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Maluku

AMBON
BANDA
HALMAHERA
KEI ISLANDS
SERAM
TERMINATED

The Moluccas (English: Maluku, Maluku Islands)
is an archipelago of over 1,000 islands, located in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Moluccas are part of Indonesia and the region of Melanesia. The capital of the Moluccas is Ambon. A number of major cities in the Moluccas are: Dobo, Masohi, Namlea, and Tual.
The Moluccas are an undiscovered gem in Indonesia, shimmering east of Sulawesi in the Banda Sea and Ceram Sea. As a result, travelers often overlook them, which is a shame. For the archipelago is rich in Dutch East India Company forts, authentic villages with spice plantations, incredible diving locations, and ultimate Bounty beaches.
The Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands due to the unique spices that grew only on these islands, made them an important destination for Portugal and the Netherlands during colonial times. However, while our priorities were once focused on nutmeg and cloves, they have shifted somewhat today. We are now more interested in the idyllic beaches with a touch of Polynesia and the complex convergence of the many different cultures that the Moluccas are rich in. The entire Moluccan archipelago consists of more than a thousand islands, but only half of them are inhabited. Practically every one of these inhabited islands has its own people, culture, and traditions. Unlike the vast majority of Indonesia, nearly half of the Moluccans are Christian, which offers an interesting perspective within Islamic Indonesia. Generally, the Moluccas have a tropical climate, but there are differences in the weather among the islands. Whereas in Indonesia the wet season runs from October to April and the dry season from May to September, in the Moluccas it is exactly the other way around. This makes November through February the best months to discover the Moluccas.

Where to go and what to do in the Moluccas

When talking about the Moluccas, we distinguish between the South Moluccas (also simply called 'the Moluccas') and the North Moluccas. Choosing from the many islands is a difficult task. We help you on your way by sharing our favorite islands with you.

Your journey through the Moluccas will most likely start on the 'main island' of the South Moluccas: Ambon , from where you can easily travel to other islands. But Ambon itself is also worth a stay of a few days. For instance, this island is known throughout the country for delicious dishes made with freshly caught fish.

Saparua is blessed with endless coral, but there is also much to see and do above water. For instance, this is the island where many traces of colonial history can still be found. Moreover, the island is dotted with white beaches and lush green tropical forests.

The Banda Islands , a volcanic archipelago hidden in the Moluccas, consisting of ten small volcanic islands. This island is ideal for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts due to the clear water and the diversity of the inhabitants of the Banda Sea, ranging from tropical fish to turtles and reef sharks. Additionally, the (sometimes active) volcanoes offer beautiful views of the islands from above. Pulau Hatta currently has a number of guest houses where you can stay and from where you can book diving trips.

The Kei Islands; a piece of Polynesia in Asia. With dazzling turquoise waters, this island group bears a strong resemblance to Polynesian islands such as Tahiti and Fiji, both in terms of culture and landscapes. The Kei Islands are the ideal destination to claim a beach all to yourself and spend the day in a hammock with a book and a coconut. On Kai Kecil, you will find the old-fashioned and authentic fishing village of Ohoidertawun, situated on the bay. A village where trees are transformed into canoes through hard labor, and where human bones, hidden in the caves by the sea, tell an interesting story.

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