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Things to Do in Banda Neira, Indonesia - Banda Neira Attractions

Things to do in banda neira.

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1. Banda Neira Old Town

2. Fort Belgica

3. Gunung Banda Api

4. Bandaneira Church

5. Rumah Budaya Banda Neira

6. Bandaneira Chinese Temple

7. Fort Nassau

8. Dive BlueMotion

9. Indonesia port Transfers - Vince Group

What travelers are saying.

• Gunung Banda Api
• Fort Belgica
• Banda Neira Old Town
• Bandaneira Church
• Rumah Budaya Banda Neira

Banda Neira

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 3 Get around
• 6.1 Food souvenirs
• 8.1 Juice bars

Banda Neira or Pulau Naira is an island in the Banda Islands .

Understand [ edit ]

Banda Neira is a vibrant small town and become the gateway of the Banda Islands.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by boat [ edit ].

• -4.525187 129.896937 2 Port of Banda Neira ( Pelabuhan Pelni Banda Neira ), Nusantara . PELNI boats, KM. Nggapulu and KM. Pangrango from Ambon . Some cruises also come annually to Banda Neira, one of them is a cruise from coral expeditions . ( updated Oct 2022 )

Get around [ edit ]

Take the ojek (motorcycle taxi) or you may rent a motorbike from the locals to go to tourist attractions.

See [ edit ]

• -4.529063 129.900562 1 Istana Mini (Mini Palace) , Neira Island . Two buildings: the administrative office and residence of the Deputy Governor of the Dutch East Indies. Voluntary donation . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.526188 129.898937 2 Fort Belgica ( Benteng Belgica ). The fort was built by the Dutch in 1611 and has been fully restored. From here you have a beautiful view of the bay and the volcano at Pulau Gunung Api. Rp10,000 .  
• -4.526687 129.897063 3 Rumah Budaya Museum , Rumah Budaya Banda . This small museum exhibits old furniture from colonial times and tries to evoke a picture of the horrors that took place on Banda Neira by means of paintings. Rp20,000 .  
• -4.527437 129.899938 4 Mohammad Hatta Exile House ( Internerinshuis van Boeng Hatta in Banda Neira ), Jalan Rahatta . Mohammad Hatta was one of the founding fathers of Indonesia (first Vice-President). From 1934 until 1942 he stayed in exile in this house after he was arrested by the Dutch. Photographs and personal belongings are exhibited. ( updated Nov 2018 )
• -4.503188 129.894437 5 Mercusuar Lautaka . The breathtaking view from the top of a lighthouse. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.504687 129.903687 6 Maloli Beach ( Pantai Maloli ). ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.525813 129.897312 7 Sutan Sjahrir Exile House ( Internerinshuis van Boeng Sjahrir in Banda Neira ). Sutan Sjahrir is the first prime minister of Indonesia. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.526938 129.896813 8 Gereja Tua Banda . One of the oldest churches in the Banda Islands. Built by the Dutch on April 20, 1873. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.526438 129.897312 9 The House of Captain Christopher Cole of the British Marines . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.526438 129.905562 10 Masjid Besar Kampung Baru ( Al-Mukhlisin Mosque ). The oldest mosque in Banda Neira. It was inaugurated in 1889. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.528437 129.897688 11 Fort Nassau ( Benteng Nassau ). The first Dutch fort was built on Banda Neira. The fort was completed in 1609. ( updated Oct 2022 )

Do [ edit ]

Diving [ edit ].

• -4.52303 129.89838 1 Dive Bluemotion , Banda Neira, on beach, southwest of airport ( inside Baba Lagoon Hotel ). SSI dive shop offering a variety of dive sites and courses. ( updated Jul 2022 )
• -4.5286 129.8964 1 Luminocean , [email protected] . Sustainability-focussed social enterprive offering eco-diving training and courses in marine ecology. Ecodive course Rp7,450,000 for 7 nights . ( updated Jul 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

Food souvenirs [ edit ].

• -4.526063 129.896813 1 Toko Oleh-Oleh Khas Banda (Ibu Icha) , Nusantara . Nutmeg product, manisan pala (candied nutmeg), sirup pala (nutmeg syrup), and so on. ( updated Oct 2022 )

Eat [ edit ]

• -4.527313 129.897812 1 Rumah Makan Nusantara , Nusantara , ☏ +62 822 385 08356 . Indonesian food including nasi kuning ikan (yellow rice with fish), nasi goreng , etc. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.527263 129.898016 2 Belgica Cafe , Nusantara . Indonesian food. Around Rp20,000 . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.526687 129.896937 3 Bakso Banda Neira , Nusantara , ☏ +62 852 432 66219 . Try bakso ikan (fish ball soup). ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.525462 129.897203 4 Spice Island Cafe , Nusantara , ☏ +62 813 215 85332 . 10:00-21:00 . Indonesian food also serves jus pala (nutmeg juice). ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.529438 129.904187 5 Kafe Calepo , Kampung Baru , ☏ +62 853 545 56606 . Start 08:00 . Ikan bakar (grilled fish), jus gandaria (plum mango juice), kue manto (fish roll), and others. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.528937 129.899187 6 Warung Sepuh Bu Fat , Nusantara , ☏ +62 812 470 52244 . Open, 10:00 . Chicken and fish. ( updated Oct 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

Juice bars [ edit ].

