Exploring Ambon: Sightseeing Around The City

I think the city with most nicknames in Indonesia is Ambon. Island of Spices, a nickname that I always read and heard during my high school time, precisely on history subject where long time ago Moluccas Island/Ambon produced spices, also as trading market. There are plenty things to do in Ambon.

Another nickname is Sweet Ambonese, literally they are all sweet. Ambonese are very nice and helpful. “Ambon the city of music”, totally agree. Ambonese are very talented. They have amazing voices and high musicality. Even the local government supports the music events in Ambon. Lovely people and beautiful city landscape made me fell in love with Ambon.

Journey to Ambon, the Island of Spices

I almost left by my plane due to unclear announcement in Makassar airport. The voice of the speaker was so small until I couldn’t hear the announcement clearly. Moreover they opened the same gate for same airline, in the same boarding time but different destination.

Something doesn’t feel right, my sense worked at that time. I asked then officer and yep, the plane was about to take off and I was the almost left one. What only matter was I didn’t miss the flight. I chose to sit near the window because I knew the view will be amazing. The plane flew to the south across Takabonerate archipelago, consists of atoll type islands and they really look like a painting on canvas.

Once I arrived at the airport, my couchsurfing host picked me up with his motorbike. It’s the first time I saw a city in Indonesia using ferry as the transportation connecting different side of the city. Ambon city shaped like horseshoe that’s why it’s closer to take boat from one side to another side crossing the sea rather than overland. I stayed in Amans Inn for Rp 220,000/night. The hostel is strategic, near the market, harbor, and also bus station.

2. Liang Beach

Hunimua Beach or known as Liang Beach, located around 40 kms from Ambon city. A beautiful beach and also relaxing with the awesome water color. Getaway for local people during weekend. Many kids jumping from the bridge into the crystal clear water.

I went there during weekend and I saw many families doing picnic at the beach. Go in weekdays if you seek for serenity. Liang Beach can be reached by public bus or angkot to Tulehu. It costs Rp 15,000 one way. Entrance fee to Liang Beach is Rp 2,000/person.

Transportation around Ambon City

From airport take Damri Bus to the central, near World Peace Gong (Rp 35,000). Taxi is also available, price around Rp 150,000. You can take angkot if you want to travel around the city (Rp 3,000), rickshaw (starts from Rp 10,000).

Earliest Damri Bus from World Peace Gong is at 4.30 a.m. another schedule is around 11-12 p.m. Make sure first because the bus doesn’t operate everytime. If you missed Damri, you can take small boat crossing the sea from the market (Rp 5,000) then take angkot to Laha/airport (Rp 5,000)

If you need a place to stay near airport there’s one cheap homestay named Michael’s Homestay but you won’t recognize because no sign board/name on the house. You can call here +6281343028872. He could speak english and also very helpful. The family has three rooms with rate per night Rp 100,000 including breakfast.

Follow my journey next from Ambon to Ora Beach which is also in Maluku, Indonesia.