Ambon Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Ambon is accessible primarily through Pattimura Airport, which connects to major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Makassar, and Surabaya with flights taking between 2-4 hours. From the airport, the ferry terminal is approximately 30-40 minutes away by taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi). Regular ferries connect Ambon to neighboring islands in the Maluku province, with services running from the main Yos Sudarso Harbor. If you're arriving by private vehicle, several parking areas are available near the ferry terminal, though space can be limited during peak travel periods.

Nestled in the heart of the Maluku archipelago, Ambon blends rich colonial heritage with stunning natural landscapes. This historic port city serves as a vital maritime crossroads where cultures have mingled for centuries around the spice trade. From its sheltered harbor to its lush mountainous interior, Ambon offers travelers an authentic Indonesian experience away from the well-trodden tourist paths.

Ambon enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures hovering between 23-31°C (73-88°F) year-round. The most favorable period to visit is during the dry season from October to March, when seas are calmer and ferry services operate more reliably. July through September brings increased rainfall but offers vibrant greenery and fewer tourists. The Pattimura Festival in May commemorates a national hero with cultural performances, while Darwin-Ambon Yacht Race participants arrive in late July, bringing international flair to the harbor. Ferry schedules expand during holiday periods but book well ahead if traveling during Indonesian national holidays.

Ambon serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Maluku archipelago's scattered treasures. The pristine Banda Islands, once the world's only source of nutmeg, lie a 6-hour ferry journey south, offering colonial architecture and world-class diving. Closer to Ambon, Seram Island (2-3 hours by ferry) beckons with Manusela National Park's endemic wildlife and untouched rainforests. The Lease Islands, including Haruku and Saparua, can be reached in just 1-2 hours and reward visitors with uncrowded beaches and traditional villages. The ferry route between these islands offers spectacular views of volcanic landscapes rising from azure waters.

Ambon's World Peace Gong at Lapangan Merdeka stands as a symbol of the city's commitment to harmony after past conflicts, while the Commonwealth War Cemetery offers a somber reminder of WWII history. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss Natsepa Beach with its golden sands and famous rujak (spiced fruit salad) vendors, or the stunning Pintu Kota natural stone arch formation. Sample local culinary specialties like papeda (sago porridge) with yellow fish soup, or kohu-kohu (spiced coconut vegetable salad). The vibrant Mardika Market near the harbor provides an authentic glimpse into local life with its array of spices, fresh seafood, and handicrafts.

Ambon was once known as the 'Clove Island' and was so valuable that the Dutch traded Manhattan to the British in exchange for control of Ambon in the 17th century. The harbor's unique horseshoe shape creates one of the most naturally protected ports in eastern Indonesia, which attracted colonial powers for centuries. Ambon has produced many of Indonesia's finest musicians, earning it the nickname 'City of Music,' with traditional bamboo flutes often greeting arriving ferry passengers. The waters surrounding Ambon harbor a rare phenomenon: psychedelic frogfish that change color and were only scientifically documented in 2008.