We didn't find any results
Banda islands review
Banda Islands were the most sought-after islands in the world for centuries, capturing European imagination and inspiring Columbus to undertake his legendary journey westward. Also known as the Spice Islands, Bandas offer a true sense of historical excitement with Dutch colonial houses, crumbling forts, stunning tropical scenery, and some of the world’s most pristine and diverse coral reefs. Combined with raw natural beauty and a warm local heart, this remote cluster of eleven picturesque islands isn’t just Maluku Regency’s choice travel destination; it’s one of the best in Indonesia.
The only city in the Bandas is Bandanaira, and it has a devastating history. It all started with the Myristica Trees, indigenous to the Banda Islands. These trees are the source of two rare and lucrative spices: nutmeg and mace, once found exclusively on the Banda Islands. In the 15-16th centuries, the nutmeg was believed to be a cure for the bubonic plague, spurring intercontinental exploration and shaping colonial empires. European traders were eager to sell it at a 6,000 percent markup, making it worth more than its gold weight.
In 1602 fourteen ships sailed from Holland, heading to the East Indies. Four years later, thirteen vessels arrived in Banda Neira with only one objective – to monopolize the world’s most valuable spices – mace and nutmeg. Devastation followed with the bloody massacre of the native Banda population. Fast forward centuries, Bandanaira today is a beautiful town to take a stroll and to explore the two remarkable forts – Belgica and Nassau. Apart from Banda Neira, there are ten other islands in the Banda archipelago, located well off the tourist trail in the Banda Sea.
Be a witness of towering, aromatic, tropical evergreens of these incredible islands that still retain an aura of mystery. A quiet colonial-era ambiance with the sapphire sea brimming with exquisite corals and abundant life makes the 11 Bandas an exceptional destination in Indonesia. The only option to experience the whole of Banda Islands – is to take a sailing holiday across this enchanting archipelago. Nothing compares to soaking in the rich history of the Spice Islands while living aboard a private yacht. Their astonishing remoteness makes them a prime choice for liveaboard yacht holidays.
- AIRPORT Ambon
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Mar - Nov
Discover
See all (4)
Yacht
See all (4)
Holiday
Why visit Banda islands
Where is Banda islands
Banda Islands are located in the heart of the Banda Sea in Indonesia. These tropical volcanic islands are part of a more significant Maluku archipelago that sits between West Papua and Sulawesi. In recent years, mainly due to development in local airports, Maluku archipelago started to attract international travelers, especially people who’re looking for renowned diving spots. Ambon is the closest airport offering a range of domestic flights to reach this exceptional destination. The Spice Islands is among the unique cruising grounds, too, a perfect itinerary for sailing and diving holiday connoisseurs.
Best time in Banda islands
The best time to visit Banda Islands is in March-April and September-November. These months enjoy stable and sunny weather to allow for exceptional land explorations. While the Banda Sea enjoys calm waters, guaranteeing unforgettable diving and snorkeling adventures. Only a few people in the world get an opportunity to visit this paradise filled with romantic, cone-shaped volcanoes, palm-fringed islands, sumptuous green jungle, golden beaches, and enchanting nutmeg plantations – the perfect recipe for outdoor explorers.
Best diving in Banda islands
There are more than 40 dive sites dotted around the Banda Islands, most of which can only be accessed by liveaboard diving. The diversity of marine life rivals popular Raja Ampat, including spinner dolphins, melonhead, blue and humpback whales, hammerhead sharks – and far fewer tourists! Around Run Island, you can enjoy world-class diving with huge pilot whales, contrasting with tiny pygmy seahorses, the size of a stamp. Head to Ai Island to experience the pristine coral drop-offs just off the beach, and dive with Napoleon fish and migrating dolphins and whales in October. Visit the top spawning grounds at Pisang “Banana” Island and explore its underwater valleys with visibility exceeding 50 meters. Diving in clearest deep waters of the Banda Sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no diver should ever miss.
How to reach Banda islands from Ambon
Getting to the Banda Islands from Ambon is the most popular route. You can book a direct flight from Ambon to Bandanaira or charter a liveaboard with Islander to experience Banda Islands on a sailing holiday. Be sure to book your flights in advance and always check the updates since it’s not rare that trips are getting canceled in this part of Indonesia.
How to reach Banda islands from Bali
The only way to get to Banda Islands from Bali is by booking a flight to Ambon via Jakarta or Makassar. From Ambon, you can then catch another flight to Bandanaira. Alternatively, the slower option that allows you to explore every tiny island between from Ambon to Banda archipelago is booking a yacht holiday with Islander.
How to reach Banda islands from Singapore
The most convenient way to reach the Banda archipelago from Singapore is by flying directly to Jakarta or Manado in Indonesia and then booking a flight to Ambon. From Ambon, you will have several options. First is a domestic flight to Bandanaira. The second, more luxurious option, is to charter a crewed yacht with Islander and to explore this jaw-dropping destination on a personalized itinerary, one Banda island after another.