• -4.527138 129.897672 1 Nutmeg Cafe Juice & Pancake , Nusantara . Fruits juices, oranges, avocado, bananas, papaya, pineapple. Also, the specialty dish, pancake selai pala (pancake with nutmeg jam). You may try sirup pala (nutmeg syrup) drink too as well as the nutmeg fish soup sup ikan pala . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.525438 129.902812 2 Cafe DKRF , Dwi Warna . Fruits juices, dragon fruit, apple, tomato, mango, and so on. Rp15,000 . ( updated Oct 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• -4.526813 129.895438 1 Vita Guesthouse , Banda Neira ( by the harbour ), ☏ +62 819 45090110 . This guesthouse is located at the waterside facing Gunung Api. Rooms tend to be a little time-worn, but the courtyard and the jetty is a wonderful hangout places and Alan, the manager of this homestay, can provide useful information about the Bandas and activities in English. Snorkeling gear rental and boat charter are easily available from the private jetty. The dinner (Rp50,000 per person) is very tasty. Fan double room Rp175,000 (Feb 2016), AC double room Rp200,000 including breakfast . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.526438 129.895922 2 Matahari Guesthouse , ☏ +62851-9747-1543 . Six rooms available (three with air conditioning), all with private bathroom. Good Wi-Fi. Rp250,000 and up . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.526813 129.897938 3 Mutiara Guesthouse , Banda Neira , ☏ +62 813 30343377 . Mutiara Guesthouse is run by the same owner of Cilu Bintang Estate. Rp300,000 and up . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -4.525763 129.897547 4 Delfika Guesthouse , Banda Neira . Another well-known guesthouse, in the village. They also have a new building on the seaside, near Vita.  
• -4.529937 129.901313 5 Mawar Guesthouse , Banda Neira ( In Bandaneira, next to the house of the VOC Governor General ), ☏ +62 813 43472742 , [email protected] . Abdulah, the manager of this homestay, can provide useful information about the Bandas and activities in the English language. The dinner (Rp50,000 per person) is very tasty. Fan room double Rp175,000 (Feb 2016), AC room double Rp200,000 including breakfast . ( updated Jan 2017 )
• -4.526687 129.895438 6 Bintang Laut Banda ( Bintang Laut Guesthouse ), Nusantara, Banda ( Same row with Vita Guesthouse and Matahari Guesthouse ), ☏ +62 822 483 07056 . A hotel by the sea, facing Mount Api Banda. Really spacious and clean rooms. If you're lucky, you might get Room 1, that has a view of the volcano, air-conditioning, and a double bed. Rp300,000 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• -4.528062 129.898563 7 Cilu Bintang Estate , Nusantara, Banda ( Near Fort Nassau, or the post office ), ☏ +62 813 303 43377 , [email protected] . A hotel with dutch knick-knacks. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• -4.528688 129.896187 8 Nassau Beach Guesthouse , Nusantara, Banda ( Near Fort Nassau ), ☏ +62 813 432 66771 . There is a beach in front of the guesthouse with traditional wooden boats. From Rp250,000 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

There are several other small homestays on Banda Neira island (though English will probably be a challenge).

Connect [ edit ]

The dialing code for Banda Neira is 0910 .

Go next [ edit ]

• Other islands in the Banda Islands. The two closest are Banda Besar and Banda Api .

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10 great reasons to visit the Banda Islands

March to April and September to December are the best months to take to the seas and visit these diverse islands, meaning now is one of the best times to go.

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ucked away in the south of Maluku, Indonesia’s remote spice islands are a destination far off the beaten path. Consisting of ten lush volcanic islands, they are ideal for outdoor adventurers and history buffs alike.

You can hike a still-active volcano and snorkel over coral-encrusted lava flows one day, then visit a 17 th century fort and 300-year-old ruins the next. Once part of the renowned Spice Routes, the history of these islands is fascinating.

• Immerse your senses in Great Nutmeg Island’s spices

Banda Besar, the largest of the Banda Islands, is the main location of fragrant nutmeg plantations. Known as the Great Nutmeg Island, you can join a Spice Tour there and learn all about the Spice Islands history as you visit the town and plantations.

Just make sure you take time to look at the horizon. This picturesque island and its surroundings are beautiful.

• Capture Benteng Hollandia’s incredible views

While you’re on Banda Besar Island, take a detour and visit the overgrown ruins of Benteng Hollandia.

This 1624 Dutch fortress was once the biggest in the East Indies until it was ruined by a 1743 earthquake.

Sitting high above Lonthoir (also known as Lontor or Lonthor) village, the views are incredible and easily accessible with just a 15-minute climb to the ruins.

• Grab your boots and hike an active volcano

For a more challenging hike and rewarding views, head to the small island of Banda Api.

Sitting at the heart of the Banda Islands group, Banda Api is an active volcano with a huge 7 kilometer-wide caldera.

Once a key location for spice trading when the British, Dutch and Portuguese competed for the nutmeg on the islands, Banda Api is now better known for its hiking.

A 5-minute boat ride from Banda Neira will take you to Banda Api Island, where you can start at sea level and hike to the top of the volcano at 640 meters.

Start early and remember there is little shade thanks to the latest eruption in 1988 destroying much of the larger vegetation.

Watch your footing as you come near the summit; parts of the ground are still hot and smoke drifts lazily out of cracks in the ground.

While the hike is challenging, the surreal volcanic landscapes and magnificent views across the other islands make it worthwhile.

• Experience Indonesia’s best-kept snorkeling secret

After all that hiking, it’s time to dip your toes in the turquoise ocean and see what lies below the surface.

The Banda Islands have some of Indonesia’s best snorkeling, which few people are aware of.

Banda Api’s lava flows extend underwater and you can snorkel over amazing coral gardens that have been growing on the lava since 1988. There are plentiful fish to find, including huge groupers, Napoleon wrasse and reef sharks.

The drop-off at Hatta Island beach is a great place to go snorkeling as well. You can swim with sea turtles, reef sharks, more Napoleon wrasse and schools of colorful reef fish.

• Dive remote, pristine coral reefs

While the snorkeling is fantastic at the Banda Islands, the scuba diving is even better.

There are more than 30 dive sites dotted around the Banda Islands, most of which can only be accessed by liveaboard diving thanks to their remote nature.

The Banda Islands diving scene is known for remote dive sites that host huge marine life such as pilot whales, as well as tiny marine life such as pygmy seahorses — which are smaller than your little fingernail.

The real draw though is the dense schools of fish and the sheer variety of marine life you can find. This diversity of life rivals that of popular Raja Ampat but with fewer tourists in the water.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for passing spinner dolphins as you dive, plus whales such as melonhead, blue and humpbacks. They are known to visit the area regularly.

• Visit the enormous 1620s fort; Benteng Belgica

After all that activity, slow down and discover the rich history of the Banda Islands.

The 17 th  century Fort Belgica on Banda Neira is a great place to start. It once acted as a fort when the Banda Islands were the only place in the world to produce nutmeg.

Now a UNESCO-nominated site, this classic star-fort built in 1611 has survived numerous earthquakes and is open to visitors. If you find it closed, local guesthouses can track down the key-keeper.

Read also: Banda Islands: Portal into another world

• Tour a 300-year-old Chinese Temple

Another Banda Neira highlight, the Sun Tien Kong temple is 300 years old and a relic from when the Chinese were involved in Banda’s spice trade.

This intricate temple is open at Chinese New Year but you can ask for the keys at the local Chinese-run grocery store opposite.

• Discover Banda’s colonial past at the 1820s governor’s palace

One of Banda Neira’s main historical attractions is the quiet and empty governor’s palace, Istana Mini. This was once the mansion of the all-powerful Dutch inspector.

Built in the 1920s, the palace features huge granite slabs, decorative floor tiles, marble, carved beams, heavy wooden doors and more.

Sitting quietly with a garden hosting a statue of Dutch King Willem III, this unique mansion is silently deteriorating. Visit it while you can.

• Rumah Budaya Museum 

If you want to learn more about the Dutch past of the Banda Islands, be sure to take a trip to Banda Neira’s Rumah Budaya Museum.

