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Banda Islands Diving Holidays


Spices, more specifically Nutmeg, Mace and Cloves were the assets which elevated the Banda islands to the most valuable real estate in the world. Spice traders from across the globe set out in search of the original Spice Islands, in the hope of returning home with a cargo of the exotic riches. Nutmeg and Mace were valuable due to their well known preservative and medicinal qualities. With the bubonic plague rife in Europe, any supposed cure had incredible demand; and indeed nutmeg was thought to be a cure for the Black Death. The secondary spice of nutmeg production, the vibrant red mace, was also believed to hold medicinal powers secretly sought by gentlemen folk of the time.

In the rare event that merchants made the journey successfully, the rewards were significant and the traders grew rich beyond their dreams. The resulting colonial residences and palaces that were erected in Banda are still standing, waiting to be explored.

By diving Banda with Spice Island Divers, there is always enough time to explore the topside culture and historical delights of the region.






Since tourist numbers are still low, you will be considered a novelty and you may find yourself the greatest entertainment in town. You may be roped into dancing sessions with locals, who enjoy dangdut parties where gyrations are to the sound of a strange but interesting blend of Arabic and house music - the closest you will find to a disco! 

Aside from local markets in Banda Neira and the outlying islands and the occasional curio stand, there is not much in the way of retail which might interest the international market. If you need to be within touching distance of an Ikea or a Tesco then perhaps Banda is not for you.Similarly, dining options are restricted to a few small restaurants serving tasty local fare, where you can expect plastic chairs and less-than-salubrious surroundings.
History of the Bandas 
The Banda Islands have had a long and fascinating history, including being among the most expensive real estate in the world! Spices, foreign traders, wars and earthquakes have all featured heavily in their checkered past. More on Banda's unique history 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/SMS  (MOBILE NUMBER 085343060496 OR 081242462204) IPUL & NUR
MAWAR GETHOUSE MR.ABDULAH (0910-21081) 
The Local People 
The majority of the inhabitants of the Banda region are descended from migrants and labourers who arrived from various different parts of Indonesia and mixed with the indigenous population. However, immigration from many parts of the world are evident in the people including from Java, the Bay of Bengal, and indeed Europeans who mixed with locals during and after the time of the spice trade. The unique cultural identity of the pre-colonial Bandanese is still very much in existence. 
Language is one such example with a form of Malay dialect, distinguishable from Ambonese Malay, being spoken by the Bandanese. Ambonese Malay is the main language of the greater area however, the more local dialect with its Dutch influences and sing-song character sets it apart.
Agriculture and fishing remain the 2 main sources of employment. Nutmeg, the main source of Banda's fame, is still an important crop to this day as are cloves and bananas. The sea is also an important source of employment with tuna and, increasingly, scuba divers represent a considerable source of income. 
Approximately 95% of the local population are Muslim and 5% are Christian.
Local Transport 
Getting around Ambon is probably best done on foot, but for longer journeys you can use taxis, minibuses and becaks. A taxi from the airport to the city takes about 45 minutes.
There is nowhere big enough in the Banda Islands to need public road transport. Indeed, only Banda Neira has proper roads. Most of the Banda Sea transport you will use will be boat.
Interested? 
Be sure to book in plenty of time to avoid limited choice! The best scuba diving vacations are booked by repeat customers who book well in advance to ensure their reservation! 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/SMS  (MOBILE NUMBER 085343060496 OR 081242462204) IPUL & NUR MAWAR GETHOUSE MR.ABDULAH (0910-21081) 

Lonely Planet Banda Naira

Banda Sea

The Banda Sea is a deep sea ringed by islands in eastern Indonesia. Right in the middle of the sea are the Banda Islands.   While they may seem incredibly remote, they were once world famous as the Spice Islands, where nutmeg & mace - much sought after in those days - were grown & fought over by colonial powers.
Nowadays, they are more famous for their plentiful underwater wonders & laidback island charmt.


Dive Spots
The seven main islands and numerous smaller islets that make up the Banda Islands have some truly excellent diving.   Palau Ai has plunging walls and excellent pelagics, including numerous species of larger shark. Skaru is a small atoll just off the main Hatta Island that often has a bewildering profusion of fish & colours, including huge schools of Snapper & Fusliers. Pelagic action is also common here and the nutrient rich waters feed majestic corals & sponges. The pinnacles around Batu Kapal make for an excellent dive too. The main island of Banda Neira is a great place to find mating Mandarinfish at dusk, which are reportedly far less bashful than at other locations.  The reefs fringing Gunung Api, with their tapestry of delicate table corals, have been a revelation to scientists. Gunung Api is an active volcano that last erupted in 1988, covering the reefs in lava and destroying everything in their path. Miraculously though, the reefs have recovered faster than experts ever thought possible and the area is now home to some of the most impressive hard coral structures that you will find anywhere in the world. This site has a huge concentration of Banded & Olive Sea Snakes too. There is also superb diving elsewhere in the Banda Sea. The 5 small atolls of Lucipara are a turtle nesting ground and have excellent diving, with walls plunging down to over a kilometre. There are occasional sightings of Mola Molas, or Sunfish here. Just off the eastern coast of Seram island at the northern end of the Banda Sea is Koon Island. Despite strong currents and lower visibility, this site is a popular very Liveaboard stop. In addition to the profusion of fish life here, numerous sharks & even whales are known to cruise, including large Killer Whales.

