Better than Raja Ampat? Expedition to Indonesia's Untouched Reefs | Halmahera, Maluku

Better than Raja Ampat? Expedition to Indonesia's Untouched Reefs | Halmahera, Maluku

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Echoes of the Wild
1 Video View·Oct 20, 2025

In this episode, we leave the iconic islands of Raja Ampat behind and sail aboard a traditional Phinisi into the last frontier of diving and exploration in Indonesia — Halmahera, North Maluku.

From the remote pinnacles of Wayag to the uncharted reefs of Batu Dua, Widi Islands, and the legendary Patinti Strait, this expedition takes us far off the beaten path to discover reefs bursting with life:
Swirling blacktip and whitetip reef sharks
Vast schools of fish & pristine hard corals
Rare macro creatures, including the Halmahera walking shark
Volcanic landscapes and hidden seamounts

Along the way, we visit remote villages like Pigaraja on Bacan, explore shipwrecks now teeming with marine life, and experience the warmth of communities living on tiny islands. Each dive reveals something new — from manta cleaning stations to “washing machine” currents that rival Komodo’s adrenaline dives.

📍 Why watch this?
Halmahera may just be Indonesia’s best-kept secret, almost untouched compared to Komodo and Raja Ampat, yet equally rich in biodiversity. If you’re dreaming of your next dive trip in Indonesia, this episode will show you why Halmahera deserves a place on your list.

Featuring: Wayag • Batu Dua • Widi Islands • Pigaraja • Patinti Strait • Guraici Islands • Ternate