Seram Sawai, A Blend of Mountain and Marine Adventure
Maluku are historically famous for their spice trade. Seram, the second largest island offers spectacular tourist destinations. It spans across 340 kilometers and is 60 kilometers wide. Mount Binaiya rises to the height of 3.019 meters above sea level. Seram island is a mountainous region blanketed with tropical forests. Part of this natural wonder has been identified as a conservation area known as the Manusela National Park. Home to a variety of bird species such as the Moluccan cockatoo, palm cockatoo, parakeet, and other species of parrots.
The national park is also reputed for its collection of attractive butterflies. At Piliana, south of Manusela, for example, various species of butterflies endemic to Seram can easily be spotted, such as the Goliath Birdwing (Ornithoptera Goliath) and the Poseidon Green Birdwing (Ornithoptera priamus). Piliana is route most often used by hikers to climb Mount Biyana, the highest peak in Maluku.
Seram waters shelter an incredible formation of coral reefs that beckon divers to enjoy the ultimate diving experience. Make sure you visit Hatu Supung ehere you can snorkel in the most crystal clear waters and witness astounding coral reefs of different hues and colors. Take caution and be mindful of deep waters only five meters from the shore.
Sawai Village is a tourist village located in the Manusela National Park area. Most of the sea in this village is still natural and so well maintained. via @teguhindo
Seram Island have lots of amazing natural attractions. Although not as popular as Bali or Lombok, this island has many exotic places. Seram Island is often referred to as the Mother Island because of the local people’s belief that all Maluku residents originally came from this island.
One of the hidden paradise on Seram Island is Sawai Village which is located in Sawai Bay. The view offered is so beautiful! Sea water with a gradation of beautiful color, with blue sky and many surounding hill will surely bewitch you!
Sawai Village is a tourist village located in the Manusela National Park area. Most of the sea in this village is still natural and so well maintained. Sawai is also known as the oldest village in Maluku surrounded by many small islands.
By visiting Seram, you can enjoy beautiful sea like this! via @ceritadestinasi
There is no official literature that tells of the origin story of Sawai Village. However, according to the stories of some local residents, Sawai Village was first built by Arab traders who came to Seram island long before Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands came to Maluku. That is why, it is not surprising that the culture of the Sawai people got influence from Arab culture.
Another beautiful island is, Raja Island (or Marsegu Island). It was formerly a plantation run by the royal family. It has now been turned into a conservation area for mangroves and a natural habitat for bats. Another must-see is the Morite Forest Canopy Platform where you can climb the ironwood tree that can reach the heigh of 45 meters situated within Morite forest. To reach this location, you need to travel 45 minutes by land.
Accessibility and Direction / How To Get To Sawai :
From Ambon, capital city of Maluku province, take the public bus or rental car (both can enter the ferry) to Amahai on Seram Island. Or you can choose to travel by speedboat. If you want to go to Sawai, it seems that you have to use all modes of transportation. First, you fly by plane to Pattimura airport, Ambon.
The city of Ambon manise! @itammanis.motret
Then proceed by using a taxi car to the port of Tuleha. From the port of Tuleha, you must take a ferry to Amahai Port on Seram Island which is the largest island in Maluku province.
The next trip from Amahai can be reached by public transportation or car rental. Because the roads are not too good, this trip will take around three hours driving until you arrive at Horale, the last land before reaching Sawai.
From Horale to Sawai, you can use a fishing boat. It’s a long and tiring journey, isn’t it? But all of the effort will be paid off with the beautiful scenery offered by Sawai. Want to go holiday in Sawai?
Best Time to Visit Seram : Diving is off limits from April to June
Contact Details : Balai Taman Nasional Manusela, Jl. Kasturi no. 1, Masohi, Maluku Tengah. Phone: (0914) 22165