Maluku is the only Indonesian province in which land makes up just 15 percent of the area's total surface. In many places the surrounding seas could be thousands of meters deep. Maluku is a transition zone between the Asian and Australian fauna and flora, and also between the Malay-based cultures of western Indonesia and those of Melanesia. 1027 islands support a population of less than 1.7 million people. At least 622 island are uninhabited. Air and sea transportation are the main means which link the islands together. The province has 32 seaports and 20 airports. Good roads on many of the islands provide easy access to the often remote places of interest. A great variety of endemic plant and animal species are found in the rugged forest-covered and mountainous hinterlands of most of the islands. A few of the best known are the Racker-tailed Kingfisher, the Red-crested Moluccan Cockatoo and various brilliantly-colored lorikeets and parrots. Most of Maluku sits astride one of the world's most volatile volcanic belts. The region has known more than 70 eruptions in the last 400 years. Tremors and volcanic eruptions are by no means rare events at present. Many islands, in fact, look from a distance like volcanic cones rising right out of the sea. There are two seasons that are suitable for sailing to these islands: February-March and October-November, when the wind and the waves are low. Formerly known as the Moluccas, these islands are the original Spice Islands which in the 16th and 17th centuries lured the major seafaring nations of Europe to come to trade and to establish their power and influence in this part of the East. Chinese annals of the Tang dynasty from around the middle of the 7th century A.D. make mention of a land named Mi-li-ku. The 14th century Javanese manuscript Nagarakertagama mentions the name Maloko, meaning the island of Ternate, part of this province, which in the 17th century was known to the Portuguese as Moluquo. It was Nicoli de Conti, however, who in 1440 revealed the existence of the Spice Islands to the Europeans. Using his information, Fra Maura drew his world map, and soon the race to the East began. In 1511, the Portuguese built their first fort in the area on the island of Ternate and established their monopoly of the clove trade. The Spanish also came, but posed little trouble to the Portuguese. The Dutch, who arrived in 1599, on the other hand, proved to be their toughest contestants in the quest for Maluku's treasures. Armed conflicts broke out, taking a toll not only among the two rival European powers, but also among the local populations. The Dutch finally emerged as winners and established their trade monopoly with iron hand. Whole villages were razed to the ground and thousands of islanders died in the so called Hongi expeditions launched by the Dutch to maintain their trade monopoly, especially on the island of Banda. The British occupied Maluku for a brief period during the Napoleonic war between England and France. Dutch rule was restored in 1814, leading to a new rebellion under Matulessi which the Dutch suppressed with difficulty. The compulsory cultivation of spices was abolished in Maluku only in 1863. Traces of that turbulent period in Maluku's history can still be found on a number of islands. However, Maluku's great attraction for present-day visitors is its sea gardens, beaches and the beauty of the land. Music and dances and hybrid culture in general, are among the strong touristic drawing cards. Fish and other sea products are nowadays Maluku's major sources of revenue, but nickel, oil, manganese and timber also contribute to the province's wealth.

Ambon Island The town of Ambon is built at the foot of Mount Nona, overlooking Ambon Bay. It is the provincial capital of Maluku. Ambon has a number of interesting sites of historical and cultural interest. Among them are the remnants of some old forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the days of the spice traders. The ANZAC War Cemetery near the town of Ambon is the site of services held every year to commemorate the Allied soldiers who died in the region during world War II. During the month of August, the Darwin-Ambon Yacht Race takes place. Ambon has many wonderful beaches and coral sea gardens, among them are: Batu Capeu Beach, 4 km from Ambon bay, where there are hotels and restaurants; Poka-Rumahtiga Beach, 21 km from Ambon, where canoeing, water-skiing and boating competitions are frequently held; Tanjung Marthafons Beach, 21 km from Ambon, where facilities for canoeing, water-skiing and sail-boating are available and Amuhusa Beach on Ambon Bay, which has great views and coral reefs. Banda Island Banda Island lies 132 km south of Ambon and is only 44 sq. km. in size. It has a harbor, exquisite sea gardens and excellent beaches. Its produce is cloves, nutmeg and maize, which the Dutch, Portuguese and British came to buy during its long and turbulent history. The Banda group of islands are perched on the rim of Indonesia's deepest sea, the Banda Sea. Near Manuk Island, the waters reach a depth of more than 6,500 meters. The nearest surrounding islands are Lonthor (or Banda Besar), Neira (or Banda Neira) and Gunung Api. The 650 meter high volcano on Gunung Api is still active. The marine environment around these islands is simply wonderful. Around almost every island is surrounded with a sea garden rich in decorative corals and fish. Facilities for sightseeing, snorkelling and skin diving are available, as well as clean, comfortable cottages. Buru Island This rather large island, surrounded by rocky beaches with cliffs, is located east of Banda. Most of the land is covered with forests that produce timber and it is famous for its malelenea (kayu putih) oil. Central Maluku Manuk Island is volcanic island inhabited by a white-feathered sea duck. The beaches are good for swimming and the waters are clear and clean. Pombo Island is an atoll with a lagoon in the middle and it is part of a protected marine nature reserve. The island is inhabited by sea mews, Maleo birds and turtles. It is known for its coral reefs and plenty of sea shells can be found here. The waters in the lagoon are calm throughout the year. Turtle Island and Lucipara Island are inhabited by thousands of turtles, which come to lay their eggs. Coral reefs grow in their surrounding waters. Seram Island This island is the biggest and oldest of Maluku. In several caves in the Wai Tala region, paintings found on the walls illustrate the people's beliefs and man's relationship with nature. The paintings are considered similar to those found in caves in Australia. Tourists often visit the areas of the Manusela Valley and Lilialy Plain, where the soil is extraordinarily fertile. Here many vegetables are grown, including potatoes, cabbages and celery. The potato and celery plants sprout even after sections of land are cleared and burnt. The only irrigated ricefields in this province can be found near the town of Kairatu. In some parts of the island, hunting is allowed. Thousands of wild boars live in the forests and many species of birds and butterflies are still found in abundance. Ruta and Kuako Beaches are popular. Ruta is covered with flat stones of all sizes and Kuako with small white pebbles. Southeast Maluku Tual, on Kai Kecil Island, is the capital of this region of Maluku. The Kai Islands consists of several atolls and the reefs here are wonderful. Various species of turtle live here as well as pearl oysters and decorative fish. On these islands also live the Bird of Paradise, black cockatoos, white cockatoos, parrots, dwarf kangaroos, kuskus and many other wild animals. Some of the best timber species of Indonesia are grown here, such as iron wood. Shopping Hand-woven textiles, wood carvings, bamboo utensils, hand bags made of tree bark. See the archipelaGo listings for more information.

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