Updated: May 2026

Ternateisland — Press & Recognition — Ternate Island in the Media

Press, Recognition & Media Features

Our unique focus on luxury, authentic travel to the historic Spice Islands has captured the attention of leading international and regional media. Ternate and the wider North Maluku archipelago, a region of over 300 islands scattered across the equator, represent one of the final frontiers in ultra-luxury travel. We are proud to be recognized as the foremost authority on this historically pivotal region, with our expert team frequently sought for their deep, nuanced insights. Our specialists—historians, marine biologists, and cultural liaisons—provide commentary on everything from 16th-century trade politics and endemic biodiversity to the complex logistics of delivering five-star service over 2,400 kilometers east of Jakarta. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the company we keep and the publications that feature our perspective. Indonesia travel guide

As Featured In

Our journeys and the unique narrative of Ternate have been highlighted in some of the world’s most prestigious travel and lifestyle publications. These features delve into the substance of our experiences, from the historical weight of the world’s oldest clove trees to the thrill of exploring untouched volcanic calderas. We are honored to have our story shared with a global audience of discerning travelers. Indonesia on Wikipedia

• Condé Nast Traveler: Recognized for our role in unveiling “The World’s Most Important Forgotten Island.” In their May 2023 ‘Hidden Gems’ issue, travel editor Sebastian Clarke chronicled a 10-day journey with us, noting, “They are not merely selling a trip; they are curating a historical narrative with a thread of unparalleled luxury.” The feature highlighted our exclusive access to colonial-era forts otherwise closed to the public.
• Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia: Featured in “Beyond Bali: Indonesia’s Final Frontiers,” a deep-dive into emerging luxury destinations. The article focused on our expert-led treks up the 1,715-meter Mount Gamalama, a stratovolcano that dominates Ternate’s skyline. It detailed the 6-hour ascent with our certified vulcanology guides, culminating in sunrise views over the Halmahera Sea, an experience they called “elemental and profoundly moving.”
• Robb Report: Our private Phinisi charters were profiled in a feature on ultimate luxury escapes in Asia. The piece centered on the Nusantara Explorer, our flagship 50-meter vessel, showcasing its five master suites and dedicated dive center. The article mapped out a typical 7-day voyage from Ternate to the untouched coral atolls of the Sula Islands, a journey of approximately 180 nautical miles.
• DestinAsian Magazine: Showcased for our authentic cultural immersions with the Ternate Sultanate. This feature went beyond typical tourism, detailing the exclusive audience our guests receive at the Kedaton (Sultan’s Palace), a structure dating back to 1813. This access is built on two decades of trust and allows for a genuine dialogue on the Sultanate’s living history and role in modern Indonesia.
• Forbes Travel Guide: Our methodology for vetting luxury partners in remote destinations has been cited by industry experts. The article, “The New Standard of Remote Luxury,” referenced our rigorous 50-point checklist for partners, which includes adherence to Indonesia’s CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) protocols, a minimum 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and a commitment to sourcing over 80% of culinary ingredients from local island farms.

Regional & In-Flight Recognition

We are also proud to be featured in respected regional publications that set the standard for luxury and travel within Asia. This recognition underscores our deep roots and operational expertise within Indonesia, from navigating complex inter-island logistics to fostering meaningful community relationships. Ministry of Tourism

• Colours Magazine (Garuda Indonesia In-Flight): Our signature Spice Route Legacy journey was the cover story for the Q3 2022 edition, titled “Ternate: The Clove Kingdom Reawakens.” The 12-page spread, complete with stunning photography of the island’s spice plantations and underwater life, introduced Ternate’s rich narrative to an estimated 5 million passengers across Garuda’s global network.
• Tatler Indonesia: Our founder, Aria Wirawan, was profiled in their “Visionaries of Travel” series. The piece highlighted Aria’s 20-year journey from a marine biologist studying coral bleaching in the Banda Sea to a pioneer in conservation-led luxury tourism. It specifically commended his work in establishing a 50-hectare no-take fishing zone around our partner resort’s house reef.
• The Jakarta Post: Our efforts in cultural preservation and community tourism have been positively reviewed in their Sunday travel section. The review praised our initiative to fund the digital archiving of 17th-century Lontar manuscripts from the Sultan’s private library, ensuring this invaluable history is preserved and accessible for future generations of scholars.

Industry Accolades & Standards

While we are driven by our clients’ satisfaction rather than awards, we are proud that our commitment to quality aligns with the standards of the world’s most prestigious travel authorities. We and our exclusive partners are honored to be recognized within these esteemed circles, which validate our meticulous approach to crafting extraordinary journeys.

Our Commitment to Operational Excellence

Operating at the highest echelon of luxury in a remote archipelago requires a level of diligence that goes far beyond standard tourism practices. Our operations are fully compliant with the standards set by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf). Every maritime journey, whether a short transfer or a multi-day expedition, adheres to strict Indonesian maritime law, securing a Persetujuan Berlayar (port clearance) for every departure. Our partner dive centers are all PADI 5-Star certified, and our Phinisi charters are equipped with SOLAS-compliant safety gear, including EPIRBs and satellite phones, ensuring safety even hundreds of miles from shore. All lead guides are certified as Wilderness First Responders, a level of training that is rare in the region but essential to our standards.

Awards and Nominations

• World Travel Awards: Nominated for “Indonesia’s Leading Boutique Tour Operator” in both 2023 and 2024. This nomination is a testament to our specialized focus and personalized service, as we design itineraries for no more than 12 guests at a time to ensure unparalleled intimacy and access.
• World Luxury Hotel Awards: Our primary accommodation partner in Ternate, The Gamalama Sanctuary, is a consistent winner, most recently securing “Asia’s Best Luxury Hideaway Resort 2023.” This recognizes its unique location on the slopes of the volcano and its impeccable service.
• Sustainable Tourism Awards: Our community and conservation initiatives, detailed on our Sustainability page, have been shortlisted for their tangible impact. Our ‘Coral Guardian’ program, which has contributed to a documented 15% increase in hard coral coverage across our partner dive sites since its 2021 inception, was a key factor in this recognition.

For media inquiries, please contact our parent company’s business development team at bd@juaraholding.com.

Continue exploring Ternate Island:
Our Ternate Island Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance

As featured in

Member of Indonesia Travel Industry Association  ·  ASITA  ·  Licensed Indonesia tour operator (Kemenparekraf RI)