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by Saiful Karmen on Friday, August 24 Comments: (0)

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"THE SPICE ISLAND," BANDANAIRA EXPLORATION
From Ambon, Mollucas - Indonesia

ITINERARY :
Duration       : 09 Days / 08 Nights
Attraction     : Historical tour – Volcano trekking – Snorkeling tour
Tour area     : Ambon – Bandanaira Island
Grade           : Easy - Moderate
Start/Finish  : Ambon (Maluku)

Day 01 : Patimura Airport – Arrival Service
  • On arrival pick up you at the airport then transfer you to the hotel in Ambon
  • Free at leisure or short Ambon city tour
  • Afternoon return to hotel. Dinner . Overnight.
Day 02 : Ambon - Banda

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Transfer you to Pattimura airport to fly to Banda Neira island at 07.00am.
  • It takes 45 minutes flight, On Arrival in Banda airport directly check in at Hotel.
  • Sightseeing in Banda Naira. Banda is famous because of its spices, beaches, the volcano history and culture. (B, L, D)
Note: Direct flight to Ambon from Jakarta or transit in Ujung Pandang/Jakarta from Bali. you must be in Ambon on a day prior departure to Banda naira either Friday or Tuesday. the flight schedules to Banda Naira twice a weeks leaves at 7am and Banda Ambon leaves at 9am by Buana Air.

Day 03 : Banda Besar Tour
  • Breakfast at your Hotel.
  • Cross over by boat to Banda Besar island to visit Lonthor village. Walk the historical 360 steps up to the remains of Fort Hollandia.
  • Return to the beach and continue to Sembayan beach for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Lunch will be served at the beach. Back to Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 04 : Historical Tour
  • Breakfast at Hotel.
  • Take a short walk to Banda traditional market.
  • Directly to local Museum see the antiques and historical articles.
  • Have a stop at the Dutch old church built in 1852 which have 34 Dutch Graves inside, the Palace of Governor J.P.Coen was built in 1611, the Bronze statue of King Willem III.
  • Back to your Hotel for lunch.
  • Continue the trip visit fort Belgica dated back 1611 and Hatta, Syahrir Resident.
  • Back to Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 05 : Volcano Island Tour
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Hiking to the top of Gunung Api ( Volcano ) 660 meter highest peak of Banda.
  • Start at 05.30 am from the Southside of the volcano. Return to your Hotel.
  • Lunch, dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 06: Banda Naira Excursions
  • Breakfast at hotel.
  • Nutmeg plantation educational tour and visit some fortified ruins built during the Dutch occupation of the islands.
  • Visiting the oldest nutmeg tree, 300 years old which is still producing some fruit and the clove tree which produces a flower, which when dried. (B, L, D)
Day 07 and 08: Banda Naira - Snorkeling - Swiming - Sunbathing trip.
  • Breakfast at hotel,
  • Relax on the island of Banda, within visit the highlights snorkeling point on Bandanaira islands with visiting some small island arround.
Day 09: Banda Naira Hotel - Ambon - Next Destination
  • Breakfast at hotel.
  • Free and easy at hotel until escorting to Banda naira airport to fly to Ambon at 9am by Buana air
  • On Arrival, free at leisure. End of Services.
  Includes:
  • All Tours and transportation
  • Flights Return Ambon Banda Neira
  • 01 nights hotel in Ambon
  • 08 nights Banda hotel based on twin share
  • Meals as per itinerary in dicated with B, L, D
  • Snack
  • English Speaking Guide Fee.
  • Permit and conservation fee for the park.

Excludes:
  • Domestic Airlines ticket Bali/Jakarta to Ambon return
  • Ambon Hotel and meals
  • Airport tax
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks
  • Laundry
  • Phone calls
  • All extra personal expenses that not mentioned on items above.
  • Any kind of expenditures incurred due to flight cancellation/delays or due other caused beyond our control.
 Please Contac Us : routertelemedia@gmail.com routertelemedia@gmail.com  mobile  : 081343472742
by Saiful Karmen on Saturday, August 4 Comments: (0)

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Fortune found in fragrant isles, Banda Neira.


