.png)
Wildlife Quests
For the curious, the wild at heart, and those who dream beyond the beaten path. Hosted by a passionate wildlife traveller Will Routledge, each episode dives into the world of conservation, exploration, and human connection with nature. From in-depth conversations with wildlife experts and conservationists to unforgettable stories from the front lines of wild and untamed places. Wildlife Quests brings you stories that inspire, educate, and ignite your love for the wild world. Whether you're a traveller, a nature nerd, or someone who just wants to hear about people doing extraordinary things, this podcast is for you.
Wildlife Quests
1,800km Journey through Indonesia: Lumarara’s Whale Hunters
In this episode, I take you deep into one of the most remote and raw corners of Indonesia Lumarara, a traditional whale hunting village on the island of Lembata.
After a motorbike journey spanning over 1,800 km, ferries between islands, language barriers, and sleeping in strangers’ homes, I finally reached this elusive coastal village known for its ancient whaling traditions.
From arriving with no plan, to being welcomed with strange gifts and sharing coffee with locals beneath trees hung with shark fins, this story is as real as it gets. I share what I saw, how I felt witnessing manta rays and a whale shark being brought in, and the tension between cultural heritage and modern conservation.
Unfiltered. Personal. Eye-opening. This is the side of travel most people never see.
Follow me on YouTube for full videos of my travels: https://www.youtube.com/@itsawildlife4999
You can reach out to me on my blog if you have a story you would like to share, or if you are interested in learning more about my journey or my guests: https://wildlifequests.com