Now, the Bandanese had known for quite some time that a lot of their produce ended up on the other side of the world with people with unintelligible names in strange countries and were therefore delighted when they finally got a chance to meet some of them in 1512. Those guys, Portuguese as it turned out, filled up their ships with spices and then left Banda mostly to themselves for the rest of the century, concentrating mainly on the northern clove islands of Maluku. Not that the Bandanese were really heartbroken over that fact, since those newcomers always insisted on wearing heavy long clothes at all times, while having an aversion to regular baths at the same time.
For a very long time the bandanese people had it extremely good. There was no raja or king or whatever to tell them what to do. Only Orang Kaya, village elders, but they were…, well, old! So Life was great! They were in the unique position, that their little group of islands was the only place in the world, where nutmeg and mace grew naturally. They traded with Arabs, Chinese and Malay, made a good living off it and, because growing nutmeg does not actually involve much physical work, spend their time fishing or hanging out in the shade on the beach with friends.
Banda Accommodation
The Spice Island Divers operation is currently based in the most luxury residence on Banda, Hotel Maulana, owned by Des Alwi the King of Banda. The wonderful waterside positioning of the hotel affords the most spectacular views of Gunung Api. The list of superstars to have graced the island is impressive; Lady Diana, Mick Jagger and Jacques Cousteau have all sought out the peace and tranquility of this exotic hideaway.
The hotel is a traditional colonial design with an expansive patio and outdoor eating areas, overlooking the gardens, just feet from the crystal clear waters of Banda Harbour, built on the site of Pak Des' family pearl factory. There are 50 rooms in the residence, All rooms are air conditioned and have en-suite bathroom facilities. At just $50 per room per night, rates are very reasonable.
Local Delicacies
Food served at the hotel consists of a delightful array of local delicacies, concentrating on fresh fish and local fruit produce.
Some lucky divers may have the chance to meet the owner of the Maulana Hotel, the ruler of Banda himself Mr Des Alwi, and a tour of the town in his company is a pleasure indeed. To see an 80 year old gentleman with such zest and passion for life is intoxicating.
Spice Island Divers are on hand to respond to any question or query. Contact the Spice Island Divers office with specific questions that are not fully answered here.
The Banda Islands are one of the most unique destinations in the world. But are very remote, as a result of this there are a few questionos which are frequently raised by divers,
What facilities are available at the dive centre?
Spice Island divers currently guides divers to Banda accompanying the group from Ambon, the central hub of Maluku. This means that all dive equipment and requirements can be dealt with prior to departure. In any event, with rental equipment from Maluku Divers or Spice Island divers should be re requested.
Is it possible to climb the volcano?
Yes, Spice Island divers can arrange a climb of the volcano, this usually takes between one and two hours. Successful hikers will be made honarary citizens of Banda!
Yes, Spice Island divers can arrange a climb of the volcano, this usually takes between one and two hours. Successful hikers will be made honarary citizens of Banda!
What is there to do in Banda?
Banda isn't a very 'touristy' destination. There aren't many shops or souveniers to purchase. The community is relatively unchanged and so mainly divers enjoy a tour of the town to watch the community way fo life. The historical sights include Fort Belgica, the Butch Palace, Banda Prison, Hatta's House, Banda Museum, the local market and the nutmeg plantation on Lonthor island. Tours to the other islands can also be arranged on site, with Spice Island Divers.
Banda isn't a very 'touristy' destination. There aren't many shops or souveniers to purchase. The community is relatively unchanged and so mainly divers enjoy a tour of the town to watch the community way fo life. The historical sights include Fort Belgica, the Butch Palace, Banda Prison, Hatta's House, Banda Museum, the local market and the nutmeg plantation on Lonthor island. Tours to the other islands can also be arranged on site, with Spice Island Divers.
Is there any literature about Banda?
The best book detailing the history and stories about Banda, but in a readable, comfortable style, is "Nathaniels Nutmeg" by Giles Milton.
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The best book detailing the history and stories about Banda, but in a readable, comfortable style, is "Nathaniels Nutmeg" by Giles Milton.
