The Maluku & Banda Neira Islands

Ambon has to be considered from the marine enthusiast's point of view, more as a jumping off point than as a destination, since it is accessible by air and lies in the heart of many interesting island groups. For the adventurous and the self sufficient, the underwater islands of Maluku are magnificent.
There are about a thousand islands in the region, and most have excellent beaches, reefs and seascapes, almost anywhere less than a day's journey away from the population centres. The snorkeling is superb. Boats easily available for hire. Pulau Pombo and Pulau Kasa are two small island-marine reserves near Ambon.
Best time of the year is from September to March. Spells of rough weather can be expected between April and July. A word of caution is necessary: some corals are very fragile and break under flippers. Some sting badly, like the yellow-tipped fire coral. On sandy reef platforms, watch out for the long back spines of the sea urchins. Several small islands in this archipelago are still uninhabited.

Banda Neira
Southeast of the islands of Maluku is the small group of islands of Banda, the original nutmeg island. Banda Neira offers crystal clear water, full of coral gardens and tropical fish.
There is a small hotel where diving gear is available. The island of Banda Neira is seeped in history, starting from 1312 when the first Portuguese arrived on its shores, followed by the English and the Dutch, all eater for the golden nutmeg trade.
Some of the remnants of this period still remain. Banda Neira is an hour's flight from Ambon.