Witness the extraordinary sacred eels of Waai — giant moray eels that emerge at a freshwater spring when called by the village elder — then ascend to the ancient hilltop village of Soya Atas for a glimpse into Maluku's oldest living traditions.
What to expect
At Waai, a village elder performs the ancient summoning ritual, calling enormous sacred eels from their spring with an egg offering — an encounter that defies easy explanation and never loses its power. You then wind up into the Leihitu highlands to Soya Atas, an adat (customary law) village with a Protestant church dating to 1817 and sweeping views across Ambon Bay. The guide explains the living role of adat in daily Ambonese life, and a local family may offer clove tea and candied nutmeg. A deeply singular afternoon.
Good to know
The eel ceremony is weather- and village-schedule dependent — confirm the day before. Dress modestly for the village visit. Combined driving and walking time is roughly 4–5 hours; start by 09:00 to return comfortably before all-aboard.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Ambon — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.