Come Ambon

Non-Diving Topside Attractions

For those non-diveable days or for a non-diving partner there are several day tour combinations available.

Nature Points of Interest:

  • Beautiful Beaches –The white sand beach of Natsepa is famous throughout Indonesia and without a doubt the most frequented destination for locals, here visitors get the opportunity taste the delicious “rujak Natsepa “ (fruit Salad). Other Swimming beaches include Manuala Beach, Hunimua Beach (Pantai Liang), Felawatu Beach and Santi Beach . For more roughed picturesque coast features we visit Pintu Kota, Pantai Namalatu, Tanjung and Batu Capeu, however one can swim safely at all locations.
  • There are 2 natural Hot springs on Ambon (without the sulphur smell!) and both are located close to the Resort at Tulehu and Salahutu.
  • Waterfalls are located just north of the Resort at Waai, 90minutes past the hot Springs. As well as at the Village of Ureng, and around the beach at Naku Village.
  • Giant Eels water ponds can be found in 3 locations throughout the island. The best site is very close the Resort. They are regarded as sacred by locals and considered good luck to see and touch them.
  • George Everhard Rumpf (Rumphius Monument) is well known for his pioneering research on Ambonese flora and fauna in addition to writing the history of Maluku.

Historical Points of Interest:

  • Pattimura Statue & Martha Christina Tiahahu Monument commemorates brave indigenous individuals who fought against the Dutch colonialism in 1817.
  • Hitu Harbor was the main trade harbor prior to European settlement for China, Arabia and archipelago traders.
  • Victoria Castle – The oldest fort in Ambon was built by the Portuguese in 1775.
  • Following the establishment of Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC) by the Dutch colonial government in the 17th century, Amsterdam Fortress was built.
  • The Commonwealth War Cemetery & Australian Monument – visited yearly on ANZAC remembrance Day April 25th. The total number of graves in the cemetery is over 2,000. Of this total over half are Australians, 800 British, 200 Dutch and 1 American casualties. It commemorates over 450 Australian soldiers and airmen who died in the region of Celebes and the Moluccas Islands and have no known grave.
  • Beringin Memorial Tree it was planted in 1944 by the Japanese soldiers. Every year since 1994, in June Japanese tourists visit this place.
  • World Peace Gong. Ambon was appointed by the United Nations as the 35th World Peace site in 2009 to reflect the peace that has been achieved after inter-sectarian violence from 1999-2002.

Cultural Points of interest, Festivals and Events:

  • Siwalima State Museum has 2 buildings; the Maritime Museum and Ethnography Museum. There is a fine collection of ethnography, historical, cultural and scientific displays including 3 whale skeletons, one is 23m long.
  • Various different events are always held by the Muslims in archipelago to enliven the feast of Eid al-Fitr after fasting for a month in Holy Ramadan. One of the more watched is the traditional ceremony “Pukul Sapu” or “Pukul Manyapu”. Pukul Sapu refers to the struggle of Kapitan Telukabessy (indigenous war leader), and his subordinates who fought with the Dutch army in Kapahala War (1643-1646). A ceremony has young male participants whipping each another using a stick of palm trees 1.5-2 meters long and 1-3cm in diameter.
  • Hakurila village has 5 kinds of coral vegetables and 1-2 days after full moon towards the end of March/early April the annual “Timba Laor” party take place for this one special coral that appears only once a year.
  • “Cuci Negeri Soya” Purifying the Village takes place on the second week of December in Soya Village. The site of an old scared urn on top of the Sirimau Hill that never dries up, even in dry season.
  • Coming up for the 8th year running is the Ambon Bay Festival 2013. A Multi-Cultural Carnival to Help Strengthen Maluku’s Stability takes place each year at the end of September. Tourists visiting can expect to enjoy everything from traditional female crewed boat racing (Arumbai Manggurebe), feasting, cultural performances and even a ‘swim across Ambon Bay’ race.
  • Held in conjunction with the Bay Party is the acclaimed Ambon Jazz Plus Festival, which is staged each year at the beginning of September.  A series of mini concerts featuring high profile music artists led by Indonesia’s very best and starring guest performances by artists from the Netherlands, U.S.A. Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and more, will interact with the audience and give a personal, close up view of music in motion, Maluku style.
  • Adding to the energy of the festival Sail To Indonesia Rally has many of its participants ending their journey in Ambon Bay.
  • Held in either August / September, the Maluku Spice Festival helps to showcase this province as an important part of Indonesia, promoting tourism and cultural diversity.
  • There are several beautiful old and new Mosques and Churches that can be visited also.  *For any guests wishing to attend services whilst they are here please let us know what denomination they are and we can make arrangement for them prior to their arrival.

Tours are put together to accommodate what the guests wish to see and do. The above should give a fairly good idea of what is available on Ambon.