Masohi is the capital of Seram Island and is a meeting place for local tribes people that have recently moved to the town where huge mountains can be seen all around.
Seram is located north of Ambon and although it is one of the largest in Maluku, it is also one of the least visited. The island is cloaked in an aura of magic and many locals believe the inhabitants can fly, change shape and kill from far away.
If you are not interested in meeting with the local Harry Potters then wander round the town and see the residents with their red headbands and simple dwellings. The town is close to some of the best beaches in the country and there is also good snorkeling to enjoy.
There is a national park that covers most of the island and the mixture of decent road structures and thick jungles make Seram an interesting place to visit. The town has limited accommodation and visitors often opt to stay in the nearby village of Sawai.
Travel to Masohi- getting there
The nearest international airport is in the capital city of Jakarta. There are flights from Jakarta to the neighboring island of Ambon that take 3 hours with a few unreliable flights from here to Seram. The other way to get from Ambon to Seram is by boat and there is a slow car ferry that will take about 2 hours or a faster speedboat service that is sometimes available.
In brief
Worth it? Only worth making the trip for if you are particularly interested in spending time on a very remote island.
What to do: swimming, hiking and snorkeling.
How long? A few days.
Masohi attractions
- Taman Manusela National Park: the first park in Maluku to be named a national park and it is home to a vast array of bird, plant and animal species.
Masohi side trips
- Sarapua Island: a nearby island that is part of the Lease Island group, and that has more tourist amenities.