Also in the north of the Banda Sea, Ambon is one of Asia’s finest muck-diving spots. In this large bay, you can find the endemic Ambon Scorpionfish, Halimeda Ghost Pipefish, Thorny Seahorses, Mandarinfish, Frogfish and many more fascinating critters for macro-lovers to search for. Just a short distance from Ambon, Nusa Laut has beautiful corals and excellent reef life - a tribute to the locals, who take great pride in their healthy reefs. The Banda Sea has a season that differs to many in Indonesian areas, with two short high seasons. The first is in March & April, the second from September to November. Outside these months, it is still possible to dive the area, but the sea can be very rough at times. Ambon is a little more protected and can be dived all year, with September through to May bringing the best conditions.
the Banda Islands are a group of 10 volcanic islands, rising out of the deep Banda Sea in eastern Indonesia. Despite their remote location, they have a famous history as part of the Moluccas - otherwise known as the Spice Islands. Once upon a time, the Banda Islands were the world's only producers of nutmeg.

Dive Phuket  Dive
There is one dive operation in the Banda Islands, called Spice Island Divers, which are based on the main island of Banda Neira. They make daily trips to many of the local dive sites. Some sites are just a few minutes away, but others are quite a long journey. There is also superb shore diving under the jetty. The dive shop is partnered with Maluku Divers in Ambon to the north.

Travel Phuket  Travel
Reaching the Banda Islands is quite difficult. There is an small airport, but it is only connected with Ambon. The most popular route is to fly from Jakarta or Bali to Makassar in Sulawesi. From here, you can fly to Ambon and from Ambon, you can take a small, unreliable plane to the Banda Islands. Alternatively, once you have got to Ambon, you can catch the bi-weekly ferry and stay on the Banda Islands for 17 days before catching the same ferry back.
Stay Phuket  Stay
The dive shop is based in the island's one luxury hotel, Hotel Maulana, or More Gethouse, Mawar, (0910210830)   Belgica Gethouse and oder on Banda Neira. There are also a few budget options on the island too, all of which are owned by Des Alwi, the island's charismatic father figure. There is no accommodation on any of the other Banda Islands. Do Phuket  Do
Aside from the diving & snorkelling, relaxing and enjoying the wonderful views are about as active as the Banda Islands get. The snorkelling here is superb and will keep non-divers happy for hours. The resort also has some tennis courts for those feeling active.
AmbonNusa LuatKoon IslandBanda Islands Lucipara
banda-naira.blogspot.com

Bersama Hatta dan Sjahrir di Banda Naira

Bersama Hatta dan Sjahrir di Banda Naira
Mendirikan Sekolah Sore
  
SETELAH akrab dengan beberapa keluarga di Banda, Oom Hatta dan Oom Sjahrir menyelenggarakan sebuah sekolah yang dilaksanakan pada sore hari dengan tidak memungut bayaran bagi anak-anak Banda Naira yang tidak bersekolah. Murid-murid sekolah sore adalah penduduk yang secara ekonomi kurang mampu menyekolahkan anaknya ke sekolah yang ada. Di antara mereka adalah para cucu Said Baadilla serta Donald dan Louis; anak angkat Dr Tjipto Mangunkusumo. Juga ada anak-anak seorang mantan nakhoda schooner mutiara yang kawin lari dengan seorang gadis dari Darwin, Australia, dan kemudian hidup bahagia bersama gadis itu di Naira; serta beberapa anak Banda yang tidak berpeluang melanjutkan pendidikan mereka di Ambon, Makasar atau Jawa. Selain itu ada pula anak-anak para administratur beberapa perkebunan pala, namun mereka tidak mengikuti pelajaran secara tetap karena orang tua mereka khawatir jika anak-anaknya bergaul dengan orang-orang politik dalam pengasingan. Para orang tua itu juga kurang suka bergaul dengan orang-orang pengasingan karena takut ditegur oleh Kontroler. Beberapa anak hanya mengikuti sekolah sore kalau merasa membutuhkan pelajaran tambahan karena ketinggalan dalam pelajaran tersebut di sekolah Belanda, atau bila mereka terlalu nakal di rumah sehingga disuruh orang tuanya mengikuti sekolah Hatta dan Sjahrir yang gratis itu. Sebenarnya kedua Oom ini sedih melihat begitu banyak anak-anak Banda yang kurang mendapat pendidikan yang bermutu seperti bahasa Belanda yang diperlukan jika hendak melanjutkan ke sekolah menengah. Memang bahasa Belanda kurang dipakai di Kepulauan Banda Naira. Bahkan para Burgo (keturunan Indo-Belanda) lebih suka berbicara Banda daripada bahasa nenek moyang mereka. Hatta dan Sjahrir pun menganggap mereka orang Indonesia.

