Map of the Banda islands

The Gelderland, Wachter and Duyfken of the Moluccan fleet of the Fifth Expedition arrived at Ternate on 17 February 1602. The Dutch were welcomed and found their countrymen that had been left behind during the Second Expedition in good conditions. Unfortunately for the expedition under Wolfert Harmensz., the harvests on Ternate had been meagre and there was little trade to be had. On 7 March the ships again departed from Ternate to sail to the Banda archipelago. They stayed there from 14 March to 24 June Here trade was much more favourable. The Dutch made several deals and treaties with local rulers while filling up their ships with the coveted nutmeg. -

This depiction of the Banda islands was drawn in the journal of the Gelderland by artist Joris Joostensz. Laerle. The drawing shows the islands of Banda Api, Banda Neira and Banda Besar.

‘A’ shows where the ships lay anchored. ‘B’ shows where the ships we originally anchored. ‘C’ shows the volcano Gunung Api. ‘D’ shows the city Nero, likely Neira. ‘E’ is the city Labetaka. ‘F’ is a village named Catter here by Laerle. ‘G’ is a village named ‘Oubeer’ here by Laerle. ‘H’ is a small city named Leiac here by Laerle. ‘I’ is a city named Cilamo or Selamo by Laerle, likely referring to a place in the Selamun area. ‘K’ refers to a city named Combir. ‘L’ refers to a small city named Orantata, where meetings were held. ‘M’ shows the city of Lonthor. ‘N’ shows a hamlet. ‘O’ shows the island Pulau Ai. ‘P’ shows the island Pulau Run. ‘Q’ shows the island ‘Rossingeijn’, today called Hatta. ‘R’ shows islands named Manats and Menats here by Laerle.