 |
| Our welcoming committee to the Banda Islands |
Our journey from Tual to Banda Islands covered 202 nautical miles. We motored sailed for 1/2 the time due to low winds, batteries not charging due to overcast conditions, made water, we wanted to make the anchorage in day light and the wind was not in our favoured direction for sailing. We took 34 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 202nm's. We dropped anchor in 22 metres of water at: 4.31.19S & 129.53.40E. The journey was uneventful and a good run. Once you pass the initial archipelago you have a clear run with no obstacles. we did not encounter any fishing boats. Keep the local divers number handy: 082399759389 - Eddie in case you need assistance. You could arrive in the dark but due to the depths it is not ideal - try to make it in day light.
 |
| Local ferry terminal |
 |
| Our neighbors |
 |
| Our neighbors directly behind us |
Anchoring was a bit stressful. The bay is extremely deep almost to the shore line and trying to find a 'drop off ledge' took some time. As usual the rain decided to bucket down as we were trying to drop anchor the first time and it was unsuccessful. However the second time we moved to a small bay and successfully dropped anchor in 22mtrs of water. With our own little village.
 |
| Local village children saying hi (the little one on the back is paddling with a stick) |
 |
| The fleet anchored stern to the harbour wall. |
You can anchor stern to the water at the harbour with assistance but we opted to not do that.
Points of interest:
- You can NOT enter the anchorage from the southern end due to a new power line that was put in place early 2016, you must enter via the red and green beacons under Kraka Island between Gunung Api & Naria islands.
- Rubbish bins are provided
- Laundry can be taken to the little hut where the tenders are behind the stern to boats
- Loads of activities can be arranged for you in the hut: spice run, snorkeling, city tour, market tour, dive tour, volcano walk, fort walk and cooking classes. Massages are also organised with the helpers at the hut.
- Walking around is easy and safe - the local children can get a bit boisterous - they dont see too many visitors and get very excited when they do
- When doing the Spice Tour, protect from mosquitoes. This is Dengue Fever mozzie territory
Our first night was wonderful. We ordered satay chicken for 20 and all sat around talking about the trip up and the anchorages.
 |
Everyone waiting for their satay chicken.
|
The following day saw us meander around the little town, enjoying the dutch influence in their housing and we enjoyed a lunch at 'The Spice Cafe' which soon became a fleet favorite. Then back in the afternoon for a welcoming ceremony by the local school children was wonderful. A delicious buffet dinner was served not long after and we all had another great night.
 |
| Canons just remain where they fell. |
 |
| We got mobbed by all these kids,,it was so funny |
 |
| Some of the fleet enjoying our welcoming ceremony |
 |
| Some dancing by the local school children |
Next day we went in for lunch, again at The Spice Cafe, then did a walk up to the fort. Wow its amazing - built 1602! Abba's hotel was just across the road so we walked over there and its absolutely amazing. We all stayed for a cool drink and then Bruce and I walked home to cook a little lamb roast while the others all stayed on for dinner.
 |
| Spice Island Cafe - brilliant food. |
 |
| Top of the fort - Matilda is at anchor beyond Bruce's left shoulder |
 |
| The gardens outside the fort walls. |
 |
| Another canon. |
 |
| Outside the fort walls. |
 |
| Abba Rizal's Estate |
 |
| The reception area. The attention to detail incorporating history was very well done. |
 |
| Honeymoon Suite (not sure why there was a spare bed in the room). |
 |
| Spices drying outside |
