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Billie Hadisutirto

27 Jan 2020 - 2 min read

Uncover Ambon

Ambon may have thrived as one of Indonesia’s most exotic places to visit, yet underexposed if compared to the other popular destinations in the country.

Follow our exclusive guide to experience Ambon to the fullest: its breathtaking nature along with unique cultural and historical heritage, all that make this provincial city of Maluku distinctive.

Top destinations you don’t want to miss

Location: Morela Village, Central Maluku, ±60 minutes from downtown Ambon.

Experience: Snorkeling & diving to see abundant sea life.
Tips: Bring sunscreen due to stronger UV light.

Location: Leihitu District, Central Maluku, ±40 minutes from downtown Ambon.

Experience: Historical tours.
Tips: No entrance fee, but you can give a donation for maintenance purposes.

Location: West Seram Island, ±1 hour 45 minutes from downtown Ambon.

Experience: Enjoy fresh seafood & explore Mangrove forest.
Tips: Due to limited ferry service to Seram Island, make sure to check the schedule with locals or come directly to the harbor.

Location: Karang Panjang, ±15 minutes from downtown Ambon.

Experience: Admire Ambon city view from the top of the hill.
Tips: Go visit in a late afternoon for the best sunset-view experience.

Location: ±20 minutes from downtown Ambon, Hative Kecil, Sirimau.

Experience: Jogging and cycling.
Tips: Watching the bridge light show from the public park at night.

Best time to visit

Know this before you go

Transportation

By air:

Direct flight to Ambon or transit flights from Makassar or Surabaya to Pattimura Airport are available from major cities in Indonesia.

By sea:

Pelni ships sail two times in every week from major harbor like Tanjung Priok, Jakarta and Tanjung Perak, Surabaya to Yos Sudarso harbor at Ambon. Ticket price varies from Rp400.000 to Rp2.500.000.

Around Ambon

The best way to get around is by renting a car, as you can also get more info from the locals. Rental cost starts from Rp500.000/day, which already includes driver and gasoline. For other alternatives, you can use public transportation, taxi, and ferry.

Hotel Recommendation

The Orchid Hotel

Pocket-friendly hotel with great location downtown.

The Orchid Hotel

7.9

Sirimau, Ambon, Maluku

Starts from Rp370.000

Everbright Hotel Ambon

Hotel with modern style architecture and panoramic city view.

Everbright Hotel Ambon

7.9

Sirimau, Ambon, Maluku

Starts from Rp435.000

The Natsepa Resort & Conference Center

Resort at the shore of natsepa Beach with breathtaking view.

The Natsepa Resort & Conference Center

8.5

4

Suli Salahutu, Baguaia, Ambon, Maluku

Starts from Rp1.050.000

Interesting facts from locals

“In Ambon, almost all restaurants are closed on Sunday because the people spend the day to worship and rest.”
- Elvis Tumanseri, Tourism Driver
“The Ambonese usually only use two directions, namely kadara which means the direction of the mountain or plateau, and kalao which means the direction of the beach.”
- Glenn, Tourist Guide
“Sasi is a harvesting system in Ambon that prohibits farmers from harvesting certain crops within the agreed time frame.”
- Sarpudin Malawat, Farmer
“Cakalele dance can be a medium for ancestral spirit to possess the dancers, as in Ternate language, caka means spirit, and lele means berserk.”
- Umar, Cakalele Dancer
““The motto of the Moluccas is senangsa which means just be happy. Therefore, the Ambonese are naturally happy and friendly, far from being fierce.”
- Roni, Perahu Belang Craftsmen
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