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Incredible sea gardens, idyllic tropical beaches and forest-coated volcanoes are among the star attractions included in the tourism plate of Maluku, a name that went down in history books as Spice Islands, the only place on Earth where nutmeg, mace, cloves, and other rare seasonings were grown, for which, many early Europeans risked their lives in sea travel and war. Nothing moves fast in this archipelago of over 632 islands between Sulawesi and Papua. The region's past hustle and bustle as a trade center is now but an etching in the colonial fortresses of Kota Ambon and Kota Ternate. Deserted islands like Tobelo are taken by travelers all to themselves. Snorkelers have a marvelous time on the powdery white sand and kaleidoscopic coral gardens in Banda Islands, Ohoidertawun, and Pasir Panjang. Sleepy villages like those in Lease Islands and northern Seram show no sign of awakening, except when it's time to do the Poco Poco, a lively line dance.
The Maluku islands differ from the rest of Indonesia as they contain some of the nation's smallest islands and coral island reefs sprinkled over some of the world's deepest seas. Divers, snorkelers and underwater shutterbugs indulge in the company of trumpet fish, porcupines, moray eels, seahorses, and the like.
Faithful to its nature as the Spice Islands, the archipelago's rare spices are a predominant presence in Indonesian and global cuisine. Floridas and Terati on Pulau Tidore are Maluku's famous dining stops for sampling the likes of rendang (spiced meat in coconut soup).
Maluku might be remote, but daily flights from Jakarta make it accessible to the traveler. Since most islands have no roads to get around, tourists usually charter a spid (speedboat), Johnson (motorized longboat), or a lape-lape (motorized canoe) to reach destinations such as North Maluku's volcano islands, ideal for climbing and long hikes; the remote penal colony of Buru, Indonesia's "Alcatraz"; and Kei Kecil Island, with a beach called Pasir Panjang, literally meaning "to die for" for its "undiscovered" white-sand beaches.
Maluku Landmarks:
- Airports (1)
- Bars (2)
- Beaches (3)
- Churches (1)
- Historical Spots (3)
- Internet cafes (1)
- Mosques (2)
- Museums (1)
- Shopping Centers (1)
- Sights (7)
Maluku Traveler Advice
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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