Maluku is a province nestled between the island of Sulawesi and Papua, Indonesia. Nicknamed the Spice Islands, Maluku has an abundance of valuable spices like cloves, nutmeg, and mace.
In fact, in the past, those spices could only be found in this province, which drew European spice traders into the region and turned Maluku into one of the centers of the world’s spice trade. For that reason, Maluku became a province with a deep history of the spice trade era and World War II.
However, history is not the only charm that Maluku has. As a region that’s still relatively untouched by travelers, Maluku is home to many hidden paradises waiting to be discovered, like pristine beaches, lush forests, centuries-old forts, and fascinating local cultures.
For adventurous travelers who enjoy being in nature, you can visit Manusela National Park, where you can find numerous endemic bird species in Maluku and explore their natural beauty.
You can also visit the scenic Ora Beach and marvel at the sight that resembles the Maldives or Bora Bora, or go sightseeing in historical sites like Fort Amsterdam, Fort Belgica, Fort Victoria, and many more.
Maluku is blessed with idyllic tropical beaches, stunning underwater riches, and volcanic mountains, there are many things to see and do in Maluku.
Visit the Manusela National Park to embark on an adventure in the jungle. Here, you can also visit Ora Beach, which offers a chance to stay in houses that float above the water.
There are also several historical sites from the Dutch colonial era and the spice trade era that are worth visiting. For example, Fort Amsterdam, Fort Belgica, Fort Victoria. and Fort Duurstede.
You can also visit the islands around Maluku, like Banda Islands, Morotai Island, and Buru Island, to enjoy a dreamy and tranquil seaside vacation.
The rich and deep history of Maluku is far too intriguing to ignore, mainly because you can see so many sites. The fascinating Fort Amsterdam has been standing since 1512 and was first used by the Portuguese to store spices before the Dutch colony took over.
Aside from that, there’s also Fort Belgica on Banda Neira. In the past, this fort acted as a fortification system, as these islands were the only place in the world where nutmeg could be found.
You can also check out Fort Victoria and Fort Duurstede, a silent witness to the journey of Indonesian national hero Thomas Matulessi’s fight against the Dutch colony.
Another important site to visit is the Museum Kedaton Sultan Ternate, which houses ancient relics from the era of the Sultanate of Ternate.
Maluku comprises several islands and you can visit them all on an island-hopping tour. Kei Islands offer a breathtaking view of the beach and you can do many things here, from getting massages and snorkeling.
Meanwhile, Banda Islands are a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. The beautiful underwater sceneries on this island make it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
If you’re a fan of history, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Morotai Island and Buru Island. These islands hold a deep history of Dutch colonialism, WW2, and Indonesia’s new order.
Maluku offers you untouched beaches that can take your breath away, with the most beautiful being Ora Beach which boasts a stunning view of white sandy beach, calm and clear blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
Next is Ngurbloat Beach, a hidden paradise in Maluku that is dubbed as the softest beach sands in Asia by National Geographic, and Ngurtafur Beach, a beach with white sands that is also a popular sighting spot for Leatherback Sea Turtle.
Other beaches worth visiting are Natsepa Beach, Jikumerasa Beach, and Liang Beach.
When visiting this province, you must try some of their best local cuisines, such as woku komo-komo, kohu-kohu, nasi lapola, and sagu gula.
Get to Know Maluku
Travel Tips for Maluku