Diving in the waters of Banda Archipelago

Banda archipelago is one of the well-known tourist destination in Indonesia for divers. Not only expert divers but also the beginners enjoy diving in the Banda waters. They can choose whether they dive in the shallow sea between Banda Neira and Gunung Api or diving close to vertical wall at Hatta island. Banda island offers enchanted tropical scenery, friendly people, and various coral stones.

Scuba activity is a new program in the island. However, it needs no hard work for the diver to enjoy this activity. Panoramic view in Banda's sea floor could be enjoyed such as reef wall and various sea creatures such as group of Napoleon Wrasse fish, tuna, lobster, turtle, etc.


Banda archipelago is located on the southeast of Ambon, with the distance from Ambon is approximately 132 kilometer. It consists of three islands and seven isles, located on the slope of Banda sea, the deepest sea in Indonesia. For instance, close to Manuk island, the depth of the sea is more than 6500 meter. Two of the three bigest islands in Banda archipelago i.e Banda island and Banda-Neira island, are covered by Pala trees and other plants. Whereas the third island, there are no trees on it and has volcanic soil.

Banda waters is well-known for its enchanted sea-floor scenery. The reefs are clear and there are so many kinds of fishes swimming in the blue clear-crystal water. It is why the place is very appropriate to do diving activity, snorkeling or just sightseeing.


THE BEST DIVING PLACES IN THE ARCHIPELAGO
Sonegat:
located between Banda Neira and Gunung Api. There are just few fishes here, but you can find big dogtooth tuna here, as well as blue gridled and pretty emperor angelfish.
Keraka island:
Its beach is very beautiful. At the sea depth, there are some mini wall of reef as high as 18 meter, covered by hundreds of large blue and yellow tunicates. At the east of the beach, in the depth of 10 meter, you will find various type of coral reef fishes, and a group of 1/2 meter-length barracudas.
Sjahrir island and Batu Kapal:
20 minutes from hotel at Bandar Neira using a boat. The best time to dive is in the morning and afternoon.
Gunung Api:
The slope of the sea floor is 30 - 35 meter. In May, 1988, the mount explosion annihilated most of reef fromation around the island. But, the explosion also spread reef flowers. Some of them then grow again. However, there is no reef wall here.
Lontar island:
There is sunken caldera and some good places to dive.
Batu Belanda:
We will find various barrel and tube sponge and small caves. There are so many various type of fishes here: group of snappers, large emperor, blue-girdled angelfish, wrasses, large pinnate bat-fish and bannerfish.
Ai Island:
It is the most perfect place for diving in Banda, along with Hatta island. All part of Ai island are surrounded by perfect reef wall, not plain and full of caves and harbour fishes.
Hatta island:
Hatta island is 25 km of Banda Neira. There is atoll at the south of Hatta island. You will see parade of unicornfish, Fusiliersm Jack Fish, and Rainbow Runners. It also oftenly see Whitetip Sharks (2-meter length), Dogtoothed Tuna, napoleon Wrasse, and Hawksbill Turtles.

HOW TO REACH
To go to Banda archipelago, the best way is by flying from flying from Denpasar via Ujungpandang to Ambon city. Then you fly to Banda using small airplanes such as Merpati airlines. Or you can try using ferry from Ambon to Banda. Passenger ferries operate one times every two weeks. So you must stay in Banda at least 17 days if you want to go back to Ambon using ferry.

PLACES TO STAY
Lodges in Banda are still a few and the fare is very cheap.

SIGHTSEEING
Tourist can spend all the time to go for a stroll around this fertile island. Spices still grow here and local people still make tradisional food using spices. There are also colonial- time dutch fortress, pala plantations, and path to Gunung Api. All of them will become your unforgetable visit by enjoying gorgeous scenery around this wonderful archipelago.


Translated from article on Sail Banda 2010 website, as tribute to Sail Banda 2010