The Banda Islands are a miniarchipelago made up of 10 small volcanic and coral islands 125 mi/200km southeast of Ambon (seven are settled). They were highly sought after by the European colonial powers because of their ideal conditions for cultivating valuable spices (nutmeg, cloves and mace). These "Spice Islands" were Christopher Columbus' original destination in 1492, before he bumped into America on the way.
Bandaneira, the central island, is home to the largest town in the islands and the only airport in the region. Bandanaira is also worth exploring to see the remnants of its Dutch colonial past, best exemplified by the fully restored Fort Belgica.
Just across the nearby bay is the towering, 2,113-ft/650-m Gunung Api volcano, which erupts an average of once every 100 years. (It erupted in 1988, forcing the evacuation of Bandanaira.) You can climb to the volcano's summit for spectacular views.
Many who visit the Banda Islands today go to dive or snorkel in the surrounding coral reefs, which have acquired a world-class reputation among scuba enthusiasts. Fishing is also excellent, with plentiful supplies of yellowfin tuna, sailfish, swordfish and mackerel.
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