It has been more than a year since i have been here. But only today I got a thought to post about the place I reside now, Ambon. This exotic country town in eastern part of Indonesia is located in Maluku Province (Molluca) that surrounded by the most beautiful beaches on earth. Same like other tropical places, Ambon offers very warm weather and friendly climate, nice and spicy food and sweetest smile of the people. For those who like nature, adventure, virgin and original beauty of other part Indonesia, you may put Ambon in your traveling list.Spots to visit
Natsepa Beach is the most famous beach in Ambon with the white sand and small wave, only about 14 kms from the centre of the town. It has a very shallow beach which reaches more than than 30 meters from the shoreline. Natsepa is an ideal recreation spot for recreational activities on the beach side and in the water (swimming, rowing, sunbathing). Access to reach this beach is so easy. From terminal at Ambon city, you can ride public transportation to Suli for about IDR 5000. You’ll arrive to Natsepa beach for the next half hour.
Pintu kota literally means Gate of The City. It is a big coral that looks like a gate and stay at Banda Sea. This tourism object is located in Airlaow village and Seri Village. The uniquely of this is the specific coral form. You can reach by public transport to Latuhalat for about IDR 5000.
Santai Beach is located in Latulahat village. The panorama in this beach that has white sand is so beautiful and has been visited by many visitors. Usually, they have swimming, sunbathing or walking arround.
Siwalima Museum was built in 8 September 1973. The collections in this museum are the historic objects of Maluku. This location is often used to hold a Maluku culture attraction such as, arts, crafting, etc. If the tourists want to get Maluku souvenirs, they can get it, because there are many sellers who sell souvenirs.
Tulehu Natural Hot Springs are concentrated on the north-east coast of the island in two major locations: on the beach at Tulehu village near the hospital, and at a more popular site called the Hatuasa Hot Springs, on the slope of Salahutu mountain. Take the Tulehu bus to get there, and stop 25 m after the Tulehu Police Station on the left, before the Hurnala Harbour. Walk up the road to the mountain, turn left and the hot springs is on the right ( appr.2,7 kms from the Tulehu main road ). Another attraction in Tulehu village is a water pond with eels and fishes. One can watch the feeding and handling of these interesting eels, after giving some tip.
Accomodation
Ambon is no longer difficult to be reached, it is only less than 3 hours flight from Jakarta with affordable price which is around IDR 800.000-1.200.000 (approximately USD 90-135, you will get cheaper if you are lucky). Once you reach Pattimura International Airport, you can choose one of local transportations that are available here. Start from angkot (public transport that costs only IDR 5000 or less than a dollar) to local taxi that costs IDR 80.000-150.000 or around USD 9-17. But never imagine taxi here like common taxi in most big cities. Most of them are private cars that are used as taxi. There are some official airport taxi and it’s more recommended. It all depends on your travel budget. Hehehe.. What about local transport for city tour? Don’t worry! Public transport like angkot is quite safe. Only with IDR 2000 per destination, you can go around and have your city tour.
Dont worry much about how you will stay over night in Ambon. There are many guest houses that offer affordable price (start from IDR 100.000 or ± USD 10) with standard services, even you could get lower price if you could stand with old type of bed and lower standard of cleanlines, hehehe... Or if you have extra budget for your travel to Ambon, 3 or 4 stars hotels can be your choice with price starts from IDR 300.000 (USD 35).
FOOD? Hmm..this is one of another interesting things to explore in Ambon. Ambon has very typical taste and type of food. Seafood is the most famous! And you must give a try! YES! It is a must! Grilled fish completed with Sambal Colo-colo should be in the top list. Besides, Nasi Kuning, Nasi Kelapa, Papeda, Suami and other traditional cakes and cookies are also good to taste.
Friendly People
Indonesia is widely well-known with the friendly people, so is Ambon. Even though, people here don’t speak English but some of them could understand and speak English. Although they prefer to use “body language” to communicate with foreigners if they dont understand. Hehehe.. :D
But you can also find a tour guide or translator here. There is one youth community in Ambon which provides tour guide/translating service for free. They are college students that run this activities to pass their free time and improve their english. So it can be your option if you think you need one.
Well, I think it’s quite long for introduction. I will again post more about Ambon and its beautiful spots, cultures, foods and etc in detail. I have to get back to work! Haha... Btw, These are some photos of Ambon that were taken by my friend using pocket camera only!
Ciao!
Photo courtesy: Reynaldo Biantoro, Indri Novianti