Spices, more specifically Nutmeg, Mace and Cloves were the assets which elevated the Banda islands to the most valuable real estate in the world. Spice traders from across the globe set out in search of the original Spice Islands, in the hope of returning home with a cargo of the exotic riches. Nutmeg and Mace were valuable due to their well known preservative and medicinal qualities. With the bubonic plague rife in Europe, any supposed cure had incredible demand; and indeed nutmeg was thought to be a cure for the Black Death. The secondary spice of nutmeg production, the vibrant red mace, was also believed to hold medicinal powers secretly sought by gentlemen folk of the time.
In the rare event that merchants made the journey successfully, the rewards were significant and the traders grew rich beyond their dreams. The resulting colonial residences and palaces that were erected in Banda are still standing, waiting to be explored.
By diving Banda with Spice Island Divers, there is always enough time to explore the topside culture and historical delights of the region.
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In the rare event that merchants made the journey successfully, the rewards were significant and the traders grew rich beyond their dreams. The resulting colonial residences and palaces that were erected in Banda are still standing, waiting to be explored.
By diving Banda with Spice Island Divers, there is always enough time to explore the topside culture and historical delights of the region.
The intrigue of the Banda Archipelago lies not just below the surface. The sense of history found in Banda is exhilarating, it is in the heart of the islands and the adventurous few who bravely embark on a rare expedition to the region will be rewarded with a trip of a lifetime. It was not always the case that explorers arrived in these waters with peace on their minds. Countless relics lay scattered across the islands, serving as reminders of the days when Banda was once a valuable commodity, one whose fruits were worth fighting to rule.
Periods of Portuguese, Dutch and British control left their mark on Banda, the main example of such instantly recognised as Fort Belgica, commanding the hill over looking the town. Cannons lay scattered about the idyllic streets and a Dutch Palace, traditional jail and the island museum, filled with artefacts discovered over the centuries, wait for exploration. A walk amongst the local markets, brimming with spices and the day’s fresh catch, allows visitors to experience the local community existence, largely unchanged for centuries.
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Periods of Portuguese, Dutch and British control left their mark on Banda, the main example of such instantly recognised as Fort Belgica, commanding the hill over looking the town. Cannons lay scattered about the idyllic streets and a Dutch Palace, traditional jail and the island museum, filled with artefacts discovered over the centuries, wait for exploration. A walk amongst the local markets, brimming with spices and the day’s fresh catch, allows visitors to experience the local community existence, largely unchanged for centuries.
Spice Island Divers, a partner of Maluku Divers in Ambon, presents divers with the chance to explore the underwater delights of Banda, whilst offering extended time for exploration of the fascinating town.
The Banda Islands are amongst the most unique destinations in the world. The intrigue surrounding the history and culture of the region is mirrored in the underwater experiences too, with amazing variety of dive sites all easily accessible from Spice Island Divers dive centre.
Spice Island Divers offers the opportunity for divers to enjoy the topside and diving delights of a region which has for years remained remote and inaccessible. Dive Banda, the most abundant waters in Indonesia, with the only land based dive centre operating in the region – Spice Island Divers.
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The Banda Islands are amongst the most unique destinations in the world. The intrigue surrounding the history and culture of the region is mirrored in the underwater experiences too, with amazing variety of dive sites all easily accessible from Spice Island Divers dive centre.
Spice Island Divers offers the opportunity for divers to enjoy the topside and diving delights of a region which has for years remained remote and inaccessible. Dive Banda, the most abundant waters in Indonesia, with the only land based dive centre operating in the region – Spice Island Divers.
The Banda Islands (Indonesian: Kepulauan Banda) is one of the most beautifull place for diving in Indonesia. Either you are expert in diving or still a new one, you will enjoy the place. You can Start diving from Banda Neira up to vertical wall in Hatta Island. When you dive there sometimes you will see shark , penyu , a scholl of Napoleon Wrasse , tuna . big lobster and baraccuda. The Banda Island is a group of ten small volcanic islands in the Banda Sea, about 140km south of Seram island and about 2000km east of Java, and are part of the Indonesian province of Maluku. The main town and administrative centre is Bandanaira, located on the island of the same name. The Banda Island have a population of about 15,000.
Places for Diving in Banda Island.