This cultural museum has plenty to while away a couple of hours, including centuries-old items such as Dutch coins, pots, baskets, a functioning gramophone and more.

• Forget daily life at the tiny white-sand islet Palau Neilaka

For a final moment of peace and quiet before heading home, take a short trip over to Palau Neilaka.

This tiny islet just off Pulau Rhun  is idyllic and a great place to switch off as you walk along the light-blue waters edge.

Remember to take your mask and snorkel with you or just laze about in the sea.

This article was written by Kathryn, a diver and writer with  LiveAboard.co

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How to get to the Banda Islands?

The Banda Islands, the most far away place of all remote destinations, have a reputation to be hard to get to. We can say it depends. During high season in October/November and March/April you have several reliable options to get to the Banda Islands from Ambon, the capital of Maluku which is easily reachable from Jakarta and Bali (via Makassar). If you go during low-season it can happen that most of the fast options are cancelled or generally stopped like the fast ferry.

Fly to the Banda Islands with Susi Air

You can fly with Susi Air from Ambon directly to Banda Neira, which takes 40 min. There are a lot negative comments about Susi Air online and it is banned from operating within the European Union due to safety issues so many people hesitate to go by airplane. We asked the hotel owners on Banda and they all use Susi Air to get quickly to and from Ambon on their way to a business meeting in Jakarta or Surabaya. We only heard very positive things about their operations on this route. Also the airstrip on Banda Neira is long enough, so you don’t need to worry. If our flight wasn’t cancelled we would have loved to fly with Susi Air instead of taking the local slow ferry. The airline which flies to Banda can change from year to year. For 2018 it is Susi Air.

How to Book a Ticket with Susi Air?

You can either buy it directly at the airport in Ambon or you need a local contact who will book it for you. It is also important to check the latest flight schedule as they are changing every half year, but they will fly at least twice a week to and from Banda Neira. There is no possibility to book flights online at the moment. The easiest way to get on the flight is to first book accomodation on Banda Neira and ask your accomodation to reserve plane tickets for you. Due to the limited availability of air planes, pilots and passengers, the flights can be cancelled at any time. So if you want to fly, you need to be flexible and have a backup travel plan.

Take the Fast Ferry

During the high season in October/November and March/April, when the sea is calm, there is a fast ferry going from Ambon to Banda Neira which takes 5-6 hours. The fast boat leaves two times a week, currently 9am on Tuesdays and Saturdays from the Tulehu harbour in Ambon. The boat never fills up so you don’t need to book in advance, just go and buy ticket before departure. The ferry always goes back to Ambon on the following day so Wednesday and Sunday 9am. The economy ticket is IDR 410k one way. As soon as the weather conditions change the fast ferry stops operating due to the big waves. The boat cannot handle big waves and therefore only operates when the sea is very calm. This could happen to you during the shoulder months or off-season.

Last Resort Take the Pelni (Slow Ferry)

If the two above options somehow don’t work for you, you can always take the slow ferry. The government-run company Pelni is always reliable and helps the locals to travel everywhere in Indonesia for a very reasonable price. The ticket is only IDR 100k per person from Ambon to Banda, just go to the ticket office and buy your ticket after you arrive in Ambon. If you need to check the Pelni Schedule, you can do this here . The Pelni is never cancelled so you can rely on the information online. The ride will take between 12 to 19 hours depending on the direction and the waves.

On our way to Banda, the airplane was already full and the fast ferry had already stopped operating so we had to hop on the Pelni. The sea was quite rough (normal for the rainy season in Maluku) so it took us 19 hours from Ambon to Banda. The boat was shaking so much that we both got sea sick and could not do anything except lie down and hope that we would arrive soon. On the way back, our flight was cancelled because the pilot was sick so we had to take the Pelni again. But this time, the waves were coming from behind so the boat did not rock quite as much and the whole journey took only 12 hours.

Economy or First-class Pelni Ticket?

Pelni offers different ticket options, you can go with the cheapest one then you stay in a big hall with mattresses to lie on. Most Pelni’s are overbooked so there is not a mattress for every person who bought a ticket. So people lie everywhere just wherever there is so space. If you want to walk around on the boat you always need to step over sleeping families. Also you need to watch your belongings all the time there is no space where you could lock bags. On other blogs there are a lot comments about pickpocketing on the Pelni. We didn’t have any negative experience also the way in and out of the boat was not as horrible as described on some other blogs.

There is also the option to book a private cabin with 2 or 4 beds and a little bathroom inside. This is very convenient if you have a very long ride or if you go overnight. The bed sheets are fresh and clean, there is energy to charge laptops and phones and the toilet is also fine. Don’t expect a luxury room, this is the Pelni and no cruise ship, but its is good enough to lie down and get a rest or in our case fight the seasickness. From time to time you will see some cockroaches passing by.

How to Buy the First-class Ticket?

You can buy the first-class ticket online, but only up to 3 days in advance. The normal Pelni ticket office only sells economy tickets. You can get your private cabin later on the boat. Just walk in to the information desk and there they will bring you to a cabin. You need to pay an additional IDR 300k per person for that. It is good to arrive early so you can make sure that you will get your private cabin.

Vegan Food is Available on the Pelni

Everybody on the boat is entitled to free meals and drinks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are in a private cabin the crew will bring you the food to your cabin. You can tell them that you are vegetarian/vegan then they will adjust your food box accordingly. Meals consists of rice and some veggies some also have tempeh. The food is actually not too bad. It is still good to bring some snacks like fruits or nuts for the long journey.

We hope you will make your way to the beautiful Banda Islands you will definitely not regret the long way. Also check our post about our stay on the Banda Islands and the extraordinary story of Magi .

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07 Aug BANDA NEIRA

The tiny Banda Island rise from the 4000 meter depths of Banda sea are one of Indonesia’s top destination for divers, the diving ranges from the shallow lagoon between Banda Neira and Volcano to the vertical walls of Hatta Island, the most easterly in the group.

Due to its remote location and the surrounding deep sea, the waters around Banda are extremely clear. Visibilities of 30m are common and on some days you can experience 50m+. The condition and health of the coral reefs is breath-taking – what makes the most important rule in scuba diving quite difficult to follow. Most of the sites are wall dives characterized by huge sea fans, barrel sponges and orange soft corals.

Trip duration

6 nights 4 of diving days., oct 1st – oct 6th, 2019..

Lets Go!  Dive in the edge of the deepest sea of Indonesia.

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Museum of Wander

Wet Dreams in the Banda Islands, Indonesia

With the best snorkeling on earth and legendary historic and colonial charm, Indonesia’s Banda islands, or Spice islands, are not to be missed

Getting to the Banda islands can be challenging. But then, in the words of Anthony Bourdain: You don’t take the A-train to Mecca.

