Banda's symbol
A cone above the sea.
User Mark Richards on en.wikipedia — CC BY-SA 3.0 · gbohne — CC BY-SA 2.0 · gbohne from Berlin, Germany — CC BY-SA 2.0
An active conical volcano rising about six hundred and sixty metres from the sea opposite Neira town, separated from it by a narrow strait, the symbol and most famous view of the Banda islands. It last erupted in a major way in 1988, when lava flowed into the sea. Visitors cross the strait by small boat in minutes, then climb the steep slope on loose volcanic soil in two to three hours, ideally starting before dawn to watch the sunrise from the summit with views over all the islands and the sea. Stranger still is the water at its foot: the lava-flow coral garden, where coral has grown astonishingly fast on the hardened lava of 1988, now a superb snorkelling site. There is usually no fee to climb, with the boat and a local guide at an agreed price. The climb is hard and slippery, and coming down is harder than going up. Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes and gloves, and start early before the heat. Check the volcano's status before climbing. If you would rather not climb, snorkelling the lava-flow coral garden is reward enough.
A cone above the sea.
Over all the islands.
Grown since 1988.
Gunung Api island, facing Neira town, Banda
For fit people, yes, but it is very steep and slippery. Those unused to mountain walking can enjoy the view from Fort Belgica and snorkelling at its foot.