As the capital of the Maluku Islands, Ambon is not just a gateway to travel through this beautiful archipelago, but also a mirror into the former Melanesian Republic of South Maluku.

And while it does now feel more like a tier 2 Indonesian island, traveling to Ambon is essential if you want to explore the region.

Basic facts on Ambon

Ambon is the capital of Maluku province and sits on Ambon Island, one of the central islands in the Maluku archipelago. The city covers around 503 square kilometres and has a population of roughly 350,000 people. The ethnic makeup is predominantly Ambonese Melanesian, though decades of migration have brought Javanese, Bugis, and other Indonesian groups, which has changed the cultural landscape.

Ambon has a long colonial history, having been under Portuguese, Dutch, and briefly British control. It played a role during the Republic of South Maluku conflict and saw heavy sectarian violence between Christian and Muslim communities in the late 1990s. The city is now relatively calm, but the history is palpable, with monuments, statues, and colonial-era architecture reflecting this turbulent past.

What is there to do in Ambon?

Controversially for the Ambonese and wider Malukan community, the island has been heavily penetrated by the Javanese, leaving it to not feel all that Melanesian. This has also affected what there is to do here, with much of the tourist attractions feeling like Indonesian propaganda.

This includes the Peace Gong, as well as the statue to Martha Christina Tiahahu, who stood up to Dutch rule. In fact, you will see a lot of stuff about Dutch or British colonialism, not so much though about incidents post-1950 or related to the Republic of South Maluku.

Other than that, there are a few beaches that are cool enough, as well as the bridge (which is more functional than an attraction). Seemingly though the main thing to do in Ambon is transit.

Major attractions in Ambon

Martha Christina Tiahahu Statue

A statue honouring the teenage Ambonese girl who fought against Dutch colonial rule. Located in the city centre, it is a key historical symbol for the locals.

Peace Gong

Installed to commemorate the end of the sectarian conflict in Ambon, it’s a reminder of recent tensions and a photo spot for visitors.

Natsepa Beach

A popular local beach on the eastern side of Ambon, known for its calm waters, local seafood stalls, and a chance to see daily Ambonese life.

Pintu Kota Bridge

A functional bridge connecting parts of the city, it offers views over the harbour and is a decent spot for a short walk.

Hatu Peak

A hill just outside the city with panoramic views over Ambon Bay and the surrounding islands. Great for sunrise or sunset if you have transport.

Nightlife of Ambon

Due to its many musical events, and the tunes being pumped from buses, Ambon is known as the “City of Music.” Therefore it is worth looking at what is on when you come here. Other than that, there is no real bar scene of note, with the one club we tried to go to being an empty factory.

At night, most people head to the beaches and the many street food stalls that pop up. Yes, Ambon is an island, but Ibiza it is not.

Restaurants of Ambon

There are a few good restaurants on the waterside which are worth a look. The overall street food scene is weak even by Indonesian standards.

• RM Marannu – Jl. Dr. W. Z. Johannes No.12 – Local seafood dishes and fried fish.
• Ikan Bakar New Ambon – Jl. Pattimura No.8 – Grilled fish by the sea, simple and fresh.
• Hotel Santika Restaurant – Jl. Balai Kota No.1 – Full-service restaurant with a mix of Indonesian and international dishes.

Hotels of Ambon

Ambon is not a major tourist draw, but there are enough places to stay for any budget. I personally stayed at Hotel Santika, which offered great views, service, and value.

• Hotel Santika Ambon – Jl. Balai Kota No.1 – 600,000 IDR ($42) per night – Comfortable rooms with sea views.
• Swiss-Belhotel Ambon – Jl. Pattimura No.88 – 900,000 IDR ($63) per night – Mid-range hotel with decent facilities.
• Amaris Hotel Ambon – Jl. Sultan Hairun No.10 – 400,000 IDR ($28) per night – Budget-friendly, clean, and central.

Getting in and out of Ambon

Despite being nearer to Papua New Guinea and East Timor than Jakarta, Ambon remains a strategic travel hub for the southern part of Indonesia. This means it is well serviced by both ferries and flights, making it perfect for exploring the wider region.

By ferry

• Ferry to Haruku Island – 50,000 IDR ($3.50) – 1 hour.
• Ferry to Saparua Island – 75,000 IDR ($5) – 1.5 hours.
• Ferry to Banda Islands – 200,000 IDR ($14) – 4–5 hours.

By flight

• Ambon to Jakarta – Lion Air, Garuda, Batik Air – 1,200,000–1,500,000 IDR ($84–$105) – 2.5 hours.
• Ambon to Makassar – Wings Air, Batik Air – 1,000,000–1,300,000 IDR ($70–$91) – 2 hours.
• Ambon to Ternate – Wings Air – 700,000 IDR ($49) – 1 hour.
• Ambon to Jayapura (various) – g1,000,000–1,300,000 IDR ($70–$91) – 3.5 hours.

Conclusion

Ambon is not a standalone tourist destination and there is no point pretending that it is. What it is though is the perfect starting point for traveling to the other amazing parts of the region, particularly for those interested in the Melanesian culture of the region.

It is also a very decent place to transit with enough to keep you entertained for at least a few days.

You can check out Maluku as part of our wider packages to West Papua.

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