Sonegat : This is the nearest place to dive. It’s around 5 minutes from beach. The location at Sonegat sea arm among Banda Neira and Volcano ( Gunung Api ) . Don’t forget to rent a guide man. There is one famous boy there. His name is Des Alwi. You can hire him as your tour guide. In this area you will see dogtooth tune , blue girdled and emperor angelfish.
Keraka Island : Keraka Island or some of people said The Crab island. A sand carpet in the north coast really a beautifull places for picnic. In the south of the coast there are several mini wall as high as 18 metre that was covered by hundreds large blue and yellow tunicates. In the east of the coast, you could see in the depth 10 metre , various fish of the coral stone and a group of barracuda.
Sjahrir Island and The Kapal Stone : The Sjahrir Island or that previously was known as the Island of bananas and the Kapal Stone only 20 minutes from the hotel in Banda-Neira by using the boat. This two places is a good for the activity dive in the morning, and the activity dive in the afternoon.
Places for Diving in Banda Island.
Sonegat : This is the nearest place to dive. It’s around 5 minutes from beach. The location at Sonegat sea arm among Banda Neira and Volcano ( Gunung Api ) . Don’t forget to rent a guide man. There is one famous boy there. His name is Des Alwi. You can hire him as your tour guide. In this area you will see dogtooth tune , blue girdled and emperor angelfish.
Keraka Island : Keraka Island or some of people said The Crab island. A sand carpet in the north coast really a beautifull places for picnic. In the south of the coast there are several mini wall as high as 18 metre that was covered by hundreds large blue and yellow tunicates. In the east of the coast, you could see in the depth 10 metre , various fish of the coral stone and a group of barracuda.
Sjahrir Island and The Kapal Stone : The Sjahrir Island or that previously was known as the Island of bananas and the Kapal Stone only 20 minutes from the hotel in Banda-Neira by using the boat. This two places is a good for the activity dive in the morning, and the activity dive in the afternoon.
The volcano ( Gunung api ) : in May, 1988, the explosion from this mountain killed almost all coral around the Volcano, but now , some coral is grow again. The slope of the seabed reached 30-35 metre.
Lontar Island : the most outside fence from the Island threw, it was representative the outskirts part one sunken caldera, offered several good places for dove.
The Dutch stone : in this place, you will find heterogenous barrel and the tube sponge, and small caves and the gap. The fish that was in this area was very varying and heterogenous: a group snappers, large the Emperor, and blue-girdled angelfish, wrasses, large pinnate bat-fish and heterogenous bannerfish.
A i Island : this island offered the place dove best in the Banda Island. Good in the north and south coast and west from the Ai Island, was surrounded with the wall of perfect coral. Very beautifull
Hatta Island: the Hatta Island only 25 Km from the Island of Banda-Neira. A coral could be under the surface of sea water found some hundred metre from the south of the Hatta Island. To a coral that emerged to the surface of the earth, you could see the parade from unicornfish, Fusiliersm Jack Fish, and Rainbow Runners, often were see Whitetip Sharks.
Travel Tips
1. Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive free e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.
2. Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online or at the local embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so they can contact you in an emergency
3. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home
4. Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines
5. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas
6. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas
7. As soon as you arrive in another country, you are subject to that country’s local laws.
8. Please take care with your exchange rate. Check your rate in internet before you change your dolar. Or it’s more save to change your dolar to IDR in the bank. A good website to check the rate is www.klikbca.com
9. Say goodbye and thank you when you leave.
10. Dress modestly. Women should keep upper arms and thighs covered
11. Use only your right hand to eat and to hand objects or money to someone.
12. To reach Banda Island , you must flight to ambon first. You can reach ambon from Ujungpandang. From Ambon to Banda Island you can flight using Merpati Airlines.
13. It’s only a little accomodation there. Unfortunately no one of them make online business. So we don’t have any recommendation.
14. Don’t forget to bring your camera because you can go out to see the Dutch fortress and visited the nutmeg plantation. Also the route headed the Volcano will leave the impression that will not be forgotten with scenery that was amazing around the island of Banda-Neira
15. Dove is oke each of time year round but Don’t dove from July to September.
16. Dove really comfortable with calm water and had the good look power, but several places selam depended on several conditions that made these places only might be used by the experienced diver.
