Indonesian Islands That Changed The World | Where our spices come from

Join me on the first chapter of a two-month journey across Maluku Utara, exploring the original Spice Islands by motorbike and climbing some of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. This episode begins in Ternate and Tidore, two volcanic islands that once shaped the world. For centuries, these tiny kingdoms were the global source of cloves — and because of that, every major colonial power fought to control them. Fortresses were built, treaties were signed, and battles were waged across these slopes long before Indonesia existed as a nation. Along the way, I explore: • Benteng Oranje, the Dutch foothold in the spice wars • The old Spanish strongholds of Tidore and the story of Sultan Nuku, a national hero • Tolire, a volcanic crater lake with one of the most famous legends in Maluku — the tale of the crocodile that guards its waters • Daily life in Ternate’s markets and streets • And finally, the hike up Gunung Gamalama, the towering volcano that dominates the island This is the beginning of an adventure that will take me across remote islands, through rivers on the motorbike, and deep into Indonesia’s volcanic frontier — leading next to Dukono, one of the most continuously erupting volcanoes in the world. If you love exploration, history, volcanoes, and the hidden corners of Indonesia, follow the rest of this series. Subscribe for Episode 2: The Ascent of Dukono. 🌋