Reaching the Banda islands is challenging. Still, you should go! You’ll be rewarded with the best snorkelling reefs in the world, as well as unique cultural and historical sights of Indonesia’s colonial era.

The Ambon-Bandaneira Ferry

Chaos surrounds me.

It’s not unlike catching a train during the morning rush, except the morning rush is more organized, dignified even compared to this. The mosh pit of humid bodies is durian flavoured, and the only way out is through.

“ Forget your manners, put your chin down on your chest, and use them elbows ,” I tell myself as I push forwards, trying to get off the ferry. Masochists would love this.

Somewhere in a forgotten corner of my mind Celine Dion is giving a heartbreaking performance of that Titanic song, while around me, dreams in boxes and plastic-wrapped cheap luxuries push towards the exit. Meanwhile, more oversized cargo is hoisted up and down the side of the ferry with pulleys.

Visually representing disembarking an Indonesian state-run Pelni ferry is a daunting task. A bowl of instant noodles turned upside down would do. No, instead, smashed against a wall would be more accurate. As I said, chaos surrounds me. 

Just like us getting off, the boarding passengers have only one way in -through us.

 “ Hello, mister “, the man squeezing past me going up carries what looks like a headboard for a bed. His face tells me that he must be going home to Papua. Immediately my brain retrieves a file from my cortex. 

It reads NatGeo/Cannibal.

“ Hello to you too. ” I shuffle forward.

One more floor. 

One more stairwell. 

Many more  Hello, Misters . 

The heat. The chaos.

Light and air, down the plank and when my feet finally step on land, it takes a few seconds to sink in…

I HAVE ARRIVED IN THE BANDA ISLANDS

Seeing the Banda Islands today, you’ll be excused for assuming it’s just a collection of ramshackle tin roofs fighting a battle with the tropical vines and downpours, just like many other towns in Indonesia. But it is no other town in Indonesia.

It’s the Bandas!

Rewind a couple of hundred years, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. See, the Bandas’ claim to fame is nutmeg. Yes, that brown spice you sprinkle over pancakes or in your latte when your inner hipster is on the loose.

Nutmeg, schmutmeg , I hear you say.

A Short History of the Spice Islands

Well, back in the day, nutmeg was worth its weight in gold and nutmeg trees only grew on this tiny archipelago, nowhere else on Earth. When the plague broke out in Europe, nutmeg was considered a cure, and the Dutch were the proud owners of a colony where money grew on trees. As a result, nutmeg could be sold at 300 times the purchase price back in Europe. These are the Spice Islands.

This small archipelago was actually a big game-changer in modern history. The spice trade led to Columbus going on a voyage in search of a shortcut. Instead of finding spice, he stumbled upon the Americas.

The Dutch VOC decided to start a pit stop, a B&B if you will, in Cape Town at the foot of Table Mountain. This allowed the VOC ships a place for R&R on their way to and from Batavia (Jakarta). The owners of the B&B are my ancestors. As a result, I was born with a pale skin and a Dutch name under the scorching African sky.

Later, the Dutch panicked when the British wanted in on the lucrative business (as they always did). The Brits had control over nearby Run Island, which is only 20 km away. But Run had no nutmeg. To keep the pesty Poms away, the Dutch traded Run island for another obscure Dutch island to protect their monopoly on the trade. The name of the other island? Manhattan.

Yes…that Manhattan.

Long story short, somehow, the Brits managed to smuggle a few nutmeg saplings out, which were transplanted in Sri Lanka. As a result, the Dutch lost control over the monopoly, the VOC went bankrupt and, eventually, Indonesia became independent, and the Bandas were forgotten.

Banda Neira

Standing there on the dock, I want to high-five myself for making it here. But more than that, I want, no need a shower. And sleep. Travelling nonstop for almost 3 days, first flying from Seoul to Singapore, connecting to Jakarta before a midnight flight to Ambon, and then overnight on that  fucked up  challenging ferry, getting to the Banda islands is not easy. More so in July, which is the middle of the rainy season.

Walking to my guesthouse, the scenes confirm that I had indeed arrived in the spice islands. Cloves and cinnamon bark are laid out to dry in front of almost every house. Meanwhile, big bags of nutmeg are hoisted onto the Pelni ferry before it departs again.

After a short and fragrant walk, I reach  Vita Guest House.  At 100 000 IDR a night (pancake breakfast included), it is hard not to instantly like Vita Guest House. 

My ensuite room is right on the water. Open the door, and I can spot mandarin fish swimming around. Vita is actually one of the most accessible places to see these beauties. 

I have an unobstructed view of Gunung Api, or fire mountain, across the narrow straight when I look up.

After a much-deserved shower, I hear the ferry horn blowing, and when I look out, I see the  fucked up  dreadful ferry sailing off into the sunrise. I picture it being loaded to the rafters carrying people in every available space, even in the lifeboats. There are piles of bananas and dreams in boxes and a headboard for a bed for a cannibal’s wife in Papua. 

It will be 10 days before the next ferry arrives. And then I give in and surrender to that sweet, sweet thing called sleep.

Colonial Heritage of the Banda Islands

Today Banda Neira, the main town, is crumbling away most beautifully. Here nature is in a manipulative, maybe even abusive, relationship with all this history. The lushness often massages too firmly. The roots and vines hug too affectionately, and the pouring monsoon doesn’t know when enough is enough. I can just imagine what would happen to these old colonial mansions and forts over time without outside intervention. But that’s the beauty of it. How it’s slowly falling apart but kept from disappearing. Call it couple-therapy in the tropics, if you will. There is no restoration for the sake of restoration. But things are simply being kept from completely disappearing.

The pentagonal-shaped Fort Belgica, built in the 1620s, is in fairly good condition and offers a sweeping view over Banda Neira and towards Gunung Api. Walking the streets of Banda Neira, you’ll probably stumble upon one of the many VOC cannons lying around. The streets are lined with gracious colonial mansions, and one doesn’t need a vivid imagination to get an idea of how life must have been here during its heydays.

Another fine example of colonial architecture is the Governor’s palace, now called the Istana Mini. Huge wooden doors with heavily carved beams and shuttered windows hide opulence and shiny marble floors inside. Outside in the garden is a bust of the Dutch King Willem III rusting away. The Dutch Reformed Church is another fine colonial building with its tombstone floor.

The architecture and heritage of the Bandas are unique cultural landmarks of Indonesia from the colonial era.

A Guide/Fixer for the Banda Islands

Meeting Maga was a blessing in disguise. July is the middle of the rainy season, and during a downpour of cats and Great Danes, Maga and I end up sheltering under the same roof.

