:: Banda Island Hotels Travel Guides ::
BANDA ISLAND
The Banda group, about 160
kilometers southeast of Ambon, consists of three larger
islands and seven smaller ones, perched on the rim of
Indonesia's deepest sea, the Banda Sea. Near Manuk
Island, the water reaches more than 6,500 meters depth.
Of the three biggest islands Banda, Banda-Neira and
Mount Api, the first two are covered with nutmeg trees
and other vegetation. The third however, is entirely
bare and highly volcanic. The last eruption of Mt. Api
occurred only a few years ago. The seas around Banda are
the sites of the famous Maluku sea gardens with their
bright corals and colorful fish darting through the
crystal-clear waters. Facilities for sightseeing,
snorkeling and skin-diving are available, as well as
clean, comfortable cottages.
Banda saw some of the
bloodiest episodes of Maluku's past history during the
17th century. In 1609, the Dutch East Indies Company
(VOC) dispatched Verhoeff to the islands to obtain the
contested spice trade monopoly at any cost. Confronted
by a superior power, people Banda were forced to allow
the company to establish a fort, but in that same year
Verhoeff was killed together with 45 of his men. The
Company retaliated, but peace was not restored. In 1619,
V.O.C. Governor-General Jan Pieterszoon Coen arrived at
the head of a penal expedition and exterminated the
entire population of Banda. The land was divided into
lots, called "perken”, and given to former company
employees, the "perkiniers", who were obliged to grow
nutmeg and sell them at predetermined prices to the
company. Slaves did the actual work in the fields. The
old "perkenier houses", or what is left of them, and old
churches still retain a peculiar colonial character to
the port town of Bandaneira today. Two old forts Belgica
and Nassau are inside the town limits. Others are found
elsewhere on the islands. See also the former Dutch
Governor's mansion, the History Museum in Neira, and the
huge nutmeg plantation nearby.
Hotel Maulana Banda Naira
Banda
Naira
Phone: (0910) 21022
Fax : (0911) 21024
Rooms: 40
Class: *
The Spice Island Divers
operation is currently based in the most luxury
residence on Banda, Hotel Maulana, owned by Des Alwi the
King of Banda. The wonderful waterside positioning of
the hotel affords the most spectacular views of Gunung
Api. The list of superstars to have graced the island is
impressive; Lady Diana, Mick Jagger and Jacques Cousteau
have all sought out the peace and tranquility of this
exotic hideaway.
The hotel is a traditional colonial design with an
expansive patio and outdoor eating areas, overlooking
the gardens, just feet from the crystal clear waters of
Banda
Harbour, built on the site of Pak Des' family pearl
factory. There are 50 rooms in the residence, All rooms
are air conditioned and have en-suite bathroom
facilities. At just $50 per room per night, rates are
very reasonable.
Local Delicacies
Food served at the hotel consists of a delightful array
of local delicacies, concentrating on fresh fish and
local fruit produce.
Some lucky divers may have the chance to meet the owner
of the Maulana Hotel, the ruler of Banda himself Mr Des
Alwi, and a tour of the town in his company is a
pleasure indeed. To see an 80 year old gentleman with
such zest and passion for life is intoxicating.
Come and Discover Indonesia Islands with us!
