Ambon City is the center of port, tourism and education for the Maluku Islands region. Of the several ports in the city, Yos Sudarso Port in this city is the main port of the city and province. The city is called the center of tourism because it offers various types of tourism, from nature, culture, maritime, to culinary. The existence of Ambon as an education center can be seen from the organization of educational parties, the high average length of schooling, and the availability of educational facilities and infrastructure since the colonial era. Apart from holding the title as the city of Indonesian music, Ambon is the first city in Southeast Asia to be awarded the World Music City by UNESCO.
Ambonese people can be said to be unique because Ambon is a diverse city because it has people from various ethnic groups, religions and races. The majority of Ambonese people come from the Ambon tribe, a local tribe. Even so, this diversity of unity has been shaken by several political conflicts that have led to great riots by inclusion of religion, such as in 1999.
Ambon has a variety of historical heritages, from the megalithic period to the Japanese in its eight villages which are still well preserved. These relics range from the Japanese military base, the Jami Kota mosque, to the bombs from World War II. This city also has a lot of Dutch and Portuguese heritage because Ambon is rich in nutmeg and cloves that Europeans craved in the past. In general, European heritage on the island of Ambon is in the form of a fortress.
The origins of the term Ambon are not easy to determine. According to information provided by local residents, the term comes from the word ombong which is a local formation of the word dew. The mountain peaks on Ambon Island are often covered with thick dew. The term Laha was once used to name the Nossa Senhora da Anunciada Fortress which became the forerunner of the city. In the local language, laha means port.
Although now the term Ambon refers to Ambon City, Ambon Island, and the Ambonese tribe, in historical developments (especially in the 20th century), the term Ambon refers to the inhabitants of Central Maluku. The phrase Ambonese people (Ambonezen) itself also refers to residents in Central Maluku, although initially it was only used for residents of Ambon City who have a mestizo culture.
Fort Victoria
The city of Ambon began to develop since the arrival of the Portuguese in 1513. Then, around 1575, the Portuguese authorities mobilized the surrounding population to build Laha or Ferangi City Fort, which at that time was named Nossa Senhora da Anunciada on the Honipopu Plain. In development, the working community established an organization in the form of a village such as Soya which became the basis of Ambon City because in its subsequent development the community had become a regular territorial geneological society.
After the Dutch succeeded in controlling the Maluku Islands and especially Ambon from Portuguese rule, the Nossa Senhora de Anunciada fort was captured in 1605 and made the center of colonial government and was named Victoria. This fort was hit by a great earthquake and was badly damaged, then renovated and was renamed Nieuw Victoria. Despite its new name Nieuw Victoria, this fort is better known to the local people as Victoria Fort. This fort is famous as the place where Pattimura was hanged on December 16, 1817. National Hero Slamet Rijadi also died at this fort in battle against the troops of the Republic of Maluku
Ambon has many tourist attractions
In nature, however, administratively, most of the very famous tourist objects are located in Central Maluku Regency, but accessed via Ambon City. Of the beaches on Ambon Island, the most famous beach is Natsepa Beach which is located in Suli Village, Central Maluku. which is famous for its natsepa salad. In addition, there is also Liang Beach which is located in Liang, Sala Hutu, Central Maluku. For diving activities, there is Nusa Pombo, an island located between Ambon Island and Haruku Island. On the other hand, there are only a few local tourism spots in the administrative area of the city and they are not as well-known as the local excursions in the regency, but they are no less good than them. Among them the most famous is Pintu Kota Beach. Pintu Kota Beach is a beach that is famous for its uniqueness, namely the presence of large holes that break through the cliffs until they penetrate on both sides. There is also Namasua Beach, located in Naku, which is still rarely known. Apart from the beach, there is also Anihang Waterfall in Naku
At least this time, a list of tourist attractions in Ambon will be presented that you can use as a guide when traveling to this city later. The following are choices of tourist destinations:
1. Molana Island
There are tourist destinations that are no less interesting in Haria Village. Because you can visit Molana Island, which is a small island that is overgrown with mangroves, has beautiful white sand, clear sea water and charming coral reefs.
This small island is truly beautiful, therefore visiting places is a must if you are on vacation in Ambon. You can come when the weather is clear from morning to around 5 in the afternoon because this island will be submerged when the tide is in.
2. Bair Island
Bair Island is often compared to Raja Ampat in Papua. This is quite natural because of the natural beauty and the clear waters in this place is very beautiful.
I am so clear that you can see the bottom of these waters clearly. In addition, you can see mangrove forests that grow naturally and cliffs that make this place look more beautiful.
3. Nusa Pombo
You need approximately one hour by boat to reach this tourist destination from the port of Ambon. Nusa Pombo is a beautiful uninhabited island, so you have to prepare many things if you want to visit.
While here you can snorkel or just swim. You can also build a tent to spend the night in this place to enjoy a night view that is no less beautiful in Nusa Pombo.