“ Hello, mister “, a voice behind the sweet smell of a clove cigarette. A mouse with big eyes. Sharp nose. “ After rain, we go see nutmeg trees ?  Not far “

“ OK “, I say, thinking how much I hate being guided around. “ Why not ” trying to sound optimistic. I have no other plans anyway. And I actually do want to see some nutmeg trees… But I still hate being guided around.

Maga proves to be a great fixer. He takes me to the spice farmers on his scooter. The farmers cut open the apricot-sized fruit to reveal the fragrant nutmeg wrapped in intricate bright red mace. They showed me how to strip cinnamon bark from a tree and when cloves were ready to be picked.

Having Maga unlocks the gates of the Benteng Belgica fort. Without him, I wouldn’t see the Dutch names on the tombstone floor inside the church because I wouldn’t have known that the key was 3 doors down at a cousin of someone’s brother. When old buildings don’t excite me anymore, we go racing down the airport runway on scooters with his mates.

Say what? Airport? 

Yes, there is an airport. I was getting there, but since you’re asking. During my 10 days in the Bandas, not one single airplane landed at or left this airport. The ferry is still the most reliable way to get to the Banda Islands.

The Real Reason to Come to the Banda Islands

So you are asking: “All that way on a  fucked up  demoralizing ferry in the middle of the monsoon to  ooh  and  aah  over crumbling buildings and some old spice?”

 As fascinating as the Bandas are on land, it’s even better once you put your head underwater. 

This place will give Jacques Cousteau wet dreams.

Sir David Attenborough will use very un-sir-like words to describe the magnificence of the Banda sea. I, well, the snorkelling left me speechless. Smack bang in the middle of the coral triangle with crystal clear water and an abundance of sea life-this is the reason why you will want to get to the Banda Islands.

Where to Snorkel in the Banda Islands

Arguably the best place to snorkel is on the side of the volcano where the recent lava flow drops into the sea. Taking a  ketingting  (motorized canoe) takes about 30 minutes and 50 000 IDR. 

Coral gardens, no forests, await. It’s a whole new world once your head is underwater.

The fish are like paintings made by kindergartners on acid. You’ll drift over flat coral the size of your dining table and coral tubes grown men can disappear into. All the usual suspects are here: Nemo, trigger and parrotfish, moray eels, you name it. The sheer number of fish is astonishing. 

Nearby, tiny Karaka island lacks the amazing coral seen at the lava flow but makes up for it in big fish. It also has a small sandy beach compared to the rocky shore at the lava flow. Here I see huge napoleons and barracudas as well as an enormous sea snake.

On one side of the island, I see all the smaller fish in the shallows, and then as you swim around the tip of the island, it drops off into the abyss. It is like floating in a humongous cobalt blue pot of everything and nothing simultaneously -utterly surreal and quite hard to explain.

Get some Nasi Goreng or doughnuts from one of the women in the market and bring them with you. All that swimming works up an appetite.

Visiting Pulau Ay/Ai

I go to nearby Pulau Ay (also spelt Ai) for 2 nights. Just like in Banda Neira, I am the only tourist on the island.

“We are full from November to March”, says Ardy from Ardy’s homestay, and he takes out his guestbook to show me. “People from Italy, Germany and Slovenia come here for weeks, sometimes a whole month,” he says proudly.

During my two nights here, I didn’t get to see Ay’s fabled snorkelling sites. Cats and Great Danes are coming down again, and the sea is rough and murky. Between rains, I look for chards of Delft on the beach and walk dwarfed between giant Kenari (almond) trees.

These almond trees are hundreds of years old and were planted to provide shade for the shade-loving nutmeg trees.

Ardy’s is the only place open during my visit. The Green Coconut right on the beach looks fantastic but is unfortunately closed.

Ardy is a solid choice with very comfy beds, good food, and an endless flow of coffee and fried bananas over good conversations. When I’m here again, I wouldn’t mind staying at Ardy’s for a couple of weeks. Perhaps even a month.

Climbing Banda Api

Back in Bandaneira, I still want to do one thing. “ Just walk. Straight up. Maybe 2 hours up. ” Maga’s smoking hand points to the top. And with these directions, I set out to climb Gunung Api (Fire Mountain).

Halfway up, still between the ferns and lushness, the heavens open and starts pouring. I am cold, soaked and miserable. Turning back is no option, so I soldier on until the trees fade away. Meanwhile, mother nature hates me as the rain keeps soaking me.

There is no view when I finally reach the top. Nothing but grey, wet, doom and gloom. Feeling sorry for myself, I sit down on top of that fire mountain to catch my breath before making my way down. There is no reason to hang around. I just need some rest.

Sitting there, defeated, I take off my shoes to dry out my socks. At first, I think my mind is playing tricks on me. But no… the ground IS hot. The loose gravel is steaming hot. I buried my feet under it, then lay flat on my back to soak up the heat. I can’t help but smile while the rain keeps pounding my face.

Not long after, the rain briefly stops, the clouds roll out, and life is perfect.

Gunung Api is over 600 meters in height, but the path goes straight up, and the incline is quite steep. It should take you 2 hours each way.

The Pelni shows up again 10 days later (and 12 hours behind schedule.)

Sitting somewhat comfortably outside on deck 3 on bags of onions, I watch the Bandas disappear. I think about what a struggle it was to get here. And what a struggle it is to leave.

PELNI Ferry to the Banda Islands

You first need to get to Ambon, the capital of Maluku province. Direct flights from Jakarta or Makassar will get you to Ambon.

 PELNI ferry is the cheapest, most reliable, yet most uncomfortable way to get to the Banda Islands. They run twice a month, starting in Ambon and stopping in Banda Neira before continuing towards Tual in the Kei Islands and farther East to Papua.

Take a look at the  Pelni ferry schedule  and plan your trip to the Bandas to fit the ferry schedule. Remember that these schedules are not set in stone, so leave at least a day before and after your stay open to make up for possible delays. My ferry leaving Banda Neira to the Kei islands arrived 12 hours behind schedule.

Ekonomi class will get you space anywhere you can find, even in the lifeboats. While this is the cheapest, I will not take Ekonomi class ever again. Ekonomi it’s a great experience, and EVERYONE will come and talk to you and try to help you, but I suggest getting a cabin. You can lock your cabin and leave your bags inside while still hanging with the commoners outside on the decks. Food ( Fried chicken, Nasi goreng and snacks) are also for sale.

 When looking at the schedule, you want to go from  AMBON to BANDA NAIRA . I did not book the ticket online, but it sure is handy for seeing the schedule. I booked my ticket a few hours before departure at the Pelni office at the harbour in Ambon. The journey from Ambon to Banda takes between 8 and 14 hours.

The port in the Kei islands is shown as  TUAL . The  Kei islands  have perhaps the best beaches in Indonesia, so definitely head that way while you’re in the region.

