The majority of the center of Pulau Buru is made up of dense forest and high mountains, which is why most of the local inhabitants live by the flat coastlines.
The major source of income comes from the jungle trees with teak, ebony and sago palms big products. There are a few beach bungalows scattered around the island that have been made by the locals to encourage tourism to their area and the main town of Namlea has simple accommodation.
Pulau Buru has a chequered past and it was once used as a prison to house suspected communist persons who were only released as recently as 1980. Much civil fighting has gone on in recent years; this has, at various stages, caused the Indonesian government to ban travel to the island.
It may be worth while staying in nearby Ambon and perhaps taking a daytrip to the island as the unrest makes visits there unpredictable. Pulau Buru is the third largest of the Maluku Islands but it is by no means easily accessible.
If you are unperturbed by the risk, the results are very rewarding, with magnificent views out to sea from mountain tops, flowing waterfalls and secluded beaches with not another tourist in sight. Be prepared for a lot of trekking as this is the only way to truly get around and see the sights.
Getting There & Away
A 3-hour flight from Jakarta International Airport will get you into Ambon and from here you can transfer to the port, where there is a daily ferry to Pulau Buru taking no more than 3 hours.