Maluku Travel Information - Gunung Api

Gunung Api: Banda's Volcano

The volcanic island of Gunung Api (the name simply means "Volcano" in Indonesian) dominates the entire Banda group.
It has been quiet for many years now, but impressive lava flows can still be seen on its northern side.
Once home to 4 villages, only a few houses remain now on the island.
This must be about the easiest volcano to climb in Maluku, and is therefore a popular attraction among visitors to the Bandas.

Attractions Activities Getting There

Main Attractions

The Lava Flow

Quite apart from being of geological interest, the lava flow of Gunung Api is the most popular target for day-trippers to the island for snorkeling. There is good coral underwater here, though I found the fishlife somewhat lacking in bigger species by Banda standards. At the edge of the water, a shelter provides refuge in case of rain.

Activities

Climbing Gunung Api

Snorkeling is nice, but the best thing to do on this island is climbing up to the impressive crater. A fairly well-worn trail goes up the mountain right opposite Bandaneira - any boatman will be able to drop you at the right point if you say you want to climb the mountain. Walk uphill past a single house, and after 100 metres or so you should reach this shelter marking the start of the trail proper. The climb to the top will take you maybe 2 hours, mostly through forest, with fine views back to Neira every now and then. Some people take a guide for this climb, though if you possess even just minimal skills of orientation, that should be quite unnecessary. Remember too, that while this is a relatively small volcano, getting to the top is still a climb on rough terrain, not a leasurely walk on steps, so take adequate footwear, and enough drinking water for 4-6 hours with you. Those with less than average fitness or orientation skills might also prefer going with a companion.

The Top

After the sweathy slog uphill, you will finally emerge on the open peak area, with its hardened lava spil and stunted vegetation. What first seems like the peak will not be it - the real thing is further ahead, past some old, flat craters.

The Views

From the top, there are stunning views in all directions - so long as the clouds haven't reached the peak before you! If they have, stay put - they may well drift away within an hour or two. An umbrella or poncho might come handy if it happens to rain. But when the views are clear, they are worth the climb and even any wait required. You can see all islands of the Banda archipelago, all the way to Run in the west and Hatta in the east.

The Crater

Gunung Api hasn't erupted for many years now, so its awesome, huge crater is getting somewhat overgrown inside. You still get very good views into it from the top, can see sulphur on the sides, and if you are lucky, even a little smoke - maybe.

Getting There and Around
The island is just across a narrow strait from Bandaneira town.
You could easily swim over, but as you may want to take clothes for the climb, you'll probably prefer going by a boat.
If you feel like paddling, rent a canoe, otherwise just pay for someone to take you over by his motor-boat. Should cost no more than a dollar!