I had time to explore Ambon and Fort Nieuw Victoria. A fort on this location was built by the Portuguese in the 1500’s and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spice Islands Sailing Adventure — 2013

Posted on December 4, 2013 by ianburnet

This year we had a multinational group of 5 Canadians, 6 Australians, 3 English, 2 Dutch and 2 Germans making up our passenger list, we were ably led by our guides Jennifer and Arif, and the whole crew of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spice Islands Sailing Adventure

Posted on September 5, 2013 by ianburnet

It is time to stop procrastinating (The act of postponing, delaying or putting off) The Ombak Putih departs October 24 for its voyage around the Spice Islands Only 3 cabins left, the voyage of a lifetime awaits. Follow the link … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Want to get blogging? — The Power of the Internet — Worldwide views of the spiceislandsblog in 6 months

Posted on August 19, 2013 by ianburnet

Country Views Australia 372 United States 143 Netherlands 120 Indonesia 65 United Kingdom 28 Malaysia 13 Canada 11 Spain 8 France 6 Germany 6 Jersey 5 Slovenia 3 Romania 3 Thailand 3 Pakistan 2 Italy 2 New Zealand 2 Taiwan … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘East Indies’ goes to press

Posted on June 25, 2013 by ianburnet

After 5 years of research, writing and rewriting, the next book ‘East Indies’ has gone to the printers and is due back towards the end of August. It is in the same hardcover format as ‘Spice Islands’ with 224 pages … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment