I actually posted a reply to this same Q on the LP forum, Thorn Tree.
It is worth knowing that that "info" in the old LP guide, as quoted above, is awfully wrong.
Thanks for the info, I know from reading your posts on Thorn Tree that you know Maluku very well
Hope you don't mind, I have copied your answer in Thorn Tree below:
Easy!
There are about 2 ships per weeks stopping at Banggai between Buton and the Sulas.
They travel along the north coast of Taliabu to Falabisahaya on Mangole.
From Fala you can find direct boats to Ternate via Sanana.
Sanana also has 2 weekly boats to Namlea on Buru, which in turn is connected to Ambon.
If you plan to stop in any of the smaller villages in northern Taliabu, make sure you get a "surat jalan" from the police in Bobong (the capital of Taliabu Barat) first - I got scarily suspicious reception by the "babinsa" in 2 villages without one.
There are losmen in Bobong, Fala and Sanana.
Apart from an impressive fort in Sanana, highlights are limited to some inviting beaches (try east of Fala), and some stunning islets off the north coast of the major islands.
For historical stuff and scenery, push on to Ternate.
The forests in Sula are badly logged - the worst I've seen in Maluku!