Travel Guide to Seram Island & Ora Beach (Maluku, Indonesia)
One of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets is Seram island in Maluku. The stunning Ora Beach Resort offers vistas reminiscent of Bora Bora, while the majority of the island has yet to be fully discovered.
If you’re looking for a remote paradise with jungles, mountains, beaches, and wildlife, this is one among Indonesia’s top destinations.
Even though Seram Island and Ora Bay are remote and difficult to get to, they reward you with beautiful scenery and numerous excellent snorkeling spots without the throng you’d find in locations like Bali.
The information in this travel guide will cover all you need to know before going, including how to get to Seram Island and Ora beach, where to stay, the finest activities nearby, and more.
Getting Seram Island:
In Maluku, Indonesia, Seram Island is situated close to the populated island of Ambon. There are many steps involved in the way there.
You cannot travel to Seram Island at this time because there isn’t a functioning airport there. Ambon’s Pattimura International Airport (AMQ) is the closest airport and offers direct flights from Jakarta, Makassar, Ternate, Sorong, and other Indonesian cities. Skyscanner offers flight comparison shopping.
You’ll need a taxi after you get to Ambon to take you the hour-long distance from the airport to the ferry port in Tulehu. You can take a quick ferry from this location to Seram island’s Amahai port. Amahai can be reached in about 2 hours in an ancient but comfortable boat.
The next step after reaching Seram island is traveling to Saleman village and Ora beach. Amahai to Salemen can be reached by car in approximately two hours, and the route is beautiful, winding through the mountains and into the jungle. Though there are several broken areas, the road is entirely paved.
You can request a car and driver from your hotel in Ora or Saleman to pick you up in Amahai and take you to the bay. Our guesthouse set us up with Rudi, a pleasant driver, who took care of our transfer to Saleman Village and back. Each journey cost about 600k Rupiah ($40 USD), however that was during Covid, so the price may have increased slightly since then.
You may take a boat from Saleman village to Ora Beach in just ten minutes. For 350k Rupiah each boat, the guesthouse where we stayed in Saleman offered half-day boat cruises to Ora Beach Resort; for 900k Rupiah per boat, a full-day tour to a number of locations was also available.
Places to stay in seram Islands:
Ambon City: Ambon, the capital of the Maluku province and the entrance to Seram, is not actually on Seram Island. Ambon has a variety of hotels and guesthouses that can serve as your home base while you travel to Seram.
Homestays: You might be able to book a homestay on Seram Island and stay with local families. This may provide you an opportunity to have a more genuine experience and become fully immersed in the culture. These are often scheduled through tour operators or local contacts.
basic guesthouses: Especially in the bigger cities like Masohi, Seram Island has a few basic lodges and guesthouses. These lodgings might only have basic amenities, but they are nevertheless a wonderful choice for tourists on a tight budget.
Scuba Resorts: Divers flock to Seram Island for its outstanding diving opportunities. Divers and lovers of the outdoors can stay at some eco-lodges and diving resorts. They provide cozy lodging and frequently plan diving expeditions and outings.
Beach Cabanas: Some of the island’s more remote beaches have beachfront homes or bungalows. These might provide a serene and beautiful setting for lodging.
Campsites: If you’re an adventurous tourist, you might think about camping on any of Seram Island’s beaches or in its verdant forests. Make sure you research local laws and secure any required licenses.
BUDGET PLAN FOR SERAM ISLANDS
Depending on your travel preferences, length of stay, and travel style, the cost of a vacation to Indonesia’s Seram Island might vary significantly. The possible costs you might incur are listed below, roughly:
Accommodation: Seram Island offers a variety of lodging alternatives, from inexpensive guesthouses to opulent resorts. A simple guesthouse or homestay can cost you between $10 and $30 per night on the low end. High-end resorts can be significantly more expensive, while mid-range options may cost between $30 and $100 per night.
Food: In general, eating in local warungs (small restaurants) or street stalls will keep the cost of your meal down. Spend between $5 and $10 per meal at nearby restaurants. The price will be more if you enjoy eating at more luxury establishments.
Transportation: Seram Island transportation might range in price, both to get there and back. Depending on your ticket class, taking a ferry or boat from Ambon to Seram Island could cost you anywhere from $5 to $15.
Transportation: Seram Island transportation might range in price, both to get there and back. Depending on your ticket class, taking a ferry or boat from Ambon to Seram Island could cost you anywhere from $5 to $15. Local transportation is reasonably priced and includes bemos (minivans) and motorbike taxis.
Travel and Recreation: If you want to see Seram Island’s natural splendor, keep the expense of organized tours, diving trips, and wildlife treks in mind. Depending on the intricacy and length of the activity, budget anywhere from $20 to $100 or more each activity.
Entry fees and Permits: On Seram Island, several natural sites could demand licenses or admission charges. Budget for these extra expenses, as they can have a wide range.
Miscellaneous: Expenses like bottled water, gifts, and any unforeseen charges go under this category. Set aside an additional $10 to $20 every day for other costs.
Travel Protection:It is imperative to obtain travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical emergency coverage. Depending on your coverage requirements and the length of your trip, the cost of insurance may change.
Visa costs: Depending on your country of citizenship, you could need a visa to enter Indonesia. Check the requirements for your particular scenario as visa fees can differ.
Flights: Depending on where you depart from and the season, the cost of flights to and within Indonesia might vary significantly. When creating your budget, don’t forget to account for these expenses.