Flights to the Banda Islands

In theory, there should be regular flights between Ambon and Banda Neira. In reality, these flights are fickle and not reliable. Susi Air ( https://susiair.com/ ) operates “regular” flights on small 15-seater planes.

 The baggage allowance is only 10 kg. Flights should take about an hour and cost around 330 000 IDR. These flights can’t be booked online, only at their office at the airport.

Fast Ferry to the Banda Islands

There used to be a fast ferry between Ambon and Bandaneira on Tuesday and Saturday, returning to Ambon the next day. However, readers report that this service is no more. So it seems that the slow boat remains king!

Please let us know if you have any updates on the fast ferries.

Where to Stay in the Banda Islands

Vita Guest House : I stayed at Vita Guest House and was very happy with everything. Vita has 7 clean rooms, beds are comfy, comes with western toilets and cold showers (you won’t need hot water in this weather) and overall offers excellent value for money. Fan room is 100 000 rupiah per night, and rooms with aircon are also available.

Breakfast is included and consists of bread or pancakes, nutmeg jam, fruit, tea and coffee.

Set around a courtyard with a wooden jetty overlooking Gunung Api, Vita is a great place to relax.

Snorkelling gear (masks, snorkels, fins) are available for rent. The quality isn’t that good, so it’s better to bring your own. They can also help with boat charter.

You can contact Vita on +62 812-4706-7099, or email [email protected]

Delfika:  Delfika 1&2 are at two separate locations but have the same owner.

Delfika 1 oozes ambience and has a fantastic cafe. You should definitely come here to eat.

Delfika 2 is just down the street from Vita and also has a waterside location. The rooms look modern and clean. Fan and aircon rooms are available and go for 250 000 – 300 000 rupiah per night, including breakfast.

You can contact Delfika by email at [email protected].

Where to Eat in Bandaneira

Breakfast will probably be included in your room. If not, the daily market has lots of options. The doughnuts and sweet sago pancakes and treats are superb. When going snorkelling or hiking for the day, it’s a good idea to get some food packed to take with you.

Delfika 1, set in a former  perkenier  mansion, looks like an excellent place to stay. Even if not staying here, you should really come here for dinner. The eggplant in  kenari  (almond) sauce and garlic bread are highly recommended. The grilled fish is a solid choice too.

Best Time to Visit the Banda Islands

Maluku province, and the Banda islands, have the opposite weather pattern to the rest of Indonesia. While June-August are great months for the rest of the country, these months are the wettest in the Bandas. When I went at the end of June, it rained every day.

According to Maga, the  best months to visit the Banda Islands   are months with an R in them : January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December.

Rain tends to come down in HEAVY tropical downpours, which last just an hour or two. Rain falls mainly early in the morning, late afternoon or at night. As a result of the rain and choppy seas, small boats to nearby islands are often cancelled during the rainy season.

No boats were running to Hatta Island at all because of this, which was very disappointing. 

I’d say that days were 60/40% between rain and sunshine.

What to Do in the Banda Islands

• Snorkel Snorkel Snorkel!
• Climb to the top of Gunung Api for a breathtaking view of the Archipelago
• Go to Banda Besar. Stop at the pearl farm before heading up to Lonthoir for another great view
• Go to Pulau Ay for a few days
• Look for mandarin fish under the deck at Vita Guesthouse
• Chat with the fishermen at the market. They love showing off their catch
• Watch the sunset from the runway
• Go to Pulau Hatta for a few days if boats are running

Have a good time in the Bandas! Let us know in the comments below if there is a better place to snorkel than the Bandas.

13 Comments

Hello! As a Slovenian reading this article, I am really surprised to hear us mentioned as customers on Pulau Ai since I cannot seem to find any kind of information on our slovenian forums.,but I guess a dive club is organizing the whole thing and keeping it undercover….haha will have to ask around. I always seem to find a fellow slovenian traveler on the other side of the world even though there is only 2 millions of us :-). But you have confirmed that maybe my plan for Indonesia in November, I will have to continue from Raja Ampat to Banda Islands and Sulawesi to try to avoid the rainy season in Bali, Borneo and others lesser Sunda Islands, but I am worried that even though i will be there in the dry season, that the Covid Situation will yet again make my transits and travel a P*** in the a**. Thank you for your blogs, it always comes in handy reading your impressions and informations on travel. Regards, Laura

The Bandas, Raja Ampat and Sulawesi sounds like a fantastic trip. I took the ferry from the Bandas to the Kei islands and then flew to Makassar in Southern Sulawesi. September shouldn’t be too wet, but then it is the weather so no one knows. Have a great trip, and hope Covid gives us all a break.

Great travel article as well as excellent and informative photos! (‘A picture is worth a thousand words’). Thank. you. One question though. How in the heck does one get in touch with either Ardy’s Homestay and/or the Green Coconut Resort? I haven’t had any luck finding email or telephone #s on the internet. My wife and I would like to go to Pulau Ai during the upcoming dry season. If the snorkeling is anything like Raja Amat (we were there 5 years back) it would certainly be worth any hassles getting there.

Again, thank you for such a helpful travelogue.

Hi David. We are glad that you found it helpful. I assume that these places don’t have emails or Facebook pages. I have this number for Green Coconut, maybe give it a try on Whatsapp: +62 812 424 106 67. For Ardy, which was fantastic, I have nothing. Once you get to Bandaneira, ask your guesthouse about accommodation on Ai. I’m just a little jealous of your Banda trip 🙂 Enjoy!!

Thanks for this great and at times quite intimate travel guide. Will consider Banda islands

Hi. Love this blog post. It’s convinced us to go to Banda Islands next month. Do you have the WhatsApp for Maga?

Sam Air is now flying from Ambon to Banda, presuming rain allows, one-way 380,00 rupiah.

Pemda ferry is a new ferry option in addition to Pelni. Pemda leaves Mondays and Thursdays from Ambon at 21.00, arriving in Bandeira at 06.00, Not sure about the return leg. It’s a new ship. Rp150,000 for an airline-type seat that you can sleep in; Rp190,000 for a bunk bed in a dormitory (single gender) and Rp600,000 for a bunk in a cabin for 4 pax.

Thank you so much for the new information on transportation to the Bandas, Deidra. Unfortunately I don’t have contact details for Maga. He will probably find you, other wise ask your guesthouse about a guide/fixer.

Great article. Just arrived Ambon and looking for a guide to take us to the food markets. Any tips? We are headed out on a dive boat for 10 days so only have a short time in Ambon.

Hi Cynthia, I didn’t see much of Ambon besides the ferry terminal. Get an ojek ( motorbike with driver) or a taxi and ask them to take you around town. Someone is sure to know someone who can take you around. Have a good trip and I hope the food is good!

