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Sotheast Maluku Regency

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Indonesia

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Sotheast Maluku Regency

Nestled in the Maluku province of Indonesia, Southeast Maluku Regency is an island paradise. Though the city of Tual is technically separate, the regency encompasses most of the Kei Islands. 

The regency has a population of around 129,000 and a total area exceeding 4,000 square kilometers, with most of it being sea. This translates to stunning beaches, coral reefs teeming with life, and crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling. 

Langgur is the current capital, but Tual serves as a vital gateway for travelers. While the distance from Jakarta is significant - around 2,700 kilometers - the reward is a unique cultural experience and untouched natural beauty. 

Travel Tips for Sotheast Maluku Regency

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Sotheast Maluku Regency

A guide to Sotheast Maluku Regency's local transportation

Car Rental
Motorcycle Rental
Boat
Angkot (public minibus)

This is the most comfortable option, especially for longer distances or exploring remote areas. Expect to pay around 600,000 to 700,000 rupiah per day, which includes the driver's fee.

Practical Tips for Sotheast Maluku Regency

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How to reach Southeast Maluku?e

There are no direct flights from Jakarta to Southeast Maluku. However, getting to this island paradise is an adventure in itself! Flights from Jakarta to Dobo, the capital of West Aru Regency, or Ambon, the capital of Maluku province, are your best options. From there, you can hop on a ferry or another flight to reach Langgur or Tual in Southeast Maluku.

The fastest way is to fly. Expect travel time to be around 5-7 hours depending on your chosen route and layovers. For a more budget-friendly option, you can combine flights with ferries. Flights from Jakarta to Ambon are generally cheaper. From Ambon, ferries depart for Kei Islands several times a week. The journey can take up to 20 hours, so be prepared for a long but scenic voyage!

What are the best things to do in Southeast Maluku?

Explore Bair Island, nicknamed the "mini Raja Ampat," for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. Relax on pristine beaches, explore by boat, or dive amongst colorful coral reefs. Be on the lookout for the occasional harmless blacktip reef shark! Take a refreshing dip at Harangur Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery in Kei Kecil. For a unique experience, venture into Hawang Cave on the Tanimbar Islands and marvel at the natural rock formations. Finally, unwind on the white sands of Ngurtavur Beach, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the sun. This is just a glimpse of the adventures that await in Southeast Maluku Regency!

What are the must-try dishes in Southeast Maluku?

You should try Enbal. Enbal is a staple food in Southeast Maluku, made from a type of cassava called kasbi. Kasbi is known to be poisonous, but the people of Southeast Maluku have developed a special way of processing it to remove the toxins. Enbal can be eaten as a snack or as a main course. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and it is often served with a spicy sauce.

For an authentic Indonesian experience, you can't miss sambal colo-colo. Sambal colo-colo is a popular condiment in Southeast Maluku. It is made with a simple combination of chili peppers, shallots, lime juice, and salt. Sambal colo-colo is typically served with grilled fish or chicken, but it can also be enjoyed with other dishes such as rice or vegetables.

Is Southeast Maluku expensive?

Southeast Maluku can be on the pricier side compared to other parts of Indonesia, especially within Maluku province itself. It's known as one of the more expensive regencies there. However, to put things in perspective, it's still significantly cheaper than a major city like Jakarta.

How many days should I spend in Southeast Maluku?

The amount of time you need to spend in Southeast Maluku depends on your interests and what you want to see and do. If you want to visit all the islands in Southeast Maluku, two weeks won't be enough. However, if you're interested in visiting the most popular tourist destinations and have limited vacation time, 5-6 days is sufficient, as long as you plan your itinerary carefully.

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