At the eastern reaches of the Indonesian Archipelago, Banda is a group of 10 small islands that are part of the province of Maluku, once known as the Spice Islands. Getting to Banda has never been easy. Sailors berthing here from Europe would fall on their knees and give thanks to God for sparing them from scurvy, dysentery, malaria and pirates; but it was worth it. They were halfway to a fortune.

From the quay, I pass through the grounds of the Hotel Maulana and on to the main street of Banda Neira, the largest town, which threads past a mosque and the bazaar and on to a street lined with buildings set back behind deep verandahs with shuttered doors and windows. Further back, under the eye of the hilltop Belgica Fortress, is a scattering of villas once owned by the perkenier, the Dutch landholders. Some have been handsomely restored but most are falling prey to time, mould and tropical vegetation. It's the classic castaway island - languid and serene - and grafted with a history that seems as much fantasy as fact.

Banda is famous as the original home of nutmeg and, from the Middle Ages, nutmeg was the ultimate prize of the spice trade, a nut to steal men's souls. As well as a condiment, nutmeg was said to ward off bubonic plague, prevent sore throats, scarlet fever and ailments of the spleen. It was used to treat memory loss, dizziness, epilepsy, to guard against broken bones and - naturally - to increase a man's potency. In Europe, nutmeg sold for 300 times its purchase price in Banda, the only place nutmeg grew. Whoever could control Banda and its nutmeg trade was guaranteed a fortune.
After passing through the hands of Chinese, Arab and Portuguese merchants, the nutmeg trade fell into the hands of the Dutch when they grabbed Banda and set about creating a monopoly. Their efforts were frustrated for many years by the British East India Company, which had occupied and fortified the nearby island of Run, a western member of the Banda Islands group and another source of nutmeg. After protracted sieges, battles, intrigues and massacres, the Dutch finally gained control of Run when they traded it for a small, unproductive island in North America, which they called New Amsterdam, now known as Manhattan.
The Dutch East India Company eventually petered out, replaced by the Dutch colonial administration, which ended when Indonesia gained its independence after World War II. But Banda is still strewn with reminders of its former rulers.
Set into the floor of the Dutch Old Church are the headstones of settlers who died in the service of the Dutch East India Company. The beach in front of the former Dutch administration buildings is littered with Chinese porcelain, wine bottles, remnants of bowls, plates, Dutch clay pipes and cups that broke during the sea voyage and were thrown overboard when the cargo was landed.
Most poignant of all the colonial mementoes is the inscription scratched into a window pane in one of the former Dutch buildings along the waterfront. It recalls the melancholy end of a homesick officer who used his diamond ring to etch his final thoughts into the glass, telling his family how much he loved them, before hanging himself.
 
The Dutch influence even extends to Banda's shopping scene. If you've ever wanted a serving plate featuring the coat of arms of the Dutch East India Company, a mahogany wall cabinet, a blunderbuss or a smallish cannon, the antiques shops of Banda Neira have just the thing.
Nutmeg remains an important cash crop in Banda and much of the island is still covered in nutmeg trees, which grow only in hot and humid places with pure air, abundant rainfall and shade, which comes from the giant canopy of wild almond trees. When the yellow-green fruit splits, the mahogany-coloured kernel of the nutmeg appears, sheathed in a fleshy, crimson web of mace.

