Ambon is a town that boasts a rich cultural heritage and history, located on the Indonesian island of Ambon. It is known as “Ambon Manise” or “sweet” or “beautiful,” and its capital city has developed through the cultivation and trade of spices, making it the largest city in the Maluku Province. The town’s history is marked by the influences of European colonization, first by Portugal in 1526, followed by the Dutch until Indonesia’s independence in 1945. The colonial architecture and Fort Victoria, a military base that was once the center of the city, serve as reminders of the town’s European heritage. Although access to Fort Victoria is now restricted to the public, old paintings and statues remain to showcase the island’s history.
Ambon covers 775 square kilometers, mostly hilly and steeply sloping with fertile grounds, ideal for crops such as banana, sago, cassava, spices, and cotton. The local cuisine is a reflection of the mix of ethnic cultures and religions that have been inherited from the town’s rich history, with sago being a staple food and key ingredient in many dishes.
The people of Ambon are warm and welcoming, proud of their traditions and often invite visitors to take part in their cultural expressions such as song and dance. The town’s landscapes, tropical climate, and stunning beaches make it a popular destination for adventure and marine enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can hike to the city gate, a naturally formed seaside cliff shaped like a city gate, or play with the giant moray eels in lake Waai, for a unique experience.
The waters around Ambon offer incredible diving experiences, with diverse marine life and well-known muck diving destinations that attract marine enthusiasts from all over the world.
Ambon’s deep natural harbor, international air and seaport, and central location in Indonesia make it a great staging post for visiting yachts and an ideal gateway to the Molucca islands and other remote destinations. The town’s large airport with international facilities serves as a well-connected transit hub for central Indonesia and the more remote eastern provinces.