Try the English fish and chip shop. It’s amazing that they have set one up here but they don’t understand that “fish and chips” are two items. We ordered chips as well as portions are small and they just didn’t understand what we wanted. It had the history of chip shops in Britain all over the wall!

What a really great post – informative, interesting and great photos. Thanks.

Thanks for the information . Access to the Bandas has changed . There is no more speed ferry, so it ´s either Pelni ferries or flights . Sam Air operates 2 flights / week from Ambon to Bandaneira .

Nicolas, thank you for the update. I’ll update my post to reflect your valuable information. Thanks again

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Paket Wisata Pulau Banda Neira – 5D4N

• Description
• Explore kota Naira yang penuh dengan keindahannya
• Menikmati keindahan sunset di Benteng Hollandia dengan latar Belakang Gunung Api Banda
• Snorkeling di pulau Kraka dan Lava Flow
• Mengunjungi Pulau Hatta yang terkenal dengan keindahan taman bawah lautnya

Program Wisata

[B] : Breakfast, Makan Pagi  [L] : Lunch, Makan Siang  [D] : Dinner, Makan Malam

• 07.00 – 08.00 : Penjemputan di bandara Pattimura Ambon dan menuju Pelabuhan Tulehu
• 08.00 – 09.00 : Menuju Tulehu dan makan pagi (Exclude)
• 09.00 – 14.00 : Perjalanan menuju Banda Naira
• 14.00 – 15.00 : Checkin penginapan, Makan Siang (Include) dan Explore Kota Naira
• 15.00 – 18.00 : (Benteng Nassau, Benteng Belgica, Rumah Budaya Banda)
• 19.00 – 20.00 : Makan malam (Include)
• 20.00 – 06.00 : istirahat
• 06.00 – 07.30 : Sarapan (Include) dan persiapan menuju pulau Rhun
• 07.30 – 09.30 : Perjalanan menuju Ai, Rhun dan Nailaka
• 09.30 – 11.00 : Explore Ai dan Pulau Nailaka
• 11.00 – 13.30 : Explore Pulau Rhun dan Makan Siang (Include)
• 13.30 – 15.30 : Kembali menuju Pulau Banda Besar
• 15.30 – 17.00 : Explore Benteng Hollandia dan Menikmati sunset dengan latar belakang Gunung api Banda
• 18.00 – 19.00 : Bersih-bersih dan sersiapan makan malam
• 20.00 – 07.00 : Istirahat / free program
• 07.30 – 08.00 : Sarapan (Include) dan persiapan explore
• 08.00 – 11.00 : Snorkling di Pulau Kraka dan Lava Flow
• 11.00 – 12.00 : Makan Siang (Include)
• 12.00 – 17.00 : Snorkling di Pulau Syahrir/Pulau Pisang, Kolang Rotan dan Pantai Malole
• 17.00 – 18.00 : Perjalanan kembali menuju penginapan
• 18.00 – 19.00 : Bersih – bersih dan persiapan makan malam
• 20.00 – 06.30 : Free program / Istirahat
• 06.30 – 07.30 : Sarapan (Include) dan persiapan kegiatan
• 08.00 – 10.00 : Perjalanan menuju Pulau Hatta
• 10.00 – 12.00 : Snorkling spot 1 dan Makan Siang (Include)
• 12.00 – 14.30 : Snorkling spot 2 dan kembali menuju Pulau Banda Naira
• 15.30 – 16.30 : Snorkling di Karnopol
• 16.30 – 17.30 : Menikmati Pantai Walli
• 17.30 – 18.00 : Perjalanan kembali menuju penginapan
• 07.00 – 09.00 : Sarapan (Include), persiapan Cek Out dan menuju pelabuhan
• 09.00 – 14.00 : Perjalanan menuju Tulehu, Ambon
• 14.00 – 16.00 : Menuju Pantai Natsepa dan makan rujak natsepa (exclude)
• 16.00 – 17.00 : Menuju Bandara Pattimura Ambon, Check In dan trip selesai

NB: Jadwal tidak mengikat, bisa berubah berdasarkan situasi dan kondisi di lapangan.

Jadwal Open Trip:

• 27-31 Oktober 2018
• 17-21 November 2018
• Transportasi bandara – pelabuhan Tulehu PP
• Penginapan di Banda Neira 4 Malam (3 orang/room), AC, Kamar mandi, Free Wifi.
• Express Bahari Ambon – Banda PP (VIP Class)
• Kapal Hopping Island selama di Banda Neira
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BANDA NEIRA – ROTE ISLAND – RAJA AMPAT – SUMBA – LUWUK BANGGAI – WAKATOBI – MENTAWAI

Banda Neira

Banda Neira is a small island located in the Banda Sea, part of the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. The island is known for its historic significance, as it was once the center of the nutmeg trade during the colonial era, and was also the site of a significant battle between the Dutch and the British in 1621.

Today, Banda Neira is a popular destination for tourists, who come to explore the island’s rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as snorkeling and diving in the surrounding waters, which are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even dolphins and whales.

New Destination

Wakatobi is a group of islands located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The name “Wakatobi” is actually an acronym for the four main islands in the group: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko.

Wakatobi is known for its beautiful coral reefs and marine biodiversity, which make it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The area has been designated as a national marine park and is home to more than 750 species of coral and 942 species of fish, as well as other marine life such as turtles, dolphins, and whales.

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Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all. To strike out on your own and forge your own path. And there’s no better way to do it than through luxury solo travel. When you step out of your comfort zone, you can discover new ways of thinking and living. Discovering unfamiliar cultures and distant lands at your own pace and on your terms.

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• Encounter traditional ceremonies
• Learn about the region's history

Banda Neira Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Banda Neira trips (6)
• 2025 Banda Neira trips (4)

Banda Neira Trips by Activity

• Banda Neira small ship cruises (8)
• Banda Neira snorkeling (7)
• Banda Neira village visits (6)
• Banda Neira wildlife viewing (4)
• Banda Neira kayaking (3)

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Banda Neira

Wisata bahari yang eksotis hampir tidak pernah habis di kawasan Indonesia Timur, termasuk salah satunya Banda Neira. Kawasan kepulauan di Maluku ini selalu menjadi incaran destinasi open trip dari berbagai biro perjalanan.

Berbagai daya tarik mulai dari keindahan laut, pemandangan cantik, hingga sejarah menarik bisa Anda dapatkan. Terlebih lagi sambutan warga yang ramah dan hidangan lezat yang bisa Anda dapatkan jadi daya tarik tersendiri pulau ini.

Sekilas Tentang Banda Neira

Banda Neira adalah sebuah pulau mungil dengan keindahan alam yang sangat eksotis di Provinsi Maluku. Pulau ini memiliki banyak daya tarik yang menjadi magnet para wisatawan.