However, there is much more to the islands of Banda than memories and agriculture.
Dominating the landscape is the massive volcanic cone of Gunung Api, which rumbles into action at least once every century and particularly at times of historic change for the islanders. Its most recent eruption, in 1988, killed three people, destroyed more than 300 houses and filled the sky with ash for days. Climbing the scree-covered slopes to peer into the cone of the volcano is not for the faint-hearted but, provided you start in the cool air shortly after dawn, it's well worth the effort to reach the 666-metre summit, where the views are sensational.
Diving and snorkelling around Banda varies from merely sensational to off-the-dial awesome. These waters are part of the Bird's Head Seascape, a vast marine zone at the absolute pinnacle of underwater biodiversity, sometimes described as a species factory. Unknown to marine biologists until the 1990s, it's blown all previous counts of marine life out of the water. Pelagic species are especially abundant, including hammerhead sharks, rays and tuna. Sea snakes are common and one of the local specialties is a large population of the gorgeous mandarinfish, a close relative of the LSD-fish, so named because of its psychedelic colouring.
Banda is a perfect fit for a certain kind of traveller with a taste for hot, dramatically beautiful and eccentric places that are off the beaten track, although you have to wonder how long it will remain under wraps. While he was showing me around the old Dutch buildings by the waterfront, my guide pointed out a crumbling colonial relic that has recently been acquired by Adrian Zecha, the creator of Amanresorts. In a world where the taste for the exotic runs to ever-more remote parts of the globe, sleepy little Banda might be on the radar once again.
___________________________________________________________________________
Trip notes

Getting there

The most reliable way to get to Banda is via the Pelni Line ships (pelni.com), which travel from Ambon to Banda at least once a week. The fare is about $50 a person for cabin class. Garuda Indonesia (garuda-indonesia.com) and Lion Air (lionair.co.id) operate services between Jakarta and Ambon.

Staying there

Hotel Maulana is a three-star establishment on the waterfront and offers the most comfortable accommodation. Doubles cost about $50. Several guest houses offer an atmospheric alternative, including Mawar Gethouse, which charges about $17 for a double room. +62910  21083 Or contact me if you need it Me,  by Email and Mobile, (routertelemedia@gmail.com /+6285343060496  (IPUL)

Eating there 
  • The Delfika Cafe is one of the best of the local restaurants, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. +62 91 21 027.
  • Namasawar is a pleasant, local-style restaurant that serves seafood. +62 91 21 136.
See + do

Spice Island Divers is a land-based dive centre that serves Banda and its surroundings. The business can also help with transport and accommodation needs. divingbanda.com.
Any hotel will provide a guide and transport for tours, which include climbing the volcano, visiting a nutmeg plantation and snorkelling trips.
Several shops in Banda Neira sell pearls from nearby farms.

More information

Search for "Banda" at indonesia.travel. See smarttraveller.gov.au, for advice from the federal government.
or contact me Me by Email or Mobile, (routertelemedia@gmail.com /+6285343060496  (IPUL)
 
Local secret
THE cakalele dance is common throughout Indonesia's eastern islands. The dance has many regional variations, yet in Banda it has a special poignancy.
The story told in Banda's cakalele comes from the terrible fate the islanders suffered at the hands of the Dutch, when most males over the age of 15 were butchered and the rest either enslaved or deported and replaced by more pliable settlers from the island of Java.
Dressed in elaborate tunics and helmets that date to those of Portuguese soldiers in the 16th-century, five dancers perform around bamboo poles with metal flowers in their mouths, because the fate the islanders suffered was too terrible for words.
The cakalele is performed for important visitors and during ceremonies and it's well worth the effort and the expense if you can persuade the dancers to put on a performance for you.
banda-naira.blogspot.com

Banda Islands Diving Holidays

by Saiful Karmen on Sunday, May 13 Comments: (0)

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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 (0910-21083) 
  • 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 (0910-21083) 

Lonely Planet Banda Naira

by Saiful Karmen on Thursday, December 15 Comments: (0)

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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 GetHouse (Tn.Abdullah)(091021083)   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.
Ambon
banda-naira.blogspot.com

Bersama Hatta dan Sjahrir di Banda Naira

by Saiful Karmen on Friday, July 29 Comments: (1)

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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.
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