Maluku in the eastern region of Indonesia is the
original Spice Islands. Maluku consists of a group of around 1000 islands with a population of around 1.7 million people. The distribution of population is however uneven.
Ambon is the capital of
Maluku.
The islands of Maluku are well connected by air and water transport. Only 10% of the whole province is land. The land area of Maluku has a number of volcanoes, some jutting right out from the sea. The turbulence of the earth is a common phenomenon in Maluku.
Maluku has experienced a lot of historically turbulent situations as well. Being a prosperous trading province Maluku was alluring to many European powers like the Dutch, the Spanish and the Portuguese who wanted to monopolize the spice trade of Maluku.
The major attraction of Maluku is the beautiful beaches ideal for all kinds of water-sports and activities. Diving, snorkeling, swimming are favorite among tourists. Sun bathing and collecting sea-shells are also engaging pastimes. The coral reefs around Pombo Islands and the famous Maluku sea garden in the Banda Sea with colorful fishes swimming around the reefs in the blue waters are a charming natural wonder.
The Museum Siwa Lima in Ambon boasts of a valuable collection of handicrafts original to the place. There are the remnants of the old forts built by the Dutch which also attracts tourists. The seat of an prominent kingdom prospering in the spice trade is in Ternate, off the west coast of Halmahera in the north. The old palace had been transformed into a museum. The dilapidated Fort Orange built by the Dutch is also a place worth visiting.
The beauty of Maluku lies in the deep blue seas and the naturally wonderful beaches. With time Maluku has become a much loved tourist destination of Indonesia.