Menjadi Indonesia Kembali di Banda Naira


Menjadi Indonesia Kembali di Banda Naira

Ada ketenangan yang mengusik dada sesaat kaki melangkah masuk sebuah bangunan di pertigaan Jalan Hatta. Rumah itu sunyi, sesunyi sore yang berkawan langit mendung Banda Naira di pertengahan April 2011. Tapi kuduk yang meremang malah sebaliknya merekonstruksi bisingnya bocah-bocah berteriak dan berlarian menunggu saat belajar tiba.
Langkah sepatu menggerus lantai terakota tiba-tiba memecah suasana. Tak ada lagi berisik, tak ada lagi kegaduhan. Senyap menyergap. Sang guru tiba. Saatnya belajar. Di sana, di teras pojok rumah, di mana meja-kursi dan papan tulis tersusun rapi, tak satu senti pun melenceng dan tak sedikitpun debu menodai. Persis seperti yang empunya rumah ingini. Simphu, seorang warga senior Banda Naira menceritakannya dengan mata berkaca-kaca. Walau tak lama, ia sempat duduk di salah satu kursi-kursi tadi. Tak pernah bosan ia mendengarkan Bung Hatta, sang guru berkacamata, mendongeng kisah menggugah, menanamkan cita-cita pendiri bangsa: negara kesatuan yang tumbuh dari dan atas keberagaman.
Tapi matanya berubah sayu saat sadar konsep negeri pluralis ini makin sirna, lenyap sama cepat dengan sisa usianya. “Anak sekarang kurang ajar,” mata sayunya menusuk, tak membiarkan pandangan saya kabur dari coklat keruh retinanya. “Mana dulu saya berani sebut nama (ketika) panggil orang tua,” lanjutnya. “Dulu saya bangga jadi orang Indonesia. Tapi sekarang saya dianggap bukan orang Indonesia karena mata saya sipit.”
Pernah, seorang remaja belasan tahun datang mencari alat pancing di toko kelontongnya di kawasan Kota Cina. Karena tangannya sedang sibuk, ia tak langsung melayani. Tak sabaran, remaja ingusan tadi menghujaninya dengan sumpah serapah.

Saya disuruh balik negeri Cina. Saya dianggap tak berhak tinggal di sini (Banda Naira) karena tak punya – dan tak bawa – tanah. Saya mau balik ke mana? Saya lahir dan besar di sini.”
Cerita seperti ini bukan pertama kali saya dengar. Tapi, berada di Banda Naira, tempat Bung Hatta dan Sjahrir serta beberapa pemikir dan pendiri bangsa mengonsep negara kesatuan Indonesia di tengah pengasingan mereka, cerita ini menoreh luka lebih dalam. Kisah Simphu membuka perjalanan saya, meretas jejak-jejak sejarah bangsa, di tengah keindahan alam luar biasa, untuk kembali menjadi Indonesia di Banda Naira.


 
eNDRO  cATUR

INDAHNYA BANDA NAIRA

Cantiknya pulau-pulau di Indonesia timur memang sangat terkenal hingga mancanegara. Sebuah pulau yang terletak di bagian tenggara pulau Ambon, yaitu pulau Neira adalah salah satunya. Kekayaan alamnya berupa buah pala membuat para penjajah mendatanginya.
Pulau ini termasuk dalam Kepulauan Banda dan hanya terdapat satu kota di kepulauan tersebut, yaitu Banda Neira. Untuk dapat mencapainya memang membutuhkan waktu cukup lama, tetapi itu semua akan terbayar saat melihat keindahan pulaunya.
Kota Banda Neira ini tidak terlalu luas. Anda bisa mengitari pulau dengan naik becak, perahu atau ojek. Sambil menikmati keindahan pulau, ada beberapa tempat sejarah yang wajib didatangi salah satunya adalah Istana Mini Banda Neira.
Istana tersebut merupakan tempat tinggal Gubernur Jendral VOC JP. Coen. Bentuk istana tersebut ternyata merupakan cikal bakal bentuk Istana Negara yang ada di Jakarta. Dilihat dari depan, memang sama dengan bentuk Istana Negara tetapi versi mini.
Selain cerita sejarah pemerintahan JP. Coen, di dalamnya juga terdapat cerita misteri. Menurut pemandu wisata, JP. Coen dulu memiliki seorang pembantu yang bernama Spock. Sang pembantu ini merasa tertekan tinggal di pulau terpencil dan depresi. Hal ini membuat Spock bunuh diri.