Indonesia’s iconic Sail to Indonesia rally will return in 2025 with an exciting chapter focused on promoting tourism across the Maluku islands. Organised annually by the Yayasan Cinta Bahari Indonesia (YCBI), this flagship yachting event showcases Indonesia’s rich maritime heritage by bringing together international crews and travellers on a scenic voyage through the many wonders of the world’s largest archipelago nation.
The Maluku segment of Sail to Indonesia 2025, designated as ‘chapter Maluku,’ will see a flotilla of luxury and traditional vessels making port calls across multiple regencies in the province. Supported enthusiastically by the Maluku provincial government, the event has been incorporated into the official Calendar of Events Maluku 2025, underlining its significance to local tourism strategies.
From 21–27 July 2025, yachts from around the world will arrive in Ambon and Tual, along with a packed schedule of cultural festivals, music performances and regional delicacies. This extravaganza is expected to shine a global spotlight on Maluku’s stunning beaches and coastlines, such as Pasir Panjang and Natsepa, as well as historic forts, marine parks and the region’s vibrant traditional arts scene.
Further ahead, the rally’s northern arm will reach Central Halmahera between 12 and 15 November 2025, where participants will experience immersive cultural exchanges and explore the region’s pristine marine and island ecosystems.
This initiative dovetails with wider tourism trends in Indonesia, particularly the popularity of small-ship cruising around the eastern islands. Upmarket voyages such as those aboard the Katharina or Coral Geographer are drawing travellers keen to explore the Spice Islands, biodiversity hotspots and spiritual traditions across Maluku.
Maluku’s inclusion in this year’s Sail itinerary marks a strategic effort to present the province as a premier destination for slow, experiential travel that highlights both nature and culture. This forms part of the sector’s wider evolution towards more sustainable, more meaningful travel experiences.
With international crews and their entourage expected to spend several days ashore, local businesses—from artisan workshops and dive centres to eco-lodges and village hosts—stand to benefit from increased exposure and spending. The provincial government has earmarked promotional support and curated community-led programmes to ensure this spotlight translates into sustainable economic and cultural rewards for Maluku’s residents.
As Sail to Indonesia approaches, all eyes will be on Ambon Bay and other coastal hubs to see how festive energy, cross-cultural exchange and marine tourism unite to reinforce Maluku’s reputation as an archipelago of untapped beauty and warmth. With luxury yachts, traditional Phinisi sailing ships, village participation and world-class underwater experiences on offer, chapter Maluku is set to put wind in the sails of eastern Indonesia’s tourism narrative in 2025.