17. Tried to lease diving equipment from the big company, but remembered to check again diving equipment by your self.
18. For safety holiday please protect your self and your family with international insurance.
For Recommended international insurance program , please click link below :
Get the peace of mind you deserve while overseas. Purchase International Medical Insurance for as low as 70¢ a day.
19. Some Emergency case please dial 0911 108 ( Telkom Information Center ) . Here , you can ask your hotel telephone number and another emergency telephone number.
20. Have a Nice & Safe trip
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Travel Tips
1. Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive free e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.
2. Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online or at the local embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so they can contact you in an emergency
3. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home
4. Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines
5. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas
6. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas
7. As soon as you arrive in another country, you are subject to that country’s local laws.
8. Please take care with your exchange rate. Check your rate in internet before you change your dolar. Or it’s more save to change your dolar to IDR in the bank. A good website to check the rate is www.klikbca.com
9. Say goodbye and thank you when you leave.
10. Dress modestly. Women should keep upper arms and thighs covered
11. Use only your right hand to eat and to hand objects or money to someone.
12. To reach Banda Island , you must flight to ambon first. You can reach ambon from Ujungpandang. From Ambon to Banda Island you can flight using Merpati Airlines.
13. It’s only a little accomodation there. Unfortunately no one of them make online business. So we don’t have any recommendation.
14. Don’t forget to bring your camera because you can go out to see the Dutch fortress and visited the nutmeg plantation. Also the route headed the Volcano will leave the impression that will not be forgotten with scenery that was amazing around the island of Banda-Neira
15. Dove is oke each of time year round but Don’t dove from July to September.
16. Dove really comfortable with calm water and had the good look power, but several places selam depended on several conditions that made these places only might be used by the experienced diver.
17. Tried to lease diving equipment from the big company, but remembered to check again diving equipment by your self.
18. For safety holiday please protect your self and your family with international insurance.
For Recommended international insurance program , please click link below :
Get the peace of mind you deserve while overseas. Purchase International Medical Insurance for as low as 70¢ a day.
19. Some Emergency case please dial 0911 108 ( Telkom Information Center ) . Here , you can ask your hotel telephone number and another emergency telephone number.
20. Have a Nice & Safe trip
The nutmeg of Banda was in the 17e and 18e century a very good commercial product for Europe. In 1621 Jan Pieterszoon Coen, the governor-general of the V.O.C. in the Dutch East-Indies, gave order to kill all the Bandanese people on the Banda-Islands because they were not willing to allow the Dutch getting a trademonopoly for nutmegproduction on Banda. An enormous tragedy. 15.000 Bandanese people were killed by the Dutch . After the year 1621 pieces on the Islands called "perken" where hired to Dutch people by the V.O.C. ; they became managers of the nutmegplantations. Slaves were set in at the plantations. Those Dutch people where called : "perkeniers"
The son of Pieter van den Broecke was one of the earliest "perkeniers" on the island of Poeloe Ay, one of the Banda-islands. Later the family also started plantations on the island of Lonthor . Much of the things you see at Banda referres to the V.O.C. -period. At several moments on Banda you can see rituals in which the battle between de Dutch V.O.C. and the original Bandanees people is performed . Freedomfighters Mohammed Hatta and Soetan Sjahrir where exiled to Banda from 1636 until 1942 by the Dutch .
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The son of Pieter van den Broecke was one of the earliest "perkeniers" on the island of Poeloe Ay, one of the Banda-islands. Later the family also started plantations on the island of Lonthor . Much of the things you see at Banda referres to the V.O.C. -period. At several moments on Banda you can see rituals in which the battle between de Dutch V.O.C. and the original Bandanees people is performed . Freedomfighters Mohammed Hatta and Soetan Sjahrir where exiled to Banda from 1636 until 1942 by the Dutch .
The only Church remaining in the Banda Islands. Legend has it that the clock stopped at the exact time the Japanese invaded during World War II - photo courtesy of Stefan
The fabled Spice Islands lie in the modern day province of Maluku in eastern Indonesia. The Banda Islands are 200 km from the nearest port town of Ambon, and are made up of nine islands - Run and Ai to the west, Manukang to the northwest, Pisang to the east, Hatta and Sekaru to the southeast, Banda Besar to the south, and the main central island of Banda Neira and its close neighbour, the volcano island of Gunung Api - together with two rock islets - Batu Kapal to the east northeast and Keraka at the Banda Neira strait entrance.
