Spice Island Divers Resort

These mainly verdant, forested and mountainous islands sit in the magnificent Maluku sea, home to vast and remotely scattered coral reefs in deep seas.

The Maluku Islands (or Moluccas) are also commonly referred to as the Spice Islands. They encompass many islands, estimated at over 1,000, of which the better known are Halamahera, Ambon, and the Banda Islands. 

These mainly verdant, forested and mountainous islands sit in the magnificent Maluku Sea, home to vast and remotely scattered coral reefs in deep seas. They sit between two lines of flora and fauna designation, Asian and Australasian, and are host to a vast array of species. As well as being home to the famous spices of clove, nutmeg and mace, the cultivation of coffee, cocoa and fruit generates further income on the fertile slopes fed over the years by ash deposits from the many active volcanoes. 

Diving Ambon Bay

Spice Island Divers are ideally placed to explore the excellent muck diving sites of Ambon Bay, a large, deep bay on the southern reaches of Ambon Island. What this region lacks in tropical beaches and holiday charm, it more than makes up for in uncrowded dive sites and rare, magical marine life. This spot will be particularly appealing for budding underwater photographers or those searching for critters such as frogfish, lacy scorpionfish and mimic octopus. 

The resort house reef is on one of the area’s most renowned dive sites, while a range of other dive sites can be reached within a few minutes. A little farther away, wrecks and some coral reefs dives can provide balance. 

Liveaboard Diving in the Banda Sea

Ambon Island is also the starting point for liveaboards that venture into the Banda Sea in two periods of the year when conditions allow. The remote and deep sea offers thrilling atolls and dive sites that are seldom visited, with the opportunity for big fish encounters and pristine coral reefs. Certain liveaboards tend to focus on this region between April and May, and then between September and early November each year. For more information and to check liveaboard schedules, visit our Indonesian liveaboards section.

Banda Sea liveaboards can be combined with resort based diving in Ambon Bay for a varied and enjoyable combined itinerary. Contact us to find out more.

How do I get there?

It is recommended to fly into Jakarta on Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) or Emirates (via Dubai), with a further domestic return flight from Jakarta to Ambon. Overnights on the way out and back are likely to be required due to flight schedules, as well as allowing for some slack in the itinerary to absorb any potential flight delays.

Dive Packs

Diving and accommodation packages can be arranged starting from just 3 nights and 8 boat dives, also with unlimited house reef diving in daylight hours. Nitrox is complimentary when booking a package of diving and accommodation. 

Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs. 

Extras in Resort

Prices listed below are an indication only, and subject to change. 

• Fuel surcharge for faraway dive sites
• Dive equipment rental: Full equipment is available to hire, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, dive computers, full set excl. computer, dive light, fins, masks & snorkels

Climate

The Maluku Islands have an equatorial tropical climate, with day-time temperatures averaging 30°C (mid-80s°F) throughout the year.

Central and southern Maluku Islands experience the dry monsoon between October to March and the wet monsoon from May to August, which is the reverse of the rest of Indonesia. The dry monsoon's average maximum temperature is 30°C while the wet's average is 23°C.

Ambon is in the central and southern group.

Northern Maluku has its wet monsoon from December to March in line with the rest of Indonesia.

Each island group have their own climatic variations, and the larger islands tend to have drier coastal lowlands and their mountainous hinterlands are wetter.

Water Temperature

Average water temperature is 27–30°C year round.

Time

GMT +8 to 9 hours.

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Cash payments only at present - Euro and US Dollars

It is recommended to change a small amount of IDR before you travel, then you can draw cash from the ATMs or exchange bureau in Jakarta.

Tipping

Although it is entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff may look to guests for personal recognition of particular services offered.

Flight Information

Flights are with Singapore Airlines, via Singapore or Emirates via Dubai, into Jakarta.

A return internal flight from Jakarta to Ambon is then required. Overnights in Jakarta may be required subject to flight times.

Stopovers in Singapore or Dubai can be arranged.

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.