Maluku: Reefs, History and Island Traditions

The places featured in Maluku offer a range of different experiences: coral reefs and activities on the water sit alongside historic sites, long-standing traditions and inland island landscapes. When planning your trip, consider which of these perspectives interests you most: some destinations take you to the sea and reefs, while others focus on history or nature experiences.

Reefs and activities on the water

Pantai Ora is located in Saleman village, in the North Seram District of Central Maluku Regency, in Maluku Province. At the beach, visitors can snorkel from the pier above well-preserved coral reefs and observe small fish beneath the surface. This combines views of the underwater world with a convenient place to start snorkeling from the pier.

In the waters around Pulau Bair, you can explore by boat, swim and snorkel. Pulau Bair is made up of groups of small islands and rocky cliffs, surrounded by clear seawater in shades of blue and green. The reefs of the Banda Islands offer another perspective on marine diversity: the area is home to more than 397 coral species and 683 fish species, as well as numerous turtles. These figures refer to the Banda Islands, while Pulau Bair is located in Kota Tual, Maluku.

Banda Neira: Landscape and history

Benteng Belgica in Banda Neira is a well-preserved remnant of the Dutch colonial period dating from the 17th century. The pentagonal fortress is connected to the history of the spice trade, which once brought Maluku to worldwide attention. From the fortress, visitors can see Gunung Api Banda and the surrounding blue sea. Here, a historic fortress and views of the landscape come together.

Two houses in Banda Neira also offer a connection to the history of Indonesia’s independence movement. Rumah Pengasingan Sutan Sjahrir is a destination for history and educational tourism. It commemorates Sjahrir’s exile and Banda Neira’s role as a place of exile for several figures in the independence movement. Rumah Pengasingan Bung Hatta is also a destination for history and educational tourism. It is associated with Bung Hatta’s exile and gives visitors insight into his role in the struggle for independence.

The traditional Kora-Kora boat race is held every year in the Banda Islands. For the event, each village builds a traditional war boat according to old Bandanese practices and rituals. If you would like to experience the race, check the dates before planning your trip.

Traditions in Ohoi Wulurat

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 watch the Tarian Panah, a traditional dance that portrays the lives and struggles of the Kei ancestors. For Toar Torman, a betel nut is raised as part of welcoming guests; this tradition is still practiced.

Nature and flavors of Maluku

Danau Rana is the largest lake on Buru Island. Green hills surround the lake, and the air is cool. The lake is suitable for nature tourism, photography and relaxing away from the crowds. On Seram Island, Manusela National Park offers a different natural environment: tropical rainforests and mountain ecosystems provide 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.

Local products are also part of the travel experience. Ikan Garam is available at traditional markets, fish-processing centers, souvenir shops and UMKM outlets in various regencies and cities across Maluku Province. In coastal areas, visitors can also buy the product directly from fishers or fish-processing groups. Kue Kenari is available in souvenir shops, culinary centers and home-based businesses on the Banda Islands; some UMKM businesses in Ambon and other parts of Maluku also market it to visitors.

Discover more destinations: Ambon City, Kei Kecil, Ambon, Ternate, Bengkulu, West Kalimantan, North Sumatra, Papua.

For the main travel overview: Indonesia.