These two islands are among the less-visited destinations in the Banda archipelago. Both are well off the beaten track and offer excellent snorkeling opportunities away from the light crowds that travel here.
Pulau Pisang is especially well-known as a snorkeling destination. There are no facilities on the island and most visitors come on board tour boats from neighboring Palau Neira.
Stopping over at Pulau Pisang presents a great opportunity to explore the colorful coral gardens of the Banda Islands. The volcanic activity has created a high shelf of rock in otherwise deep waters, playing host to myriad tropical fish. Exceptionally large fish also pass through from time to time.
Pulau Syahrir doesn’t have as much to offer snorkelers. Tour boats stop here in between snorkeling or diving expeditions for because of the calm, sheltered waters and sandy beaches. This is the ideal place for a swim and a picnic.
Getting There & Away
The nearby town of Bandaneira is the port of entry. Boats and airplanes connect to the provincial gateway of Ambon, around an hour away by air. Well off the main tourist trail, Ambon is connected to the capital city of Jakarta (with its international airport) via a 5-hour flight.