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The Maluku archipelago houses hundreds of islands, many of them still uninhabited. Some of the main islands are connected by regular ferry services, while others can be reached by chartering a small boat. In this manner you can reach virtually all islands in the region.
Beaches and Coral Reefs
Good beaches with coral reefs just off shore are found around Hunimoa, Latuhalat, and Namalatu beaches on Ambon. Namalatu has the nicest beach and a hike to Latuhalat will take you some excellent escluded coves.
Namalatu Beach
Looks out over the Banda sea on the South coast of Ambon in the village Latuhalat some 15 km away from town Ambon. Namalatu has a strip of a white sand and coral beach and crystal clear unpolluted water. The scenery is beautiful and attractive it is an ideal place for sunbathing, swim, snorkel and scuba diving. Additional facilities Namalatu beach offers are shelter, open air stage for dance and music performances and also “rujak” (mixed fruit salad with peanut sauce), fresh young coconut peddlers and on prior request people can serve you with barbequed fish and lobster.
Pintu Kota ('The city gate')
Lies between the villages Airlow and seri on the south coast of Ambon island. A huge rock stretching out to the sea with a hole at its bottom which looks like a gate where through it we can see the coast line and the Banda sea. It is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving.
Seram Island
The second-largest island in Maluku, Seram is virtually untouched because of its wild, rugged interior. Seram receives a lot of rain throughout the year, and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Trekking in the Manusela National Park is about as far offs the beaten track as you can get in Indonesia; the park receives fewer visitors than Baliem Valley in Papua.
Halmahera Island
This island lies to the east of Ternate, separated only by a narrow strait. It is a mountainous island, still largely covered with forests. The coastlines are white sand and coral reefs are found in its waters. Offering a beautiful spectacle, Mount Mamuya (930 m) spews burning lava from time to time, adding to the allure of this island. Pearl oyster breeding farms on Mangaliho Island can be reached by motorboat.
Morotai Island
lying to the north of Halmahera, was an important air base during World War II, first for the Allies and later for the Japanese until its recapture near the end of the war. The ghosts of war still linger in this area, where many wrecks of aircraft and rusting guns lie abandoned in the bushes.The coral reefs here are not easily forgotten. Wayabula, Berebere, Busus-busu, Sangowo and Daruba are villages on the beach.
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