"Stop overs in Ambon" Top 5 Page for this destination Ambon by Daihappydai

The island of Ambon is the main transportation hub of south-central Maluku. From Ambon you can travel to north Maluku, to Makassar in Sulawesi, back west to Java and Bali, or travel further south and east to the Banda Islands, the Kei Islands and Irian Jaya. Note that the airport is 45 minutes drive from the city of Ambon. Besides flights, a number of Pelni ferries pass through Ambon - the Pelni terminal is on the city's edge, and there are daily ferries to Seram and Saparua - these leaving from ports some distance from Kota Ambon.

Christmas tree on one of the main roads in Ambon

In the late 1990's and early 2000's there were major conflicts between Christians and Muslims on Pulau Ambon. Now all is calm. At Christmas time the roads of many villages are lined with home-made Christmas trees lit with bright, colorful lights. Even in the centre of town, you will find Christmas trees on the side of the road.

A young boy in front of a fireworks stall

As Christmas approaches, road side stalls are set up in the city selling a wide range of fireworks. On Christmas Eve, the streets of Kota Ambon are almost deserted for a few hours as Christians go to church - then the fireworks start up again.

• Pros:Take the time to visit and stay in some of the villages on the island.
• In a nutshell:The city is busy! The villages far more relaxed and friendly