Choosing a Maluku dive resort is the best way to guarantee an unforgettable experience exploring one of the final frontiers of dive exploration remaining in Asia. Many of the Spice Island resorts will also provide access to the extraordinary marine environment which has thus far avoided the seemingly ceaseless expansion of the modern world. Staff at the best Spice Island Hotel & Resorts or the team at Secret Retreats will be able to curate a dive itinerary to suit every level of underwater ability whether through a trusted dive center or luxury liveaboard and the chance to dive, swim or snorkel with colorful schools of fish, large groupers, languorous turtles, sea snakes and hammerhead sharks to name but a few awaits you in the Moluccas Islands. There is also plenty to see above the waves for those staying at a Spice Island Beach Hotel including exploring the countless islands and forest-coated volcanoes. Manusela National Park and Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park are a paradise for birdwatchers as well as for hikers looking to explore and enjoy the unspoilt nature of the Malaku Islands with their hidden caves and refreshing waterfalls on pristine forest trails. Those seeking slightly less taking pursuits should ask the friendly staff at their Spice Island Beach Hotel about a day trip to Sulamadaha Beach with its black sand, crystal clear ocean, and colorful reefs.
Hotels in Maluku:
What is your ideal holiday destination?
Eco-Friendly Luxury at Metita Beach and Dive Resort
An impressive combination of secluded sophistication in idyllic natural surroundings and a haven for underwater enthusiasts, the Metita Beach and Dive Resort is a Spice Island Hotel and Resort which has something for every kind of Spice Island explorer. A sustainable eco-resort with a commitment to the surrounding environment both above and below the waves, this Spice Island resort has been created on a tiny island on the southern tip of the larger island of Morotai. Guests of the Metita Beach and Dive Resort have the island to themselves which is fronted by 100m of shallow coral reef that drops off into the deep, as such it is ideal for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Set in blissful isolation, this Maluku dive resort offers a host of luxurious creature comforts including world-class cuisine and a spa in which to relax and luxuriate.As with many of the Spice Island Beach Hotels, the proximity to the ocean means the resort’s kitchen can add a varied seafood selection to its meat and vegetarian options. The chef has been able to create a largely organic menu by creating a kitchen garden as well as supplementing the established papaya, banana, and mango plantations with melon, avocado, and pineapple. But it is the sea, and what is beneath it, that draws people to this exceptional Maluku dive resort. With access to some 40 dive sites, guests can enjoy the best places to explore from the stunning coral of Dodola Island to the majestic mantas of GaloGalo and everything in between, divers are spoilt for choice here. Day trips to Halmahera can also be organized for muck diving and the underwater volcano at Tobelo. Metita Beach and Dive Resort has all the latest diving equipment for hire including nitrox fills, torches, and dive computers, so no need to pack your own, and a comprehensive range of certified PADI dive courses is available to guests from absolute beginners to divemaster. And as a bonus, the waters off Morotai deliver consistent and quality waves that attract both local and international surfers to these world class waves, so you can catch some waves between dives too.
Itineraries in Indonesia:
MAP OF ASIA
The Molucca Islands' Rich Historical Heritage and Culture
The turbulent past of the Molucca Islands is on display through the numerous crumbling European Forts that still dominate many of the islands. As with marine life, decades of not being disturbed by the outside world means the old forts and other buildings are some of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in this part of Asia. Ambon Island has Fort Amsterdam built by the tyrannous Dutch East India Company in 1637, the Banda Islands have the impressive Fort Belgica which was constructed in the 17th Century by the Portuguese to protect the valuable production and trade of nutmeg. Fort Victoria is a popular tourist attraction for those staying in the Spice Island Hotel & Resorts in and around the city of Ambon.Mosques are also a draw to visitors to Maluku hotels, the oldest of which is the Wapauwe Old Mosque which was built in 1414, and the Sultan Ternate Mosque, another ancient mosque of the Moluccas that was built a little later. It was not only the proliferation of spices that impacted the local culture, but food also played an important part in the everyday life of the Moluccans. Although most of the Spice Island Hotel & Resorts will offer top-notch local specialties, for a real culinary adventure it is always best to seek out the places where the locals hang out. Seafood obviously plays a large part in the diets of the Spice Islanders and dishes such as Ternate’s sashimi, smoked tuna, and slow-cooked fish soup are often served with rice, coconut, lemon, and basil. The delectable red potatoes, sago, palm sugar, and coconut pudding known as Bubur Sagu Ubi is a ‘must try’ especially if washed down with Kopi Rarobang, the local robusta coffee.
Although still relatively untouched by the ever-expanding tourist industry, the Molucca Islands are definitely on the radar, so why not contact the team at Secret Retreats today about booking a Maluku Resort and Spa and Maluku dive resort in this undiscovered paradise?
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!