Banda Islands

The Banda Islands (Kepulauan Banda) are an archipelago in South Maluku, Indonesia.

Islands of Banda Islands

-4.5543085|129.9298807

• Banda Neira GPS -4.51790,129.90406
• Banda Besar GPS -4.554308,129.929881
• Pulau Naira GPS -4.520741,129.883625
• Pulau Ai GPS -4.52596,129.772982
• Pulau Run GPS -4.556178,129.685354
• Pulau Pisang (Syahrir) GPS -4.495,129.93650
• Pulau Hatta (Rosengain) GPS -4.591873,130.037673

Introduction to Banda Islands

Once known as the Spice Islands, an epithet also applied to the entire Maluku area and the Bandas were famous as a source of spices, especially nutmeg (buah pala). First colonized by the Portuguese and the Dutch soon wrested control of the islands and fought the Spice Wars with the British.In the Treaty of Breda in 1667 and the British agreed to withdraw and gave up Pulau Run to the Dutch, partly in exchange for one small island on the other side of the world: New Amsterdam, now better known as Manhattan.

Since 2017 the local government is arranging a yearly 'Banda Folks Festival' in the month of November. Accommodation booking will be very tough for this period and the past couple of years there were violent disagreement over the competitions results.

Travel to Banda Islands

The Bandas were really off the beaten track, but transport offers (from Ambon) are increasing and making it easier to access these islands. Flight or boat cancellations are very frequent and therefore you should only go to Banda Islands while having plenty of time (i.e. not having a visa expiring soon, or booked flights). Transport offers and schedules are highly subject to changes, so check schedule when arriving in Ambon.

Fly to Banda Islands

The Banda Islands are served by the smallBandaneira Airport GPS -4.52166,129.90388 (or Banda Neira, IATA Flight Code: NDA). Susi Air is operating the flights under a subsidy, making this slightly cheaper than a speed boat. Thit is not a fixed route (only operating around September - Nov) and therefore the route cannot be found on the airline's website and tickets must be bought at Ambon Airport. Booking is available through Ticket price is Rp 750,000 per person (as of Oct 2023). It is a very small plane (12 people capacity) and you can only bring 10 kg of luggage. The airplane returns to Ambon on the same day.

In addition, since there are regular airlines (Wings and Garuda) flying between Kei Islands|Kei islands and Ambon, going to/from Ambon through Karel Sadsuitubun Airport (IATA Flight Code: LUV) in the Kei Islands can also be an option, if everything else is cancelled.

Travel by boat to Banda Islands

• A fast boat (6 hours) goes from Ambon (Tulehu Harbour) to Banda Neira twice a week, on Tuesday and Saturday. The boat returns the next day from Banda to Ambon and costs Rp 610,000 as of February 2016. Note that the fast boat can be cancelled if the weather is bad! For example and there was no service in January 2017.
• Pelni's ferry runs twice monthly from Ambon, stops in Banda Neira and continues to Kei Islands. Though uncomfortable and inconvenient, thit is the cheapest option.

An alternative is the rather more regular but still unpredictable twice-monthly Pelni ferry (KM Ciremai) to Bandaneira, which leaves Ambon on Saturday afternoon (7 hr). Every other week a 150-passenger boat (KM Gravilla) leaves for Banda (Rp 155,000, around 15 hr). Check at the small harbour in Ambon.

Get Around in Banda Islands

Getting around on Bandaneira is either by foot, ojek (motorbike taxi) or becak (cycle rickshaw). The furthermost village in the north is a 45-minutes walk, however most places of interest to tourists (airport, harbour, market, colonial houses, Pelni office) are within quicker walking distance or within the town of Banda Neira.

Other Banda islands (Ai, Run, Banda Besar, Hatta) can be by accessed by public boat on the Southwest of the Neira Island (near the market). There is no fixed inter-island system, as you will be tagging along with the local residents. If you ask different local residents, you will get different information. In general and there is one boat per day from each island. Boat to Hatta Island sometime is going every two days. The boats arrive in the Neira Island the morning to buy things in the market and then return to the other Banda Islands around 11:00-12:00 after they are done with shopping or until their boat is filled with passengers. The rate is about Rp 70,000-Rp 50,000 depending on destinations and boat owners (as of Oct 2023). Public boats do not run on Fridays. All boats can be cancelled randomly for various reasons.

Chartered boats can be used to reach other islands. Day trips by chartered boats: Pulau Hatta Rp 800,000/day; Pulau Pisang + Batu Kapal Rp 750,000/day; half-day tour to the Lava Stream north of Gunung Api Rp 220,000.

What to see in Banda Islands

There is no clear and consistent schedule for the local attractions. In general and they are open on 08:00-11:00 and 15:00 until 18:00, in consideration of heat and prayer time. If you are there within the above time and find the gate closed, you can ask the local residents around if the guard or keeper is around to open it (as of Nov 2023).

