[2] Banda was the world's only source of nutmeg and mace, spices used as flavourings, medicines and preserving agents that were at the time highly valued in European markets.

Malay pilots guided the expedition east via Java and along the Lesser Sundas before steering them north to Banda via Ambon.

When Serrão's ship had berthed at Gresik on Java, he married a Javanese woman as his wife, who then accompanied him on the expedition's further journey.

When the island's inhabitants, notorious shipwreck scavengers, surveyed the wreck from a boat, Serrão's crew posed as unarmed and helpless but wealthy castaways.

They became close friends and the Sultan appointed Serrão as his personal adviser for all matters, including military (Portuguese document purport) and family issues.

[5] His legacy was the trade deal he negotiated on behalf of Portugal for a monopoly on Ternate's cloves and other spices, which endured for another century.