They have attracted regional and international traders for more than 3,000 years. Prior to 1500, no European had ever landed on the shores of Maluku, but there had always been Asian traders. The biggest and most valuable commodities were nutmeg and cloves.
The fabled Spice Islands lie in the modern day province of Maluku in eastern Indonesia. The Banda Islands are 200 km from the nearest port town of Ambon, and are made up of nine islands - Run and Ai to the west, Manukang to the northwest, Pisang to the east, Hatta and Sekaru to the southeast, Banda Besar to the south, and the main central island of Banda Neira and its close neighbour, the volcano island of Gunung Api - together with two rock islets - Batu Kapal to the east northeast and Keraka at the Banda Neira strait entrance.
They have attracted regional and international traders for more than 3,000 years. Prior to 1500, no European had ever landed on the shores of Maluku, but there had always been Asian traders. The biggest and most valuable commodities were nutmeg and cloves.
The Colonial Powers Arrive
After the first Portuguese and European vessel, under the stewardship of Francisco Serrao, arrived in Maluku in April 1512, the balance of power that had remained quite stable and little changed over the centuries, changed abruptly. The building of a series of forts set a new precedent in Maluku. The forts were built to ensure security as an Asian trading centre and to protect goods and people so they would not be arbitrarily seized by a local ruler. This pioneer idea later evolved into the modern concept of foreign naval bases. But it also set an immediate cultural barrier between newcomers and local people; also a local legacy of foreign naval bases.
The Portuguese power in the islands faded with their empire. The Dutch had a confrontation with them in Ambon, and expelled them. That was the end of their presence in the Banda Islands at that time.
The huge impact that these tiny and remote islands had on the European continent at that time was immense. Maluku was the most valuable piece of real estate in the world five hundred years ago. Thus Henry the Navigator, Christopher Columbus, Vasco de Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan began their fates with destiny. They spread the word of god and enthusiastically secured as much spices as their boats would hold. Although the work was treacherous, a sack full of nutmeg from Banda would put a common sailor into an early retirement if he made it back to Europe alive with the legendary spices to hand.
In 1579 the Englishman Francis Drake arrived in Ternate, at nearby Halmahera, aboard the Golden Hind, taking several tons of cloves with him; and in 1603 James Lancaster arrives and raises English flag on the Banda Island of Run.
In 1602 the Dutch East India Company was formed with a base on Banda Neira Island, and in 1609 the Dutch arrive in force, thus bringing the ensuing conflict with the English into sharp focus.
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After the first Portuguese and European vessel, under the stewardship of Francisco Serrao, arrived in Maluku in April 1512, the balance of power that had remained quite stable and little changed over the centuries, changed abruptly. The building of a series of forts set a new precedent in Maluku. The forts were built to ensure security as an Asian trading centre and to protect goods and people so they would not be arbitrarily seized by a local ruler. This pioneer idea later evolved into the modern concept of foreign naval bases. But it also set an immediate cultural barrier between newcomers and local people; also a local legacy of foreign naval bases.
The Portuguese power in the islands faded with their empire. The Dutch had a confrontation with them in Ambon, and expelled them. That was the end of their presence in the Banda Islands at that time.
The huge impact that these tiny and remote islands had on the European continent at that time was immense. Maluku was the most valuable piece of real estate in the world five hundred years ago. Thus Henry the Navigator, Christopher Columbus, Vasco de Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan began their fates with destiny. They spread the word of god and enthusiastically secured as much spices as their boats would hold. Although the work was treacherous, a sack full of nutmeg from Banda would put a common sailor into an early retirement if he made it back to Europe alive with the legendary spices to hand.
In 1579 the Englishman Francis Drake arrived in Ternate, at nearby Halmahera, aboard the Golden Hind, taking several tons of cloves with him; and in 1603 James Lancaster arrives and raises English flag on the Banda Island of Run.
