The Banda Islands, located 200 km from the nearest port town of Ambon, are made up of 10 small volcanic islands; Rhun and Ay to the west, Manukang to the northwest, Pisang to the east, Hatta to the southeast, Banda Besar to the south, and the main central island of Banda Neira along with the volcano island of Gunung Api to the northeast and Keraka at the Banda Neira strait entrance.
Probably better known as the fabled Spice Islands of ancient times, the Banda Islands are covered with towering, aromatic, tropical-evergreens. Until the mid-19th century these unassuming outcrops at the edge of the Indonesian archipelago were the centre of global trade; the world’s only source of the highly sought-after spices nutmeg and mace, produced from the nutmeg tree. The islands have had a long and fascinating history, including being among the most expensive real estate in the world. In a vivid illustration of the islands’ wealth and importance at that time, Rhun was once traded between the Dutch and English in exchange for another island – New Amsterdam – which is now known as Manhattan.
Today, the Banda Islands boast climbable volcanic mountains covered in lush green vegetation, along with deep, clear water bays that are teeming with marine life just below the surface. For a taste of colonial history and a trip to a place that was once the centre of the world, go ashore on Banda Neira to discover relics and remnants of colonial times.
Day 1
Arrival Ambon – Banda Neira
(L/D)
Upon arrival at Pattimura Airport in Ambon, meet and greet with your guide. Drive to Tulehu Port for transfer to Banda Neira using fast ferry. Lunch box will be provided. Arrival at Banda Neira, transfer to your hotel in Banda Neira for check-in and the remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight at Cilu Bintang
Day 2
Hatta Island
(B/L/D)
Breakfast is served at the hotel, then get ready for a journey to Hatta Island using a local boat (around 1 hour). Hatta Island is the most remote island in the Banda Islands, surrounded by remarkable reef gardens and marine life that provide some of the world’s finest underwater panoramas. Enjoy snorkelling in the crystal clear water with a multitude of colourful, unique and often quite rare marine life, or relax on the long white beaches and swaying palms. Transfer back and have dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Cilu Bintang
Day 3
Rhun Island – Nailaka Island – Ay Island
(B/L/D)
Breakfast served at the hotel. Prepare for island-hopping to Rhun, Nailaka and Ay Island by speed boat. Enjoy the scenery and the breeze while walking along a white sandy beach. This is a particularly good spot for snorkelling, with great visibility and a multitude of fish and other marine life teeming over pristine coral reefs in the warm tropical waters surrounding the islands. Lunch will be provided during the island-hopping. Return back to Hatta and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Cilu Bintang
Day 4
Banda Neira – Banda Besar
(B/L/D)
Breakfast is served at the hotel. Start with a city tour around Banda Neira Island by visiting Nassau Port, Belgica Fort, Mini Palace, Hatta’s House, Culture House and several other stops en-route. Lunch at will be provided during the journey. Continue to Banda Besar Island, where you can observe the island’s famous nutmeg being farmed in a field and then visit Hollandia Fort and the “Old Sacred Wellâ€. Transfer back to your hotel, where dinner will be provided.
Overnight at Cilu Bintang
Day 5
Gunung Api
(B/L/D)
Wake up early in the morning and prepare hiking (for around three hours) to Gunung Api (volcano) for awesome sunrise views. The volcano is a massive stratovolcano, rising 282 metres above the water and 5 km from the sea floor. The waters around Gunung Api are home to lurid purple-and-orange sea squirts, remarkably fast-growing table corals, leatherback turtles and concentrations of sea snakes. Lunch will be provided enroute. Enjoy snorkelling at the lava flow of Gunung Api; the most popular spot of the island. Transfer back to your hotel, where dinner will be provided.
Overnight at Cilu Bintang
Day 6
Banda Neira – Ambon
(B/L)
Breakfast is served at the hotel. Prepare for your sailing journey back to Ambon and continue transfer to Pattimura Airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation
ilu Bintang Estate in the Banda islands is named after a princess popular in many Bandanese legends. Her name means ‘Beautiful Star’.
Inspired by the legendary Golden Age of Spice, this charming blend of vintage architecture and modern convenience is set amidst the refreshing shadows of a lush formal nutmeg garden.
Distinguished colonial style accommodation is available for discerning travellers who choose to enjoy the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Banda Islands, yet wish to maintain certain standards of comfort and cuisine.
Inclusions
Our ‘Banda Neira’ package includes:
- • 5 nights accommodation at Cilu Bintang, based on twin-sharing (2 persons per room)
- • Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- • Private transportation in a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle
- • Bottled drinking water during transfers
- • Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary
- • Return transfers fast boat Ambon – Banda Neira – Ambon
- • Boat for island-hopping
- • Professional and licensed English-speaking guide (additional charges applies for other language speaking guide)
- • All entrance fees, donations and parking fees as per itinerary
- • Public Liability Insurance
- • 11% local government tax and 10% service charge
Our ‘Banda Neira’ package does NOT include:
- • Visa fee / arrangements if applicable
- • Any domestic or international flights
- • Any alcoholic beverages
- • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone call, room service, mini bar, etc
- • Personal health and travel insurance
- • Gratuities/tipping for driver and/or guide and porterage
- • Any High Season and Peak/Festive season surcharge
- • Any additional Excursion/Optional tours/Activites that are not mentioned in the itinerary
- • Compulsory New Year’s Eve Dinner (Price varies depending on hotel policy – to be advised)
Good to know
- • Suitable for FITs with minimum of 2 persons
- • Private basis only (no seat in coach available)
Terms & Condition
- • Minimum 2 persons per booking
- • Additional charges apply during high season and peak season period
- • Price and booking confirmation are subject to room availability