The Maluku area, more commonly referred to as the Moluccas, is comprised of more than a thousand individual islands. Historically, people referred to these islands as the Spice Islands. The Maluku area was formerly considered to be a single province; this status lasted from 1950 to 1999. In 1999, the province was cut in half to create the new countries of Maluku and North Maluku. On the little island of Ambon, which also goes by the name Kota Ambon, you’ll find the provincial seat of Maluku province. Ternate Island serves as the region’s administrative centre.
Maluku has been famous throughout the ages for its breathtaking marine gardens. This destination is frequented by a large number of tourists from all over the world because of the breathtaking underwater life that can be seen in Maluku. The marine life that may be found in the seas around the islands is very abundant. The seas around the Maluku islands are home to a bevy of colourful fishes and other marine life, such as sea horses, butterfly fish, and scorpion fish, amongst others.
Main Tourist Attractions in Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Commonwealth War Cemetery
This cemetery may be found in the town of Kapahaha Tantui, which is located in Kota Ambon. It contains the graves of troops from the Alliance force who perished during World Conflict II, as well as those of Australian and New Zealand servicemen who were taken prisoner by the Japanese throughout the war. The inhabitants of Ambon contributed this piece of land to the cause. It is recommended that you pay the cemetery a visit since it is carefully maintained.
Siwalima Museum
The first day of operation for this museum was November 8, 1973. The museum has an extensive collection of antiquities from both the colonial era and the Mulukan people. The majority of the items on show are significant from an archaeological, historical, cultural, or scientific point of view. The museum also plays host to a variety of cultural performances and traditional celebrations. In the museum, guests may also purchase mementos related to the topics that most interest them.
Pattimura Memorial
This location can be found on Jalan Slamet Rijadi, which is situated in close proximity to both the Governor Office and Victoria Fort. Thomas Matulessy, a local of Saparua, was affectionately known by his pet name Patimura. In the year 1817, he engaged in combat with the Dutch and came dangerously close to seizing control of the formidable Dutch Duurstede Fort. However, a leader of the village tricked him, and as a result, he was put to death. He is held in high esteem in the country as a national hero at the present day. The monument was constructed in the same location as the execution site of Thomas Matulessy.
Victoria Fort
The year 1575 saw the construction of this fort by the Portuguese. In the year 1602, the Dutch gained possession of the fort. The enormous walls that front Ambon Bay are kept in excellent shape and are one of the fort’s most distinguishing features. The rest of the fort has fallen into disrepair. Many of the structures inside the fort were reconstructed, and they are currently used as army barracks.
Amsterdam Fort
In the 17th century, the Dutch constructed Amsterdam Fort in the vicinity of Hila Old Church. It was the second Dutch fort to be constructed on Pulau Ambon at the time. This is the fort that the well-known author Georgius Everhardus Rumphius formerly called home. During his time spent residing in this fort, he also published a few books on the history of Ambon.
Old Hila Church
The Dutch were responsible for the construction of this church in the 17th century. The services are still held in the church on a regular basis. It was brought back to its former glory by Bernardus van Pleuren, who served as Governor of Comptoire Amboina at the time. In the late 1880s, a powerful earthquake caused extensive damage to the church. People put it back together again and modified the entrance so that it looks the way it does now.
Wapauwe Mosque
This mosque may be found in the town of Kaitetu, which is close to Hila. It is a very old structure that has some Malay characteristics. The residents of the area claim that the hills are where the first mosque was built. It was moved to its current location in Kaitetu in the year 1414 by an unexplained power. Since that time, it has continued to stand there and is now being put to use for the day-to-day operations.
Manusela National Park
There is no question that among all of the protected sites in the region, this national park offers the most fascinating experiences. It occupies a total area of about one-tenth of Seram Island and spans a total of 76,488 hectares. Within the park’s maritime habitats, rainforests, pygmy forests, and Gunung Binaya, there is a diverse collection of flora and wildlife to be found. The indigenous people that live in the area around the park provide an intriguing and culturally significant aspect to the surrounding area.
Gunung Gamalama
This is a circular-shaped island that was formed by a volcano. It has a radius of approximately 5.8 kilometres, and it has an area of about 105 square kilometres. The Gamalama volcano is the most popular destination on the island. Over the course of the last several centuries, it has had a series of violent eruptions.
Pulau Halmahera
The island may be found to the east of Ternate. Both are separated from one another by a thin strait. The island is comprised of a variety of mountains, the most of which are covered with vegetation due to their height. The most popular things to see and do on this island are the coral reefs and the beaches covered with white sand. Mount Mamuya, which is located on the island and is known for its frequent eruptions that release molten lava, is yet another attraction there.
