Bandanaira Travel Guide

 Daihappydai Says:  Pulau Ai is a one hour trip on a public boat from Bandaneira and it is here I had the chance to chat to some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Take a stroll down Jalan Pelabuhan and you're sure to be met with many 'Selamat Pagi' or 'Selamat Siang'. Many of the... 

 Daihappydai Says:  If you have the opportunity to stay on Pulau Ai for a couple of days, take the time to walk through the plantations on the hills south of the village. Start by walking west along Jalan Pelabuhan. When you walls of Welvaren Plantation House, turn left. You can follow tracks... 

 Daihappydai Says:  There is a small entry few to the fort and you can walk around at your leisure, but for a better understanding of the history, it is worth paying a little more to one of the local people to act as a guide for you. Fort Belgica has been restored somewhat and the white-washed... 

 Daihappydai Says:  Just had lunch and needing to fill in some time before more snorkelling - pay a visit to the 300 year old Chinese Temple on Jalan Pelabuhan. The temple may look closed, but gates are usually open, just push and enter. If you are unsure, just say 'boleh' to one of the local... 

 Daihappydai Says:  If the weather is not the best for snorkelling, take the time to explore a little of Bandaneira with a visit to the cemeteries. Both the Chinese and old Dutch cemeteries highlight some of the history of the island - they are easy to find, a pleasant ten to fifteen minute... 

 Daihappydai Says:  While there is limited accommodation on Pulau Hatta, it is easy to arrange a day trip to go snorkelling and explore the amazing coral-laden reefs. Trips can be arranged through guesthouses with a day trip costing around 500,000 rupiah which can be shared amongst fellow... 

 Daihappydai Says:  While snorkelling or diving are the usual highlights of a trip to the Banda Islands, there are plenty of other things to do and sights to see. You can't go to the Spice Islands and miss the opportunity of seeing a nutmeg plantation - after all, they were the reason for all... 

 Daihappydai Says:  It is easy to catch a public boat to take you to several of the Banda Islands from Bandaneira. Boats for Lonthoir and other places on Banda Besar leave frequently. There are at least two boats per day to Pulau Ai, and it is easy to get across to Pulau Gunung Api at most... 

 Daihappydai Says:  Nusantara Buana Airways (NBA) have been given another governement subsidised contract to fly Ambon - Banda - Ambon two days a week - Saturday and Wednesday. The plane is an 18 seater and price was 320,000 rupiah in January 2011 (the price will depend on how large the... 

 lotharscheer Says:  New private airline, NBA, from Ambon to Bandnaira: Wednesday and Saturday, from Masohi, Seram Wednesday only. Office is in front of the Marina hotel in Ambon. 

 lotharscheer Says:  Pelni web site is a bit limited and gives only the next departures, there are 2 boats from Ambon to Banda Km. Nggapulu and Km. Ciremai (coming from Makassar, Surabaya...going  to Kai islands, Sorong...) running every 2 weeks. 

 aj03 Says:  If you have extra money you can always rented speedboat. One medium boat for 10-15 people can be rented for 25 million rupiah or around $250 (if 1$=RP10,000). Contact two dive operators in Ambon Blue Rose www.bluerosedivers.com or Maluku Divers www.divingmaluku.com to... 

 Daihappydai Says:  There are some great places to snorkel off Pulau Ai and all within walking distance of Ai village. There is some fair snorkeling in calm waters in front of the homestays south of the jetty. There is very good snorkeling off Long Beach on the north east tip of the island... 

 aj03 Says:  Banda has two dives seasons. Once centered around April the other in October. Some prefer November as the best month ever. I dove on January, but still enjoy 30-40 meters visibility. Some of diving sites offfered almost clear crystal water visibility. For nice and close...