Ambon, Indonesia

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Ambon, Indonesia

Region: Maluku

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Geographic Coordinates: -3.700000, 128.167000

Climate: Ambon has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and consistent rainfall throughout the year, but experiences a drier season from June to September. The city can also be affected by typhoons during the rainy season.

Population: 372249

Language: Indonesian

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Ambon Island, Located in the Maluku province of Indonesia, Is a beautiful tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, Crystal clear waters and rich cultural heritage. The island has a fascinating history as it was once an important trading center for spices such as cloves, Nutmeg and cinnamon. The Dutch East India Company established a base on Ambon in the 17th century and used it as a hub for their spice trade. Today, Visitors can still see remnants of this colonial past through Ambon’s architecture and culture.

Natsepa Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island with white sand that stretches along the shoreline surrounded by palm trees swaying gently with sea breeze. Aside from its natural beauty, Ambon also offers visitors an opportunity to explore its vibrant culture. Visitors can experience traditional dances like cakalele or listen to live music performances while enjoying delicious local cuisine like ikan bakar (grilled fish) or soto ayam (chicken soup).

For those interested in history, Ambon has several historical sites including forts built by Dutch colonizers such as Fort Amsterdam which was built during early 1600s to protect against Portuguese invasion from nearby Ternate Island. Liang Beach Cave is another must-visit attraction on Ambon Island that offers breathtaking views inside its limestone formations that have been carved out over thousands of years by water erosion creating an extraordinary underground landscape. Saparua Island located just off the coast of Ambon provides visitors an opportunity to learn about traditional boat building, Visit ruins of a Dutch fort and experience unique culture.

Ambon Island is a destination that offers something for everyone – from stunning beaches and crystal clear waters to rich cultural heritage and fascinating history making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Indonesia.

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1. Natsepa Beach
2. Banda Islands
3. Liang Beach
4. Pintu Kota Beach
5. Namalatu Beach
6. Maranatha Church Ambon
7. World Peace Gong Ambon
8. Karang Panjang Beach
9. Fort Amsterdam
10. Salahutu Village

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• The major industries and businesses in Ambon, Indonesia include:
1. Fishing
2. Agriculture (cocoa, nutmeg, cloves)
3. Tourism
4. Small-scale manufacturing
• The city also has a growing service sector with:
• Banks
• Hotels
• Restaurants

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Noteable History

1. The arrival of the Portuguese in Ambon in 1513 marked the beginning of European colonization in Indonesia.
2. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a trading post in Ambon in 1605.
3. The Ambonese War of Independence against Dutch colonial rule occurred from 1817 to 1819, led by Pattimura, a national hero and symbol of resistance.
4. During World War II from 1942 to 1945, Japan occupied Ambon.
5. In 1999, the Maluku sectarian conflict between Muslims and Christians erupted resulting in thousands of deaths and displacement.
6. Thomas Matulessy (Pattimura) is an Indonesian national hero who led the rebellion against Dutch colonial rule during the Ambonese War of Independence.
7. Chris Soumokil was an independence fighter who declared the Republic of South Moluccas (RMS) on April 25,1950, leading to his execution by Indonesian authorities on April 12,1966.
8. Martha Christina Tiahahu is an Indonesian national heroine who fought against Dutch colonialism during the war period between May-August 1817.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Museum Siwalima Ambon
2. Taman Budaya Ambon
3. World Peace Gong Monument
4. Masjid Al-Fatah, the largest mosque in Ambon
5. Fort Amsterdam
6. Natsepa Beach
7. Pintu Kota Monument
8. Liang Beach
9. Pattimura Statue and Monument
10. Karang Panjang Beach

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Cultural Events

1. Ambon Jazz Plus Festival is an annual international jazz festival held in Ambon that features both local and international jazz musicians.
2. Pattimura Day is a celebration of the heroism of Thomas Matulessy, also known as Pattimura. He led a rebellion against Dutch colonial rule in the 1800s.
3. Maluku Cultural Week is a week-long event that showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of Maluku province. The event includes traditional dances, music performances, and culinary exhibitions.
4. Ambon City Festival is an annual festival that celebrates the city’s anniversary with parades, cultural performances, and food fairs.
5. Sail Banda is a biennial maritime event that brings together sailing ships from around the world to explore the historical spice trade route between Indonesia and Europe.
6. Tanimbar Islands Festival is an annual festival held in Tanimbar Islands that showcases traditional dances, music performances, handicrafts exhibitions, and food fairs.
7. Moluccan Food Festival is a culinary event featuring various dishes from Maluku province such as papeda (sago porridge), ikan kuah kuning (yellow fish soup), sambal dabu-dabu (spicy sauce), etc.
8. Natsepa Beach Festival is an annual beach party on Natsepa beach with live music performances by local artists along with water sports activities like snorkeling or diving etcetera.

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Cuisine

• Papeda: A starchy porridge made from sago flour and served with various fish or meat dishes.
• Ikan Bakar: Grilled fish marinated with spices and served with rice.
• Sate Ambon: Skewered grilled meat (usually beef or chicken) marinated with sweet soy sauce.
• Nasi Goreng Ambon: Fried rice mixed with vegetables, meats, and spices.
• Sayur Keladi: A vegetable dish made from taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and spices.

Some popular restaurants in Ambon that serve these dishes include:

1. Rumah Makan Bahari: A seafood restaurant that serves fresh grilled fish and other seafood dishes.
2. RM Kari Tiga Saudara: A local restaurant that serves traditional Indonesian food including papeda, sate ambong, and nasi goreng ambong.
3. Warung Makan Kampoeng Manado: A restaurant that specializes in Manado cuisine such as sayur keladi and spicy seafood soup.
4. RM Tiga Saudara 99: Another local restaurant that serves traditional Indonesian food including ikan bakar and nasi goreng ambong.
5. D’Masohi Resto & Cafe : This is a modern cafe offering Indonesian food including papeda as well as international cuisine such as pizza, pasta etc.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Natsepa Beach is a well-known destination for those looking to enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
2. Liang Beach is another stunning beach in Ambon that offers great opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
3. Karang Panjang Beach boasts beautiful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers.
4. Hila-Hila Wildlife Reserve is home to a variety of exotic birds, butterflies, and other wildlife species that can be observed in their natural habitats.
5. Siwalima Museum showcases the rich culture and history of Ambon Island through its exhibits, making it an informative visit for tourists interested in local heritage.
6. Maranatha Park provides visitors with plenty of outdoor activities such as jogging tracks, playgrounds, and picnic areas perfect for families or groups of friends.
7. Lapangan Merdeka Park is a spacious public park equipped with sports facilities like soccer fields, basketball courts as well as outdoor gym equipment suitable for fitness enthusiasts.
8. Maluku Islands National Park spans across multiple islands surrounding Ambon offering numerous adventure opportunities such as hiking trails, camping grounds along with snorkeling & diving spots ideal for nature enthusiasts.
9. Kaitetu Waterfall located in the nearby village of Kaitetu attracts hikers & picnickers alike due to its stunning views & tranquil ambiance.
10. Taman Wisata Alam Batu Kapal (Batu Kapal Nature Tourism Park) offers hiking trails through lush forests providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape making it an excellent option for those seeking some peace in nature’s lap away from city life’s hustle-bustle.

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