The Maluku Islands in Indonesia: All About Vacations

The Maluku Islands, also known as the Spice Islands, are one of Indonesia's picturesque archipelagos. Steeped in stories of the "Spice Wars," the Maluku Islands beckon travelers with their pristine beaches, lush jungles, rich underwater world, and unique culture.

General information

• Location: In eastern Indonesia, between Sulawesi and New Guinea.
• Area: The Maluku Islands have a total area of 850,000 square kilometers, 90% of which is sea.
• Population: more than 3 million inhabitants.
• Religion: About 60% of the population is Muslim, the rest are Protestant.
• Main islands: Almahera, Seram, Buru, Ambon, Ternate, Tidore, Aru Islands, Kai Islands, Lucipara Islands.

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How to get to the Maluku Islands

The Maluku Islands can be reached by direct flights from Jakarta to Ambon and Ternate. Airlines operating these flights include Garuda and Batik Air.

History of the Maluku Islands

The Maluku Islands occupied a strategic position in the ancient spice trade, particularly cloves and nutmeg. These valuable commodities were highly sought after for their culinary and medicinal properties. Traders from distant lands crossed the seas to reach these islands, turning them into a hub of global trade.

• In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in the Maluku Islands, discovering a source of valuable spices for Europe. This event marked the beginning of a series of conflicts known as the "Spice Wars," in which Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and England fought for control of the archipelago.
• Portuguese dominance was challenged by the Dutch, who sought to dominate the lucrative trade. The Dutch East India Company set course for Maluku, entering into fierce competition with the Portuguese. In these conflicts, which lasted for decades, the European powers fought for control of the spice-growing regions.
• One of the bloodiest episodes of the Spice Wars was the tragedy on the Banda Islands in the 17th century. The Dutch, seeking to monopolize the nutmeg trade, carried out a brutal extermination of the indigenous population.

Despite their turbulent history of colonial conquest, the Maluku Islands have retained a rich cultural heritage. They are home to diverse ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions, languages, and customs.

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Culture and economy of the Maluku Islands

As the islands served as a vital spice trade hub, attracting traders from Asia and Europe, these interactions not only shaped the local economy but also its cultural heritage.

The Maluku Islands are renowned for their vibrant musical and dance traditions. Music, often accompanied by rhythmic drumming and melodic chants, plays a central role in ceremonies, festivals, and everyday life. Cakalele dance is distinguished by intricate movements and colorful costumes that reflect the islands' cultural heritage.

The Maluku Islands are also known for their traditional crafts, including intricate wood carving, woven textiles, and pottery. Spices remain an important part of the Maluku economy. Pearl farming, sago production, and fishing are also popular activities on the islands.

Tourism also plays a significant role in the Maluku Islands' economy. Ambon, the region's capital, serves as a gateway for tourists seeking to explore the islands' natural wonders and immerse themselves in local culture.

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Things to do in the Maluku Islands

The rich natural environment of the Maluku Islands encourages the development of sea excursions and activities in the region.

Diving in Ambon

Ambon Island offers two types of diving: muck diving, which takes place mainly in Ambon Bay, and reef/wall diving around the island.

Muck diving gets its name from the sediment that lies at the bottom of many dive sites. Dives often occur in murky waters, often filled with dead coral skeletons and artificial debris. This environment, with limited visibility, fosters the thriving of marine life such as frogfish, seahorses, scorpionfish, octopuses, crabs, shrimp, eels, nudibranchs, pufferfish, flounder, and many others.

As for reef/wall diving, the southern side of Ambon and around Haruku Island boast magnificent coral walls, drop-offs, and caves. Here, divers can expect minimal crowds, clear water, excellent reefs, and an abundance of marine life.

The best time for diving in the Maluku Islands is March and April, and from mid-September to the end of December.

Popular dive sites around Ambon include Batu Berdiri, Airport Jetty, Rhino City, Pintu Kota, the SS Aquila wreck, and others.

