From the pentagonal Benteng Belgica fort in Banda Neira, visitors can see Gunung Api Banda and the surrounding blue sea. This view brings history and landscape together in a single scene. Elsewhere in the Moluccas, discoveries range from coral reefs and mountain landscapes to memorial sites and living traditions. Whether you want to focus your trip on nature, history, or both, each place offers its own perspective.
Marine Worlds and Coral Reefs
Pantai Ora is located in the village of Saleman, in the North Seram District of Maluku Tengah Regency, in Maluku Province. At the beach, you can snorkel from the pier above well-preserved coral reefs and observe small fish beneath the surface. The reefs of the Banda Islands are home to more than 397 coral species and 683 fish species; there are also numerous turtles.
In the area around Pulau Bair in Kota Tual, you can explore the waters by boat, swim, and snorkel. The landscape includes small island groups, rocky cliffs, and clear seawater in shades of blue and green. The activities offer different experiences: at Pantai Ora, you can snorkel over the reefs from the pier, while at Pulau Bair you can also go out by boat or swim.
History and Traditions of the Banda Islands
Benteng Belgica in Banda Neira is a well-preserved remnant of the 17th-century Dutch colonial period. The pentagonal fort is associated with the spice trade, which once brought Maluku to the world’s attention. Its shape and historical significance make the fort a striking counterpoint to the view of Gunung Api Banda and the blue sea.
Two houses in Banda Neira also commemorate the exile history of Indonesia’s independence movement. Rumah Pengasingan Sutan Sjahrir is a destination for historical and educational tourism. It recalls Sjahrir’s exile and Banda Neira’s history as a place of banishment for several figures in the independence movement. Rumah Pengasingan Bung Hatta is also a destination for historical and educational tourism: it is associated with his exile and offers visitors insights into his role in the struggle for independence.
The traditional Kora-Kora boat race takes place every year in the Banda Islands. For the event, each village builds a traditional war boat according to old Bandanese practices and rituals. The race and boatbuilding are therefore both part of a recurring annual tradition.
Lakes, Mountains, and Forests
On the island of Buru, Danau Rana is the largest lake. Green hills and cool air characterize its surroundings; nature tourism, photography, and relaxation away from the crowds are among the possible activities there. This nature experience is distinctly different from the marine landscapes of the Moluccas.
Manusela National Park on the island of Seram encompasses tropical rainforests and mountain ecosystems. It provides a habitat for endemic animals such as the Seram cockatoo and bear cuscus. Hikers visit the park to climb Gunung Binaiya, the highest peak in Maluku.
Culture and Daily Life in Kei
In Ohoi Wulurat, Lutur Ko Yam Faak is a preserved prehistoric stone fortification and a testament to the former way of life and civilization of Kei society. Visitors can also see Tarian Panah there: the traditional dance depicts the lives and struggles of the Kei ancestors.
Another tradition in Ohoi Wulurat is called Toar Torman. It involves presenting betel nut as part of welcoming guests, and the tradition is still practiced. For visitors, the dance and the welcoming custom offer different insights into Kei cultural life.
Products from Maluku
Ikan Garam is available at traditional markets, fish-processing centers, souvenir shops, and UMKM retail outlets in various regencies and cities across Maluku Province. In coastal areas, you can also buy the product directly from fishers or fish-processing groups.
On the Banda Islands, visitors can find Kue Kenari in souvenir shops, culinary centers, and home-based businesses. Some UMKM businesses in Ambon and other parts of Maluku also market the product for visitors to buy. These regional products offer another way to experience the Moluccas, alongside its reefs, historic sites, and traditions.
Discover more destinations: Ambon, Ternate, Ambon City, Kei Kecil, South Sumatra, Banten, Papua, North Maluku.
View the main travel overview: Indonesia.
