A former Dutch colonial outpost, this is the only town in the Banda Islands. Located on Pulau Neira, Bandaneira is a minor hub with transportation links, shopping outlets and a small hotel scene.
Most visitors come to the Banda Islands for the superb snorkeling and diving opportunities. The Maluku coral gardens are found in the immediate area, rising on volcanic shelves out of extremely deep waters. Colorful corals and myriad tropical fish are in easily accessed areas just offshore from Bandaneira.
Most divers arrive on live-aboard boats and don’t actually spend the night on any of the Banda Islands. This means those who decide to stay in one of Bandaneira’s hotels will enjoy long stretches of secluded coastline, especially in the mornings and evenings. Overnight tourists are a rare commodity in this part of Indonesia.
Other highlights in reach of Bandaneira are the Dutch fort and Gunung Api, a towering conical volcano that juts out of the Banda Bay. The latter beckons climbers, who can reach its base via a short boat ride.
Getting There & Away
Bandaneira is a local transport hub and it’s possible to travel from here to Ambon (gateway of Maluku Province) by sea or air (1 hour). From Ambon, there are several flights per week to Surabaya and capital city, Jakarta (5 hours), home to Indonesia’s main international airport.
Things to Do
Bandaneira Attractions
- Mulaku coral gardens
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The star attraction of the banda islands is this colorful collection of coral perched high on a volcanic shelf.
- Fort Belgica
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Built by the dutch in 1611, this fort is one of the largest of its kind in indonesia.
Side trips from Bandaneira
- Gunung Api
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‘fire mountain’ is both an island and active volcano emerging from banda bay. it is visible from the bandaneira hotel district and rewards climbers with fantastic panoramic views.