Banda Neira

The Tropical Island in the Banda Archipelago

Banda Neira or Banda Naira is one of ten volcanic islands in the Banda Archipelago in the Maluku province, in eastern Indonesia. The Banda Islands, probably better known as the fabled Spice Islands of ancient times, are covered with towering, aromatic, tropical-evergreens. The Myristica Trees, indigenous to the Banda Islands, are the source of two rare and lucrative spices: nutmeg and mace, once found exclusively on the Banda Islands. A sparkling, sapphire sea surrounds these already incredible islands, brimming with exquisite corals and abundant ocean life, making the Banda Islands not only a historically significant destination, but also an internationally recognized diving spot.

 

Get There

The quickest route to the Banda Islands is through the Pattimura Airport in Ambon  Island, about 36 km from Ambon City. This is a domestic only airport, with flights available from Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar , Kupang, and several other smaller destinations.

It is impossible to book round trip flights, so you would need to be sure to book your return ticket once in Ambon. Don’t forget to keep reconfirming, as flights are often cancelled due to bad weather, engine problems, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Alternatively, you can cross the Banda Sea by ferry, which is about 7 hours from Ambon to the Banda islands, but once again, these voyages are extremely unpredictable. The Banda Islands are also a popular destination for cruise ships, and can be accessed via various cruise companies as well.