In 1602 the Dutch East India Company was formed with a base on Banda Neira Island, and in 1609 the Dutch arrive in force, thus bringing the ensuing conflict with the English into sharp focus.
The Banda Islands (Indonesian: Kepulauan Banda) are a volcanic group of ten small volcanic islands in the Banda Sea, about 140km south of Seram island and about 2000km east of Java, and are part of the Indonesian province of Maluku. The main town and administrative centre is Bandanaira, located on the island of the same name. The Banda Islands rise out of 4-6 km deep ocean and have a total land area of approximately 180 km². The Banda Islands have a population of about 15,000. Until the mid 19th century the Banda Islands were the world's only source of the spices nutmeg and mace, produced from the nutmeg tree. The islands are also popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling.
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MAP of BANDA NEIRA TOUR PACKAGE
Day 1: Airport – Free Program Upon arrival at Pattimura airport AMBON your guide will accompany you to your hotel in town.
Day 2: Ambon Banda Voyage by PELNI passenger cruise ship to BANDA NEIRA ISLAND. This voyage will takes some hours. Arrive Banda harbor and check in at Your Hotel Banda is famous because of its spices, beaches, the Volcano, history and culture.
Day 3: Banda Besar Tour Enjoy your typical Banda breakfast at your hotel. Cross over by boat to BANDA BESAR ISLAND to visit Lontor village. Walk the historical 360 steps Up to the remains of fort Hollandia. Return by the same route to the beach and by longboat continue to sembahyang beach for swimming and snorkeling. Lunch will be served at the beach. Back to Hotel.
Day 4: Historical Tour After breakfast at Hotel, a short walk to Banda local market. Continue to local museum see the antiques and historical articles. Have a stop at the Dutch old church built in 1852 which have 34 Dutch Graves inside, the Palace of Governor J P Coen was built in 1611, the Bronze statue of King Willem II. Back to your Hotel for lunch. Continue the trip visit fort Belgica dated back 1611 and Hatta, Syahrir Resident. Back to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Volcano Island Tour Hiking to the top of Gunung Api (Volcano) 660 meter highest peak Of Banda. Start at 05.30 am from the south side of the volcano and you will reach summit 08.00 am or less. Back to your Hotel. Lunch, dinner and overnight.
Day 6:Free
B'fast in hotel Free Program
Day 7: Banda – Ambon Breakfast at your Hotel. Return at Ambon island by PELNI passenger cruise ship. Arrive Ambon harbour and transfer to your Hotel in Ambon Town. Lunch, dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Ambon – Tranfer Out Depart Pattimura Airport for your next destination.
Tour price inclusive :
Touring by non AC mini Bussess
2 nights accommodation in Ambon
5 nights accommodation in Banda
Entry fees, donations
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer in/out
Land/sea transportation
English / Dutch speaking guide
Tour price exclusive :
Gratuities and tips for local tour guide and driver.
Return PELNI ticket boat
All personal expenses such as room service, laundry, telex, facsimile, telephone etc.
Any other optional tours, which do not specified in the itinerary.
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Mountainous, rugged Banda Besar is by far the largest island in the Bandas, and the main location of nutmeg plantations. It has about a dozen villages and several historical attractions, but virtually no tourist accomodation. As such it remains very quiet, especially the far side of the island looking out to Hatta and the open sea. Nevertheless, it is well worth at least a day-trip from Bandaneira, and keen hikers or those looking for isolated beaches with great reefs just off the shore could actually spend days exploring it.
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Beautiful, quiant little Bandaneira is the capital town of the Banda Islands, that were once the World's only source of nutmeg, and therefore the scene of much fighting between the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English.As a result of all this attention, both Bandaneira itself, and the Banda Islands in general, are full of relics of the colonial era: forts, cannons and beautiful colonial homes.The islands are also extremely scenic, complete with an active volcano, and the surrounding coral reefs, largely undamaged by bombing, are about the most spectacular in Indonesia.All this has made them Maluku's most popular tourist destination.That is relative though - their remoteness ensures they are never overrun with visitors. Even Bandaneira itself is very quiet most of the time, and if you head out to the other islands, you are quite likely to have them for yourself!If interested in doing that, check out my pages to the neighbouring island of banda besar too!
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