4. Beach Relaxing
This beach, which is located in Latulahat Village, with a distance of 16 km from Ambon City, is a place to relax or hang out for those of you who want to feel free from the fatigue of your daily routine.
You can rent snorkeling equipment, rent a boat or just relax while enjoying drinks and snacks while on this beach.
5. Ora Beach
The beach location is actually quite far from Ambon City. It takes you hours to get to this beach, besides that the cost is also quite large so you have to prepare supplies and be physically strong beforehand.
However, when you arrive you will be on a very beautiful beach like being in heaven. This place presents a natural view with a clean, clear and fresh sea.
6. Telaga Pange Waterfall
Valuable objects are usually hidden, as well as this waterfall. The location is quite difficult to reach because the paths are difficult to pass, but you will not be disappointed to visit this place because the waterfall is very beautiful.
While walking, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest which is synonymous with the fresh air. Therefore, you can get lots of great photos while here.
7. Fort Amsterdam Hila
This fort is in Hila District, Ambon City. Because of the short distance you can visit this place on the first day when you arrive in Ambon.
This historic fort was built and used for various functions during the Dutch colonial period. At first this place became a storage warehouse for spices but turned into a military fort by the Dutch soldiers.
8. Fort Belgica
This fort is one of the largest and most magnificent in Ambon, precisely in Banda District. The existence of the fort is quite strategic because it can oversee a large area so that you can see various beautiful natural panoramas of this fort.
The most unique thing is in the form of the fort which forms a rectangle. Of course, this form has its own history and you can find this out by visiting this tourist spot later.
9. Ferangi Fort
The Portuguese fort was originally the center of government and storage for spices. However, after Indonesia's independence, this fort became a historical tourist spot which was visited by many tourists because of its close distance from Ambon City.
When you enter, you can find a variety of ancient cannons that are very large in size. Besides that, there are many other historical objects that you can see in this fort.
10. Cliffs of Hatu Pia
Ambon has other tourist attractions that are no less beautiful, namely the Hatu Pia Cliff in Sawai Village. This cliff has a stunning and exotic view.
There is a hut that was deliberately built in this place. So you can take lots of Instagram-able photos to show off on your social media.
11. Liliboi Hole Stone
There is a hidden tourist spot in West Leihitu District in the form of a fresh water pool close to the sea. The separator between these two waters is a rock wall. However, there is a hole that looks like a gate to enter the two types of water.
This tourist destination is very beautiful and interesting. You can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery while bathing and swimming in fresh or salt water pools as you like.
12. Natsepa Beach
Approximately 40 km from Ambon City, you can visit Natsepa Beach which has its own characteristics. This beach is located in Salahutu District and is quite easy to visit because the road access is quite good.
This beach has a beautiful view complete with clear water. While you are here you can swim, enjoy fresh seafood or taste the fresh and delicious Natsepa Beach fruit salad.
13. City Door Beach
This beautiful beach is located in Nusaniwe Village, which is not so far from Ambon City. When entering this beach you will pass a rock hole that resembles a gate.
The view from this gate is very beautiful, besides that the water is clear so you won't be patient to swim right away. This place is often used to make pre-wedding videos or photos.
14. Wapauwe Mosque
The mosque building in Atetu Village is the oldest around Ambon. The interesting thing is that the building materials of the mosque are mostly made of sago fronds and do not use any nails in this mosque.
According to the local community, the Wapawue Mosque can move places by itself when dawn arrives. Historically this mosque has moved twice, but how the process of moving is not explained in detail.
15. Tulehu Hot Spring
About 30 km from Ambon City you can find natural hot springs around the hills on the outskirts of Ambon. What is unique is that there are two hot tubs that have different temperatures.
You can find various complementary facilities while you are here such as huts for hanging out, places of worship, stalls and even karaoke places that will complement your day with friends or family later.
16. Cave Hawang
Do you want a tourist spot that is a little different? If so, then come to Kei Kecil Island because you will find an incredibly beautiful cave. This place is quite complete as a natural water tour, because you can swim while enjoying the clear water and the beauty of Hawang Cave.
This cave is always submerged in sea water so you will notice that the rocks on the cave ceiling are formed because they are often exposed to water. In addition, the water looks clear blue so that this place is often visited by tourists.
17.Makariki Cliffs
Tourist locations are very difficult to pass because of the remote location and the paths are quite steep. Because of that, there are still few tourists who come here and only people who have the intention and have an adventurous spirit have ever come to this place.
However, your efforts and hard work during the trip will pay off because the natural panorama is very beautiful. This view is more complete when accompanied by the cool wind that blows and the very clear sea water.
That is a list of tourist attractions in Ambon City that you can choose when going on vacation to this place later. All of these places are still natural and kept clean, so that your holiday is guaranteed to be very meaningful, especially if you capture these moments in a photo album.
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