Banda Islands Indonesia land based

We are two avid snorkelers who are planning a trip in Nov to Kri Eco Lodge off Sorong, Indonesia. Nearby as the crow flies, but not as the airlines fly, are the Banda Islands, also reknowned for good marine life. If we go, we would stay in Bandaniera and take local boats to the outer islands. 'Dive Indonesia' reports good snorkeling on several of the outer islands.

Has anyone visited the Bandas as a land trip rather than on a liveaboard? We would like to know about your experience, if you had any flight problems (the book says the weekly flight doesn't always fly) and the quality of water clarity. Did you work through a travel agent or book on your own?

Any information or tips would be greatly appreciated. Same for Kri Eco Lodge too. Thanks! Ann

We have visited Bandaniera twice on live aboards that have stopped there for scuba diving. There is not much on the island to do except visit the small local market and 16 century ruins.

The Maulana Hotel in Banda Neira has a dive center that is operating with a local guide. I've never dived there using them. I also understand that their operations is also supported by Maluku Divers in Ambon.

Diving wise, the viz is generally good and the new lava flow coral gardens are wonderful. I just went through there last week and the highlight was a pod of 300 melonhead whales.

The hotel has an "old" vintage feel to it. There's ac and local fare includes nutmeg jam (these are the spice islands) and as Allan says, 16th century ruins. The place is loaded with history from the East India Company to the VOC. The town has old plantations and the neighboring islands are also worth exploring. Realize that the place is a typical indonesian island and the limitations of transport and lifestyle.