Ambon-Maluku

archipelago travel

Tanjung Sial

Ambon

In the early 16th century, the Maluku islands, also known as the Moluccas, played an important role in international trade. Spices produced in the Moluccas were sent all over the world, their value to the Europeans comparable to that of gold. The Portuguese and the Dutch colonialized the islands and made Ambon the governmental center.

Ambon’s surrounding sea is as ‘hot’ as its spices, with dives on mysterious underwater structures, stunning caves, underwater valleys, and a wreck dive in Ambon Bay. Divers’ favorite sites are Pintu kota, Hurukila Cave, the Aquila wreck, and Laha, however the islands have other treasures such as Namalatu, Pulau tiga, Tanjung sial, Tanjung setan, and many more.

Pintu kota, “The City’s Door”, can be reached by boat, just 10 minutes from Latuhalat beach. Is name derives from the arch formation of one of the coastal cliffs – a truly remarkable structure. There is another, smaller arch at Hurukila Cave. On the other side is Laha, one of the best muck diving sites in Indonesia. In Laha a unique and rare species, the ‘psychedelic’ frogfish, truly engrosses the attention of divers.

The Aquila wreck is an 80-meter-long World War II cargo ship that sank by the beach and is resting at a depth of 30 meters. Check the condition of the site with local dive operators or professionals because the current can be strong and visibility limited. For safety reasons, wreck penetration diving requires special skills and knowledge, and should not be attempted without the appropriate training.

Indulge in Ambon’s seascapes, where the colorful reefs are healthy, inhabited by Rhinopias of many hues. This is the place for close encounters with creatures from a whole variety of frogfish species, to schools of pelagic fish such as giant trevallies, sharks, manta rays, and magnificent Napoleons.

 

Getting There

Best Season : April – November

Fly to Ambon

Airport :

Airport : Pattimura Airport

Route :

Jakarta – Ambon

Makassar – Ambon

Denpasar – Makassar – Ambon

Boat Transfer :

Boat transfer : PELNI Ships connect Ambon to Ternate, Namlea, Bandaneira, Tual, Dobo and Saumlaki in Maluku.

Dive site name : Tanjung Sial (1)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 25m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Sand, Vegeation

Current : Long shore, Down current

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Snake, Shark

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Tuna, Bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse

Caution : Down current

Recommended for : Experienced divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Pulau Tiga Ela (2)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 25m

Maximum depth : 35m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 25c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Vegeation

Current : Long shore, Down current

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Parrot, Trigger, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Snake, Shark

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Giant trevally Blacktip reef shark, Tuna

Caution : Strong current

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Pulau Tiga Lain (3)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 25m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 25c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Vegeation, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Snake, Shark

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Giant potato grouper, Tuna, Blacktip reef shark

Caution : Strong current

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Tanjung Setan (4)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Drop off

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock, Vegeation, Rubble

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly,  Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Batfish, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box Puffer, Porcupine, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle, Ray, Shark

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Hammerhead shark

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Aquila Wreck (5)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 15m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 10m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 28c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Sand, Mud

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Fusilier, Barracuda, Butterfly,  Grouper, Puffer, Gobies, Moray eels, Frogfish, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Turtle

Coral reef : Bad

Type of reef : –

Type of diving : Boat, Deep, Wreck

Highlights : –

Caution : Deep Dive, Overhead environment

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Laha (6)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 10m

Min temperature : 23c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Rock, Sand

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Fusilier, Butterfly,  Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Batfish, Parrot, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shark

Coral reef : Bad

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Shore, Muck

Highlights : Rhinopias, Cleaner shrimp, Wonderpus octopus, Blue-ringed octopus, Bamboo shark, Psychedelic frogfish, Whitetip reef shark, Stone fish

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Rhino Point (7)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 10m

Maximum depth : 28m

Visibility : 10m

Min temperature : 23c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Rock

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Fusilier, Angel, Grouper, Batfish, Parrot, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shark, Shell

Coral reef : Bad

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Shore

Highlights : Rhinopias, Mimic octopus, Whitetip reef shark

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 1-2

 

Dive site name : Air Manis (8)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 10m

Maximum depth : 25m

Visibility : 10m

Min temperature : 23c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Sand, Rock

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, CAngel, Grouper, Batfish, Parrot, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Flathead, Blennies, Dragonet, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shark, Shell

Coral reef : Bad

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Shore

Highlights : Ghost pipefish, Stonefish

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 1-2

 

Dive site name : Nudi Point (9)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 15m

Maximum depth : 20m

Visibility : 10m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Sand, Rock, Coral reef

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Frogfish, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Various nudibranchs

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 1-2

 

Dive site name : Depan Tupa (10)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 15m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Drop off, Mixed

Bottom composition : Sand, Rock, Rubble, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : –

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 1-2

 

Dive site name : Namalatu (11)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 25m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Good for night dives

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Pintu Kota (12)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 35m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 25c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Steep Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Manta ray, Tuna, Napoleon wrasse, Bumphead parrotfish, Underwater arch

Caution : Strong current

Recommended for : Experienced divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Mahia Cape (13)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 25c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Steep Slope, Drop off

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Tuna, Manta ray (occasionally), Hammerhead shark (occasionally)

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Kilang Cape (14)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 25m

Maximum depth : 35m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : –

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Hukurila Cave (15)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 32m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Pygmy seahorse, Underwater cavern

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Hukurila Cape (16)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 30m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Drop off, Slope

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Trigger, Box, Puffer, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Good

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat, Drift

Highlights : Underwater cavern

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Lehari Cape (17)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 25m

Maximum depth : 35m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Hammerhead shark (occasionally), Cavern at 30m

Caution : Possible down current

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Lehari (18)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 25m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Schooling bumphead parrotfish

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Batu Kapal (19)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 25m

Maximum depth : 32m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Box, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : –

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Batu Lompa (20)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 25m

Visibility : 15m

Min temperature : 24c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Grouper, Anthias, Parrot, Trigger, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Leaf fish, Scorpion, Blennies, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : Average

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Underwater volcano, Whitetip reef shark

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3

 

Dive site name : Maulana (21)

Area : Ambon

Average depth : 20m

Maximum depth : 40m

Visibility : 20m

Min temperature : 25c

Max temperature : 30c

Bottom contour : Mixed

Bottom composition : Coral reef, Sand, Rock, Vegetation

Current : Long shore

Marine life : Jack, Trevallies, Snapper, Fusilier, Barracuda, Sweetlips, Butterfly, Cardinal, Angel, Grouper, Damselfish, Anthias, Wrasse, Parrot, Surgeon, Trigger, Puffer, Porcupine, Flounders, Gobies, Moray eels, Scorpion, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Nudibranch, Flatworm, Shell, Ray, Shark, Turtle, Snake

Coral reef : God

Type of reef : Fringing

Type of diving : Boat

Highlights : Whitetip reef shark, Tuna, Giant trevaly

Caution : 

Recommended for : All divers

Dive Site Classification : 2-3


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