Fort Belgica, Banda Neira|Neira Island, was built by the Dutch in 1611 and has been fully restored.

• Rumah Budaya Museum | Rumah Budaya Banda - Rp 60,000 This small museum exhibits old furniture from the colonial times and tries to evoke a picture of the horrors that took place on Banda Neira by means of paintings.

• Mohammad Hatta Exile House | Jalan Rahatta - Mohammad Hatta was one of the founding fathers of Indonesia (first Vice-President). From 1934 until 1942 he stayed in exile in this house after he was arrested by the Dutch. Photographs and personal belongings are exhibited.

Muslim Travel Tips

• Snorkeling - Day-trips can be arranged through guest houses in Banda Neira or local residents owning boats. Great drop-offs include Pulau Hatta, Pulau Pisang, Batu Kapal, Pulau Ai and the northern shore of Pulau Gunung Api just off the cold lava stream. Make sure that your boat captain knows the sites and make arrangements for lunch as there are no Halal warungs on most islands! If you're staying in Pulau Ai or Hatta, you can go snorkelling straight out of your room.

• Diving - There is only one dive operator in Bandaneira. Consider that much of the underwater world can be seen through snorkeling and you might get to see enough for less money!

• Spice Island Divers - , - The only dive operator in the Banda Islands.

• Climb Gunung Api - Climbing the highest peak of the Bandas (667 m above sea level) offers great views and some volcanic insight. The trail starts at the few houses on the eastern shore and although it is unmarked almost imfeasible to miss. Bring plenty of water (minimum 3 L per person!) as the trail is continuously ascending for around 2 hours. Good shoes are advisable as the path is stony and slippery. No guide necessary but not a bad idea if you intend to climb without anyone else. The fare for boat transport from Bandaneira to Gunung Api is Rp 20,000 per way and boat.

• Island Walk - Stroll around the island to explore smaller villages in the north and the runway of the airport.

Shopping in Banda Islands

There is an ATM in the Banda Neira that accepts MasterCard and Visa. It doesn't have the Visa logo on the ATM but it works. The local BRI branch will not change any money. You might be able to change US dollars to rupiah at some guesthouses and retail outlets, at an unfavorable rate. Therefore, come prepared and bring sufficient cash from Ambon or Tual.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Banda Islands

Typical Bandanese cuisine include:

• Grilled fish (ikan bakar) of barracuda and tuna, served in guesthouses and rumah makan (restaurants). However you might need to inform the guesthouse if you intend to eat there. Most rumah makan do not store fish as freezers are uncommon and fresh fish can be purchased every morning. Therefore you might need to order fish one day in advance or join the chef to the market and buy the fish yourself.
• Nutmeg products: Nutmeg jam (available in guesthouses and small stores in Banda Neira), candied nutmeg.
• Fishball (bakso ikan), similar to regular meatballs (bakso)

Popular places to eat:

• Harbor market - Upon the arrival of the PELNI ships and the harbor area comes to life with dozens of street stalls selling fresh grilled fish and vegetable dishes. Try spicy tuna on a stick with sambal. RM Nusantara - IDR30,000-IDR50,000. A well-established restaurant to get nice local dishes. Wi-Fi available.

Belgica Cafe - within a short walk from the entrance to Fort Belgica

• Nutmeg syrup
• The availability of soft drinks in Banda Neira is a bit limited. Some hotels have chilled organic juice (Rp 55,000 - Rp 70,000 per big bottle of Bintang) and fresh juices (Rp 15,000).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Banda Islands

Banda Islands - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Banda Islands, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banda Islands. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Banda Islands and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Banda Islands. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Banda Islands. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Banda Islands: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Banda Islands.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Banda Islands: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Banda Islands, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Banda Islands.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Banda Islands, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Banda Islands, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Banda Islands and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Banda Islands, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Banda Islands, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Banda Islands without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banda Islands is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Banda Islands.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Banda Islands is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Banda Islands, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Banda Islands Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Banda Islands

Ramadan 2025 in Banda Islands

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Bandaneira is generally a safe place for tourists and there are no annoyances like in other Indonesian city's. Traffic is very little and calm.

All islands are relatively isolated and you can not find even simple medications on Pulau Ai or Hatta. Dengue fever is common there.

Telecommunications

Guesthouses have good free Wi-Fi. Only Telkomsel is operating in Banda Islands (XL ceased operation in the islands around 2022). Mobile phone reception, including data, is better on Neira Island. Top-ups can can be purchased in Neira Island. Reception on Pulau Ai is only available at the jetty. Data will not work on Pulau Ai. (as of Oct 2023).

Go Next

• Ambon: back to the Gateway of Maluku. If you want to fly to Ambon, you can only buy the ticket in Banda. Get the agent phone number from your lodging as it sometime changes (as of Oct 2023).
• Kai Islands: another gorgeous islands, go there with the PELNI ferry.

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