Historically, Pulau Run came to prominence in the early 1600s when the British landed. Up until this point, the Dutch had a near monopoly over the Spice Islands (a right they acquired from the Portuguese).
Most of the local European activity was centered in northern Maluku where cloves were a thriving commodity. Pulau Run and the rest of the Banda Islands were better known for nutmeg.
The British landed on Pulau Run, on the outskirts of the Banda Islands, and set up a trading post. After a few sporadic skirmishes, the British relinquished Pulau Run (and the rest of the Spice Islands) in exchange for the island of modern-day Manhattan, a Dutch holding in the Americas.
Since the export of nutmeg saplings, Pulau Run is not as sought-after in the spice industry. Instead, it is an island known for clear waters, ideal beaches and beautiful coral gardens. Most of today’s visitors come for the outstanding snorkeling opportunities.
Diving is an equally tantalizing sport here. Offshore, the snorkeling grounds quickly drop into deep coral walls where schools of large fish can be found. Hammerhead sharks, bumpheads and black snappers teem in these waters.
Getting There & Away
Access to the Bandas is via Bandaneira on Pulau Neira. From here there are erratic 1-hour flights to Ambon (longer and more frequent boat rides are offered), where a regional airport shuttles passengers to and from the international airport at Jakarta. Travel time is 5 hours.