3 Star Places To Visit in Maluku Islands, Indonesia (19)

1. 3.5 Sacred Eels of Waai (75 reviews)
   - Sacred place
   Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   This was worth the visit. A young boy (16 yrs) is the guardian of the eel pond and will explain the ritual of locking 7 keys and opening a pathway to the ancestors so the 2 giant mystic eels will appear. No foreigners are allowed to attend this ritual - or outsiders. It happens 01 jan and at one other time of the year and involves throwing 7 spears. One giant eel has a gold earring and one a red neck tie. The young boy took over guardianship of the pond which was passed to him from his grandfather. The grandfather is still alive and is 71 yrs. Fascinating visit. See more..
   
2. 3.5 World Peace Gong Ambon (69 reviews)
   - Gong for peace and security
   Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks • Monuments & Statues
   
   
   Set in an area near Pattimura Park the gong is part of a monument with steps leading up to it. The gong has the world nations flags and symbols pertaining to the major world religions. The gong is one of several worldwide, the concept of them is to remind people of a fundamental need for peace and security. See more..
   
3. 3.5 Kalamata Fort (52 reviews)
   - Worth visiting for a few photos
   Historic Sites
   
   
   The Fort is worth a stop as you tour the island so you can take some photos with background the fortifications and the sea. See more..
   
4. 3.5 Oranye Fort (51 reviews)
   - Fort Orange
   Historic Sites
   
   
   The Dutch were expert and extremely capable fort builders creating fully ramparted walls using trapezoids with angled bastions The Portuguese before them had few blueprints and constructed mostly semi-fortified trading posts which were vulnerable to Dutch attack. It was said that two fully-laden vessels of cloves, nutmeg, mace and cinnamon would be worth half a years Treasury income. No wonder the European nations fought each other over ownership of the Spice Islands (Molukas) so tenaciously for centuries. Not much remains today but what is there is worth visiting. Most of the battlements remain intact with several powerful canons pointing with no current purpose towards the harbour. Ignorant of the reason behind the stone walls, children play football inside the walls, chickens peck at the ground for food and dogs bark at strangers encroaching on their territory. The fort area is now officially a garden park with a few facilities offered. We did have the pleasure of talking with Omar who was born in neighbouring Tidore and took every opportunity to improve his English. See more..
   
5. 3.0 Fort Nassau (19 reviews)
   - An Accessible Old Fort
   Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
   
   
   Three sides of the fort are the originals, but the fourth is not and has been added recently (in concrete) to replace the last wall which had crumbled away long ago. To be fair, it's been done quite tastefully. While Nassau is not in the same condition as Fort Belgica, it has a nice ramshackle feel - and it seems that you are a part of history. That history is not a happy one, with the local Banda Islanders killing 40 of the Dutch while they were trying to build the fort, and then 22 years later the Dutch beheading 44 of the local leaders (an event that became know as the Banda Massacre). See more..
   
6. 3.5 Evu Bathing Place (18 reviews)
   - Swim in time
   Spent 2-3 hours Hot Springs & Geysers
   
   
   This is supposedly the old Dutch swimming pool, fed by a spring, so fresh water, this spring is also the local water supply See more..
   
7. 3.5 Pattimura Statue (14 reviews)
   - Important historical freedom fighter.
   Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
   
   
   Pattimura was an important historical freedom fighter. Around the base of the sculpture there are images showing his life and historical importance. See more..
   
8. 3.5 Bandaneira Chinese Temple (12 reviews)
   - Old, neglected but interesting site
   Religious Sites
   
   
   This San Tien Kong Chinese temple dates from the 17th century although it is said that before, another Chinese temple has stood here from the 12th century. Since less than 10 Chinese families live nowadays on the Banda Islands, this temple is not used anymore and has fallen into disrepair. Some people, amongst other Reza, the owner of The Nutmeg Tree hotel are trying to find donors to repair this interesting landmark. See more..
   
