This prominent volcano in Indonesia’s Banda Archipelago is highly active and dominates the local seascape. While most are satisfied to admire the volcano from afar, tourists occasionally scale its peak.
This volcanic peak is technically an island (thus the title ‘pulau’), jutting out of Banda Bay and is completely surrounded by water. It is totally different from the other Banda Islands. While they boast lush vegetation, Pulau Gunung Api is completely bare.
Guides shuttle visitors to Pulau Banda Besar to the base of the volcano for climbing adventures. The last time the volcano erupted was in 1988, and it is always a good idea to heed the advice of locals when it comes to volcanic activity.
Climbing the volcano is a tantalizing challenge for those who spend endless days staring at it from the beaches of Pulau Banda Besar. Just bear in mind that the terrain is relentless and riddled with jagged volcanic rocks.
Guides will urge climbers to depart as early as possible in order to reach the peak mid-morning before the clouds roll in. Those who make it are instantly rewarded with one of the most impressive vistas in Indonesia.
Getting There & Away
Reaching Pulau Bunung Api is a multi-leg journey. Five hour flights depart Jakarta for Ambon on a semi-regular basis. From here, most visitors board boats bound for Bandaneira, though charter planes are available in certain circumstances. From Bandaneira, hired guides ferry climbers to the base of the volcano and lead the ascent.