From the hills above Ambon Bay, the Christina Martha Tiahahu Monument looks west into the sunset, with the water and the city laid out below. It is one of the clearest introductions to a place where the history is Dutch, Portuguese and Moluccan, and where much of the best of a visit happens outdoors.
Ambon suits travellers who are happy to move between town and coast: war history and museums in the city, forts and old religious buildings along the Leihitu peninsula, and beaches, reefs and forest pools within reach of a day's ride.
1. Christina Martha Tiahahu Monument (Patung Christina Martha Tiahahu)
This monument stands in a hilly area of Ambon City, and the setting is the reason to come: the statue faces the sunset and Ambon Bay. Time your visit for the afternoon, when the light falls on the monument and across the water, and bring a camera.
2. Merah Putih Bridge
The bridge spans Ambon Bay, connecting Rumah Tiga (Poka) on the north side with Hative Kecil/Galala on the south side. Crossing it gives you the bay from above the water, and it is a straightforward way to link the city side with the northern coast.
If you are heading to Taeno Waterfall, note that it lies roughly 5 km northwest of the bridge.
3. Ambon War Cemetery
At Pandan Kasturi in Sirimau, Ambon City, this cemetery contains Australian soldiers who died during the Japanese invasion of Ambon and Timor in World War II. It is open 09:00-17:00 and is a quiet, orderly place to spend time with that history.
It sits within Ambon City, so it pairs easily with the Siwalima Museum and the monument on the same day.
4. Siwalima Museum
On Jl. Dr. Malaiholo at Taman Makmur, Nusaniwe, this museum holds maritime and traditional objects of the Ambonese and the Moluccas. It is open 08:00-16:00, and the phone number listed is +62 911 341652.
Come here for context on the region's maritime culture before or after visiting the coastal sights.
5. Fort Amsterdam (Benteng Amsterdam)
In Hila town, Kaitetu, Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, this is a fort and a blockhouse. Before the fort was built, a trade lodge was established here by Francisco Serrão in 1512, a Portuguese explorer and a cousin of Ferdinand Magellan. It is open 06:00-18:00.
Combine it with Wapauwe Old Mosque, which is about 1 km south.
6. Wapauwe Old Mosque (Masjid Tua Wapauwe)
Also in Kaitetu, Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, this mosque was established in 1414 and is the oldest mosque in Indonesia. It is the natural companion to Fort Amsterdam, roughly 1 km to the north.
Pair the two in a single Leihitu outing and allow time for the drive between them.
7. Pintu Kota Beach (Pantai Pintu Kota)
In Nusaniwe, Ambon City, this beach is known for its rocky cave and is one of the icons of Ambon City. It is an easy coastal stop on the city side of the bay.
Combine it with the Siwalima Museum, which is also in Nusaniwe.
8. Liang Beach (Pantai Liang)
At Liang in Central Maluku Regency, this is a white sand beach with trees and plenty of shade, which makes it well suited to a family picnic with mats laid out. Food stalls sell fresh coconut drink and a local instant noodles dish called Sarmento.
Plan it as a slower half-day rather than a quick stop.
9. Lubang Buaya Morela Beach (Pantai Lubang Buaya Morela)
In Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, this is a diving and snorkeling spot with many fish and large coral reefs. You can sometimes see wild dolphins from the beach.
Bring your own snorkeling or diving arrangements, and keep an eye on the water if you are hoping for dolphins.
10. Hukurila Beach (Pantai Hukurila)
At Hukurila in Ambon City, this is described as one of the best dive spots in Ambon. It is a strong choice if diving is the point of your trip.
It sits on the Ambon City side, so it can be worked into a day that also includes the city's other sights.
11. Hatuasa Hot Spring (Air Panas Hatuasa Tulehu)
At Salahutu, Tulehu, Central Maluku Regency, this is a natural hot spring set in the middle of a sago forest. There are various pools based on the level of heat of the water, so you can choose how hot you want to go. Entry is Rp10,000.
It is a good counterpoint to a morning on the coast or in the city.
12. Taeno Waterfall (Air Terjun Taeno / Maspait)
At Rumah Tiga in the Ambon Bay district of Ambon City, this waterfall sits in a district with a forestry area. There is a natural pool below the waterfall and the water is really refreshing. Entry is Rp5,000, and it is about a 20-minute ride by motorcycle from Merah Putih Bridge.
Bring small notes for the entrance fee and combine it with a crossing of the bridge.
13. Wisata Kolam Morea Larike (Belut Morea Larike)
At Larike, West Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, you can watch giant freshwater eels named Morea in a clear and clean river. It is open 06:00-18:00, and you can feed the eels with small fish bought from local people for Rp20,000.
Go earlier in the day if you want the river at its quietest.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Siwalima Museum on Jl. Dr. Malaiholo when it opens at 08:00, then continue to Ambon War Cemetery at Pandan Kasturi, which opens at 09:00.
Afternoon: Head to Pintu Kota Beach in Nusaniwe for the rocky cave and the coast, then make your way up to the Christina Martha Tiahahu Monument in Karang Panjang. The afternoon is the best time there, because the monument faces the sunset and Ambon Bay.
Evening: Finish by crossing the Merah Putih Bridge over Ambon Bay, between Rumah Tiga (Poka) and Hative Kecil/Galala, for the bay at the end of the day.
When is the best time to visit the Christina Martha Tiahahu Monument?
The afternoon. The monument faces the sunset and Ambon Bay, which is the view worth timing your visit for.
Can I combine Fort Amsterdam and Wapauwe Old Mosque in one trip?
Yes. Both are in Kaitetu, Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, and the mosque is about 1 km south of the fort. Fort Amsterdam is open 06:00-18:00.
Do I need to pay to enter the hot spring or the waterfall?
Yes. Hatuasa Hot Spring has an entry fee of Rp10,000, and Taeno Waterfall is Rp5,000. At Wisata Kolam Morea Larike, small fish to feed the eels can be bought from local people for Rp20,000.
Where can I go diving or snorkeling?
Lubang Buaya Morela Beach in Leihitu is a diving and snorkeling spot with many fish and large coral reefs, and Hukurila Beach in Ambon City is described as one of the best dive spots in Ambon.
Decide which side of the bay you want to base yourself on, check the opening times for the museum and cemetery, and start mapping out your days in Ambon.