9. 3.5 Kakara Island (11 reviews)
   - Best-suited place to have lunch
   Islands
   
   
   This island has the best view to have lunch to. You could bring your own picnic set, or you coud grill your fish and eat while it's hot. Unfortunately, so many people still dont have the awareness to keep the rubbish for themselves. Which is why on some corner of this island, you'll find a pile of thrashes lying around. See more..
   
10. 3.5 Dermaga Pelabuhan Ternate (10 reviews)
    - One of the gateway
    Piers & Boardwalks
    
    
    Passenger ships and other ships anchor here. The roadside food vendors are easily find here when PELNI passanger ship anchors See more..
    
11. 3.5 Batu Pintu (9 reviews)
    - Extraordinary place to visit, protecting environment, fishing, turtles
    Gardens
    
    
    Mr. Nus Leuwol is a man with a clear vision on taking care of natural environment. In 1998 he noticed care for natural environment slowly decreasing. He started to protect the mangroves at the bay of his village. The place became an extraordinary place to visit. Taking care of flora and fauna he created a unique touristic location. Mister Nus can also tell you about Moluccan history and culture. You can do your own fishing, see turtles, do some awsome photographing, have a boatride, enjoy the natural surroundigs. Even possible to stay for the night and enjoy a drink surrounded by beautiful trees, plants and flowers. It is a sightseeing not to be missed. See more..
    
12. 3.5 McArthur Monument (9 reviews)
    - Historical island
    Monuments & Statues
    
    
    There is a statue of McArthur by beach and also a ruin of his house during the war. But the island need a lot of attention and development. The island looks abandoned. See more..
    
13. 3.5 Nukila Park (9 reviews)
    - Dirty
    Parks
    
    
    Went there for diving and the sea was full of trash. Lots of people visit this park and throw their trash directly to the sea, plastics everywhere! The government and the people should collaborate together to raise awareness about how to keep the environment clean and not throwing trashes everywhere! See more..
    
14. 3.5 Ambon City Center (9 reviews)
    - Enjoyable short visit
    Shopping Malls
    
    
    I enjoyed walking around town and found it to be safe. There are a few things to see, but for the most part it is an everyday town with very little tourism. The area close to the port is quite run down leading to more affluent areas on the outskirts. There are a lot of mosques, many brightly coloured, a cathedral and several churches. One highlight for me was to visit the Martha Christina Tiahahu memorial high above town. From there are magnificent views of Kota Ambon and beyond. See more..
    
15. 3.5 Teruo Nakamura Monument (6 reviews)
    - Statue of Teruo Nakamura ... that's all
    Monuments & Statues
    
    
    The statue is located at the place where Mr. Teruo Nakamura was found by villagers 30 years after WW2. That's all ... no information available there. See more..
    
16. 3.5 Waai Waterfall (5 reviews)
    - Nice waterfall with swimming facilities
    Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls
    
    
    We visited the waterfall that is located about 3 km from the city of Waai with a large group. The path to the waterfall can be slippery but it is worth the risk. The waterfall is a perfect place to cool down on a warm day. Next to the waterfall there is also a reactions park. The combination is very good to spend an afternoon. See more..
    
17. 3.5 Lapangan Sepak Bola Karang Panjang (4 reviews)
    - my afternoon jog site
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Arenas & Stadiums
    
    
    located in highland of ambon...it easy to reach from downtown..good place to do your exercise...people come here for jogging, football etc..busy in the morning and late afternoon See more..
    
18. 3.5 Beverwijk Fortress (2 reviews)
    Historic Sites
    
    
    See more..
    
19. 3.5 Gereja Tua Immanuel (2 reviews)
    - Charming Old Church
    Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    A nice old, thatched, church - the oldest on Ambon. At the time of our visit the doors were open and we could go inside - and a donation box was provided. Inside the church is plain and utilitarian, but still charming in its own way. Gereja Tua Immanuel is an hour from Kota Ambon and close to both Fort Amsterdam and Masjid Tua Wapauwe - so plan to visit all three in a single trip. See more..