Reaching Banda Naira

Colorful boat named Dua Putri sailing on a river with green hills, trees, and houses in the background.

Reaching Banda may feel like an expedition, and it is. But that’s part of its magic. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether by air or sea, see below for the available routes to Banda Naira.

Let Us Plan Your Journey

If you need information for your flights, boats, or transfers, WhatsApp us! We can prepare an itinerary, organise your boat and Ambon-Banda plane tickets and even have someone accompany you in Ambon to ensure a smooth transfer

Getting to Banda, Made Simple

Practical information, updated schedules, example itineraries

Smart Air flies twice weekly to Banda Neira from Ambon. Maulana Hotel can help to book seats on this 45 minute flight that provides incredible views of the volcano and surrounding islands

By Air

The most convenient way to reach Banda Naira is by flight from Ambon.

Smart Air Cakrawala operates scheduled flights between Ambon and Banda on selected days.
Flight schedules may change, we recommend confirming closer to your travel date. Our team can assist with updates and arrangements.

View from a boat showing water, distant islands with hills, and a partly cloudy sky, framed by the boat's structure.

By Fast Boat

The scenic journey across the Banda Sea from Ambon.

Fast boat services operate between Tulehu (Ambon) and Banda Naira on selected days.
The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours, depending on sea conditions. Schedules may vary according to weather and operational updates, we recommend confirming closer to departure.

A large blue and white cruise ship docked in a lush, green harbor with hills and trees, under a partly cloudy sky. Maulana Hotel can help secure tickets on the fast boat to and from Banda Neira

By Pelni Ship

A classic sea voyage connecting Banda with larger Indonesian ports.

Pelni passenger ships stop in Banda as part of their inter-island routes.
Sailing schedules are subject to change. We recommend checking directly with Pelni or contacting our team for guidance before planning your journey.

For updated routes & ticket bookings, please visit:
www.pelni.co.id

A scenic view of a hillside with lush green trees and houses overlooking a calm body of water with sailboats and a large yacht docked near the shore.

By Private Yacht or Boat

Banda Naira is a favored stop for sailing routes across Eastern Indonesia.

For guests traveling by private yacht or chartered vessel, The Maulana Hotel offers access to our jetty.
Please contact us in advance to coordinate docking arrangements & arrival details. Our team will be ready to assist upon your arrival.

The Spice Islands Await

Getting to Banda Neira

Three easy ways to reach us each week from Jakarta, via Ambon. Closer than you think.

Monday

By Air · 50 Min Hop

Jakarta

There are few option of overnight flew from Jakarta · dep 00:25 Monday

✈︎Arrive Ambon 06:00 — connect to the island flight

Ambon (AMQ)

SMART Air · dep 07:00

✈︎50-minute island flight

Banda Neira

Arrive 07:50 — breakfast at The Maulana

Door to door: leave Jakarta after midnight, breakfast in Banda

Thursday

By Sea · The Classic Crossing

Jakarta

There are few option of overnight flew from Jakarta · dep 00:25 Thursday

✈︎Arrive Ambon 06:00 · 45-min drive to Tulehu Harbour

Tulehu Harbour

Fast boat · dep 09:00

⛵︎5 hours across the Banda Sea

Banda Neira

Arrive ±14:00, steps from the hotel

Door to door: leave Jakarta after midnight, in Banda by mid-afternoon

Saturday

By Air · Relaxed Connection

Jakarta

There are few option of overnight flew from Jakarta · dep 00:25 Saturday

✈︎Arrive Ambon 06:00 — easy, unhurried connection

Ambon (AMQ)

SMART Air · dep 13:05

✈︎45-minute island flight

Banda Neira

Arrive 13:45 — swim before sunset

Door to door: leave Jakarta after midnight, swim by mid-afternoon

Travelling via Seram? SMART Air also links Amahai ↔ Banda on Mondays. Schedules can change with weather and season — confirm before you fly or sail. Need help planning? WhatsApp us and we'll arrange the rest.

When it's time to go

Leaving Banda Neira

Three days a week you can wake up in Banda and sleep in Jakarta or even Singapore — all connecting to the afternoon Garuda flight from Ambon.

Monday

By air · Morning departure

Banda Neira

SMART Air · dep 10:00

✈ 50-minute island flight

Ambon (AMQ)

Arrive 10:50 — time for lunch in Ambon

✈ Garuda to Jakarta · dep 16:10 → arr 17:40

Jakarta

Arrive 17:40 — home for dinner

Door to door: Banda at breakfast, Jakarta by evening

Saturday

By air · Smooth connection

Banda Neira

SMART Air · dep 14:00

✈ 45-minute island flight

Ambon (AMQ)

Arrive 14:45 — easy 1½-hour connection

✈ Garuda to Jakarta · dep 16:10 → arr 17:40

Jakarta

Arrive 17:40 — home for dinner

Door to door: a last Banda morning, Jakarta by evening

Sunday

By sea · One last crossing

Banda Neira

Fast boat · dep 09:00

🚤 5 hours across the Banda Sea

Tulehu Harbour

Arrive ±14:00 · 45-min drive to the airport

✈ Garuda to Jakarta · dep 16:10 → arr 17:40

Jakarta

Arrive 17:40 — home for dinner

Door to door: Banda at dawn, Jakarta by evening

The Sunday boat connection depends on sea conditions — many guests prefer an unhurried overnight in Ambon and a morning flight to Jakarta. Schedules can change with weather and season — confirm before you fly or sail. Need help? WhatsApp us and we'll arrange the rest.

Plan Your Stay

How Long Can You Stay in Banda?

Flights arrive on Mondays and Saturdays, the fast boat on Thursdays — and departures run Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays. Those days combine into stays of three to eight nights. Pick the rhythm that suits you.

3Nights

Arrive Thu by boat depart Sun by boat, 09:00

Both crossings by sea, the classic way.

4Nights

Arrive Thu by boat depart Mon by air, 10:00

Guest favourite · The long weekend, stretched.

5Nights

Arrive Mon by air, 07:50 depart Sat by air, 14:00

A full week of mornings on the lagoon.

6Nights

Arrive Mon by air depart Sun by boat, 09:00

A week on the island, a sea-crossing farewell.

7Nights

Arrive Mon by air depart Mon by air · or Sat Sat

The classic Banda week.

8Nights

Arrive Sat by air, 13:45 depart Sun by boat, 09:00

Guest favourite · The full Banda week — every reef, every fort, no hurry.

A note for divers: leave a no-fly window of 18–24 hours after your last dive — the Sunday boat is the diver-friendly way home. Schedules can change with weather and season — confirm before you fly or sail. Unsure which suits you? WhatsApp us and we'll plan it together.