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Manusela National Park

Manusela Park, located on Seram Island, is a must-see for nature lovers and adventurers alike. In the local language, "manusela" means "bird of freedom." This tranquil spot offers a unique atmosphere of oneness with nature.

Manusela National Park offers breathtaking views of lush tropical forests, clear waters, and wildlife encounters. The park boasts a diverse array of plants, including various orchids, and is home to 118 species of birds and 38 species of mammals, including rare and endangered species.

In addition to the unique flora and fauna, there are four authentic villages, Mount Manusela, and Goa Hatusaka, the deepest cave in Indonesia.

Fabian Lambeck, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lolobata National Park (Akatajewe Lolobata National Park)

The park is located on Halmahera Island and covers 167,300 hectares, or 9% of the island's total land area. It is home to over 100 species of birds, over 50 species of reptiles, and numerous other flora and fauna.

Ruins from the Spice Wars

The Bandas Islands held immense strategic importance due to their production of valuable spices, which were in high demand in Europe and commanded exorbitant prices, making control of the islands a lucrative prospect for European powers. Remains of forts from this period can be seen here today.

• Belgica. One of the most significant structures built by the Dutch is Fort Belgica on Banda Neira Island. Built in 1611, its pentagonal shape, thick walls, and surrounding moat allowed the Dutch to maintain control of the island. It remains the best-preserved of all the forts scattered throughout the Spice Islands and is open to the public.
• Nassau. Situated strategically below Belgica, Fort Nassau is an older Dutch fort, significantly smaller in size.
• Hollandia. Located on the larger island of Banda Besar, the fort was another Dutch stronghold. After a devastating earthquake, it served as an administrative center and a trade control point.
• Concordia (Banda Besar). It occupied a more supportive position compared to the larger bastions.

History buffs should also check out Forts Orange and Kastella in Ternate, as well as Fort Amsterdam, located near Ambon.

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Visiting the Maluku Islands

Experienced travelers can explore the islands on their own, while those who prefer a more organized approach can purchase a multi-day tour that includes visits to the most popular locations.

• This 7-day tour from Ambon includes a trip to Banda Neira and a visit to the forts, a tour of a nutmeg plantation, a visit to Ay and Rhun Islands, snorkeling, and a host of other exciting activities.
• This 4-day tour from Ternate combines a trip to the islands of Tidore and Maitara, beach relaxation, snorkeling, and exploring the most interesting sights in the surrounding area.

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Where to stay in the Maluku Islands

Ambon offers a variety of accommodation options, from inexpensive yet cozy guesthouses to comfortable hotels. For example:

• Swiss-Belhotel (Ambon) - a 4-star hotel with well-appointed rooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving a wide selection of international dishes. The building is one of the tallest in the city, offering views of the surrounding area from the rooms.
• The City Hotel (Ambon) - a modern hotel in the city center. It offers 60 rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop lounge.
• The Natsepa Resort and Conference Center (Ambon) - a beachfront resort with spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
• Ora Sunrise View Resort (Kaloa). Colorful wooden houses rise on stilts over the water. Guests have access to a shared lounge, terrace, restaurant, and beach access.
• Ora Beach Resort (Seram). The resort offers both land-based and overwater accommodations. It features an open-air restaurant and a beautiful coral reef.
• Roneela Cottage (Seram). Well-maintained cottages, quality meals, and a separate recreation area. A picturesque local village is just a short walk away.

Swiss-Belhotel Ambon

Where to eat in the Maluku Islands

The traditional food of the indigenous Maluku people is papeda, a type of porridge made from sago starch. Papeda is eaten as a standalone dish and is also often served with fish or seafood. Besides seafood, chicken dishes and, of course, spices are popular in the region.

Most restaurants and eateries are concentrated on larger islands such as Ambon and Ternate. Ambon, in particular, is renowned for its local cuisine at reasonable prices, including Dapor Kole Kole, Rumah Makan Sari Gurih, and Imperial Resto.

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