Di antaranya adalah kekayaan sejarah Banda Neira yang masih memiliki banyak situs bersejarah yang masih terawat dengan baik. Ada pula daya tarik alam yang berupa wisata gunung, pantai, dan juga pulau-pulau kecil yang ada di sekitarnya.

Di sini, wisatawan dapat menjajal wisata trekking di kawasan gunung pulau ini. Bagi yang gemar snorkeling , perairan pulau cantik ini juga memiliki spot snorkeling dengan pemandangan alam bawah laut yang mempesona.

Makanan khas Maluku yang bisa Anda nikmati di pulau ini juga membuat sebagian besar wisatawan penasaran ingin segera kunjungi pulau kecil di Kepulauan Banda ini.

Rute Menuju Lokasi Banda Neira

Banda Neira dimana? Menurut Google Maps , Pulau ini terletak di Provinsi Maluku, tepatnya masuk dalam wilayah administrasi Kepulauan Banda, Kecamatan Banda, Kabupaten Maluku Tengah.

Anda bisa mengunjungi pulau ini dengan menggunakan berbagai moda transportasi seperti Kapal atau Pesawat. Setelah tiba Anda bisa manfaatkan kendaraan sewa untuk bisa menjelajah lokasi wisata.

Di sini, tersedia beragam tipe kendaraan yang bisa Anda pilih di sejumlah tempat rental mobil terdekat seperti Salsa Wisata yang menawarkan pelayanan berkualitas.

Jam Buka Banda Neira

Untuk pulau ini sendiri, tidak ada batasan jam operasional untuk wisatawan yang ingin berkunjung. Namun untuk beberapa tempat wisata di ini, memiliki jam operasional tersendiri. Dan berikut informasinya:

Jam operasional di atas tentu bisa berubah sesuai dengan kebijakan pihak pengelola. Seperti wisata Gunung Api Ganapus, ada masa di mana akan dilakukan penutupan untuk wisata trekking saat cuaca sedang buruk.

Ketentuan ini juga berlaku untuk wisata gunung terdekat lainnya, seperti wisata Gunung Gamalama .

Harga Tiket Masuk Banda Neira

Harga tiket masuk Banda Neira Island gratis. Pengunjung nantinya hanya perlu siapkan biaya tersendiri untuk transportasi dan tiket masuk objek wisata yang ada di pulau ini.

Berikut kisaran biaya transportasi dan juga harga tiket masuk objek wisata di pulau mungil ini:

Biaya di atas tentu belum termasuk biaya lainnya. Seperti biaya belanja buah tangan di toko oleh-oleh khas Ambon atau jelajah wisata kuliner lezat di pualu ini.

Daya Tarik Wisata Banda Neira

Beragam daya tarik wisata dapat Anda jumpai di pulau ini, seperti beberapa daya tarik berikut ini:

Wisata Gunung Api Ganapus

Di pulau ini terdapat sebuah gunung vulkanik yang masih aktif, yaitu Gunung Ganapus atau terkenal dengan nama Gunung Banda.

Ketinggian gunung ini sekitar 656 mdpl dan menjadi tujuan wisata pendakian favorit para pendaki, termasuk pemula. Untuk sampai ke puncak hanya membutuhkan waktu sekitar 3 hingga 4 jam saja.

Sejarah Banda Neira

Pulau ini adalah bekas pusat perdagangan rempah-rempah terutama pala yang pada waktu itu pala sangat berharga melebihi emas.

Kolonial Belanda lalu menjadikan Banda sebagai pintu masuk distribusi pala. Tak heran jika pulau ini juga sarat akan bangunan-bangunan bersejarah milik Belanda. Sebut saja Benteng Nassau dan Benteng Belgica.

Benteng Belgica dan Benteng Nassau

Terdapat dua bangunan benteng di pulau ini, yakni Benteng Belgica dan Benteng Nassau.

Benteng Belgica adalah benteng berbentuk segi lima milik Belanda dan dibangun pada abad ke-17. Bangunan benteng ini memiliki bentuk unik menyerupai kastil.

Meski sudah berusia ratusan tahun, nyatanya benteng ini sangat kokoh. Dari atas bangunan benteng, Anda bisa menyaksikan keindahan Gunung Ganapus.

Adapun Benteng Nassau adalah benteng pertama Kolonial Belanda yang berusia lebih dari 400 tahun. Benteng ini menyimpan sejarah kelam pertempuran Belanda melawan rakyat Banda.

Kegiatan seru ini jangan sampai Anda lewatakan ketika berkunjung ke area perairan pulau ini karena ada cukup banyak spot snorkeling yang bisa Anda kunjungi.

Untuk menuju area snorkeling , Anda membutuhkan perahu untuk antar Anda kapan saja. Tarif sewanya murah meriah.

Rumah Budaya dan Rumah Pengasingan

Rumah Budaya merupakan sebuah museum yang menyimpan beragam benda peninggalan sejarah seperti lukisan peristiwa pembantaian di Benten Nassau. Koleksi lainnya yaitu tembikar, meriam, dll.

Sedangkan Rumah Pengasingan pernah menjadi hunian bagi sejumlah tokoh penting Indonesia, seperti Tjipto Mangoenkoesoemo, Sutan Sjahrir, Iwa Kusumasumantri, dan Moh. Hatta.

Pantai dan Keindahan Sunset

Di sekeliling pulau, terdapat salah satu wisata pantai terindah di Indonesia Timur . Pantai ini berpasir putih lembut dan air berwarna hijau toska.

Anda bisa bersantai menikmati keindahan pantai yang membentang luas sejauh mata memandang. Saat sore, Anda bisa bersiap untuk menyaksikan keindahan sunset di pulau ini.

Fasilitas di Banda Neira

Ada banyak sekali daftar fasilitas yang mendukung sektor pariwisata di pulau ini. Daftar fasilitas tersebut meliputi:

• warung wisata
• dermaga penyeberangan
• wisata sejarah
• pusat sewa peralatan snorkeling
• wahana penyeberangan
• layanan paket wisata atau open trip
• toko oleh-oleh.

Pulau kecil yang menjadi bagian dari Kepulauan Banda ini memang kini menjadi primadona karena keindahan alamnya dan juga fasilitasnya yang sangat memadai.

Anda pun bisa liburan asik dengan mudah dan praktis dengan dukungan layanan paket wisata dari Salsa Wisata. Kami juga tawarkan layanan rental kendaraan untuk mengakomodir kebutuhan mobilitas Anda di pulau ini.

Beberapa diantaranya adalah layanan rental mobil keluarga, minibus , dan layanan sewa bus pariwisata yang siap menjadi moda transportasi Anda selama liburan di Banda Neira ini.

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