Banda islandsThe tiny Banda islands are one of Indonesia’s best get-away-from-it-all destinations. Fabulous diving and snorkeling and opportunities for other watersports such as wind-surfing, water-skiing and fishing, coupled with the island’s fascinating history, attract increasing numbers of tourists but the islands have not yet been spoilt by unsightly tourist developments. For the bird-watcher these islands offer a few interesting small-island specialities and very good seabird-watching opportunities.
Getting there
By sea the large Pelni passenger liner, rinjani, stops in Banda every second Friday and the following Sunday, before heading on to Ujung Pandang, Surabaya, Jakarta and Dumai (Sumatra), and then back again on its 2-week route. Perintis lines offer deck passage at something like $3, but they can be slow and uncomfortable.
Accommodation/dining
All accommodation on Banda tends to fill during October and the last 2 weeks of December-reserve ahead. The only two hotels in Bandaneira are owned by Des Alwi, Who organizes diving operations on the islands. There is a selection of homestay.
General information
The rainy season is from mid-June through August (southeast monsoon) high winds (the west monsoon) can blow from mid-January to February (the east monsoon).
Foreign exchange there are no banks on Banda, so bring all the rupiahs you will need from Ambon.
Boat rentals;
Large vessel: Diesel-powered, for more than 10 passengers, $150/day, $25/hr.
Launch: Diesel-powered, 5-10 passengers, $100/day, $20/hr.
Speedboat: Gasoline-powered, 4 passengers, $110/day, $25/hr.
Manuk Islands for the 2-3 day journey out to this island (about 120 km southeast of banda) Indonesia’s largest seabird colony, you will need the large vessel; they charge about 4880 for this trip.
Lontar (Banda Besar) to reach Lontar Island, to see the nutmeg groves and fort Holandia, charter a boat from one of the hotels or from a free-lancer at the dock near the market.