"Banda Islands - Snorkelling Paradise" Bandanaira by Daihappydai

Bandanaira Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 95 photos

Coral and Cucumbers, Banda Islands - Bandanaira

Snorkelling

The Banda Islands may be difficult to get to but if snorkelling is your thing, it is well worth the effort. There are an abundance of great snorkelling locations, all slightly different from each other, and all within reach of Bandaneira for half day or full day trips. Coral is in good condition and there is an abundance of fish with the possibility of seeing reef sharks, rays, turtles and much more. I was amazed at the profusion of coral on the lava flows of Gunung Api which erupted in 1988. Snorkelling trips are easy to organise, and I was very impressed with the care taken by the boat drivers - explaining currents, ensuring all snorkellers were in sight etc.

History - the Dutch impact

View of Benteng Belgica, Bandaneira

The Dutch and the British fought for control of the Banda Islands as they sought out a monopoly on nutmeg production. The Dutch were victorious and their impact on the islands can still be seen today with large forts and many Dutch colonial buildings still standing. While the Dutch committed grave atrocities upon the local population, with huge numbers killed or exiled to the Kei Islands, it is the more recent short-lived occupation by the Japanese that the islanders feel most negative about.

Spices and Kenari

Collecting nutmeg on Banda Besar

Once upon a time the Banda Islands were the world's major source of nutmeg, with other spices such as cloves and cinnamon also grown. Today, there are still plantations growing nutmeg and kenari - a tree that protects the nutmeg trees and produces an almond-like nut. You can buy 'pala' (nutmeg) jam - and you'll almost certainly have it for breakfast - along with 'halua kenari', an almond brittle, in several shops in Bandaneira. It is well worth taking a trip to a nutmeg plantation with a guide- see my tip - to learn a little more about the history of the islands.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly people, cheap accommodation, amazing snorkelling
Cons:Transport to the islands can be difficult but....
In a nutshell:Well worth the effort, some of the best snorkelling ever

Last visit to Bandanaira: Jan 2011
Intro Updated Feb 26, 2011
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Reviews (16)

Snorkelling along Gunung Api - Bandanaira

Snorkelling the Lava Flow of Gunung Api Sports & Outdoors (2)

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View of Lonthoir from Benteng Hollandia - Bandanaira

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Children playing football, Pulau Ai - Bandanaira

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Pulau Ai is a one hour trip on a public boat from Bandaneira and it is here I had the chance to chat to some of the... more travel advice

Snorkeling at Pulau Ai, Banda Islands - Bandanaira

Snorkeling on Pulau Ai, Banda Islands Sports & Outdoors (2)

There are some great places to snorkel off Pulau Ai and all within walking distance of Ai village. There is some fair... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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giampiero6 Apr 19, 2011 at 4:03 PM

Man, what a cool page. Thanks!
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RudyD Mar 1, 2011 at 11:33 PM

Fantastic pictures and great information, Thanks