Rising from the Banda Sea, Alor Island forms part of the historic Spice Islands. For centuries, nutmeg, mace and cloves were traded across the oceans for fortunes higher than gold. Today, the island is home to the Abui people, whose age-old traditions remain woven into daily life. The community is led by village chief Abner Yetimau (above), who presides over gatherings and rituals, including the trance-like lego-lego dance that brings the whole village together. He also leads a council of eight elders on matters as diverse as marriages and disputes, finances and sacred responsibilities. Elsewhere across the Coral Triangle, coastal life unfolds in quieter rhythms (left). At first and last light, fisherfolk work along the shore, sorting their catch, cleaning hulls and mending nets, their routines framed by the ever shifting tides. SeaTrek Sailing Adventures offers cruises reaching various islands throughout the Coral Triangle. seatrekbali.com