Lease Islands Travel Guide

The Lease Islands (Kepulauan Lease) form a small cluster of islands in Maluku Province, eastern Indonesia, situated just east of the much larger island of Seram and north of Ambon. The main islands are Saparua, Haruku, and Nusalaut, each with its own distinct character but sharing a broadly similar history rooted in the spice trade, Dutch colonial administration, and deep local traditions.

For centuries these islands were strategically significant due to their production of cloves and nutmeg, drawing Portuguese, Dutch, and local sultanate powers into prolonged competition for control. The legacy of that era is visible today in Dutch-era forts, old stone churches, and place names that mix Malay, Portuguese, and local Lease languages.

Today the Lease Islands receive relatively few international visitors, which means travelers who do make the journey encounter authentic village life, exceptionally well-preserved reefs, and a slower pace that is increasingly rare in Southeast Asia. Infrastructure is modest, and that is part of the appeal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Indonesian experience.

Visas

Indonesia has a visa-on-arrival scheme for many nationalities, but regulations change. Do not rely on any single source for current rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website before travel.

Health

Malaria has historically been present in parts of Maluku, including remote areas. Consult a travel medicine clinic well before departure regarding prophylaxis, vaccinations (including typhoid and hepatitis A), and mosquito precautions. Carry a basic medical kit; pharmacies on the smaller islands have limited stock.

Connectivity and cash

• Mobile data coverage exists but can be patchy; do not rely on real-time navigation.
• ATMs are present in Saparua town; availability on Haruku and Nusalaut is very limited. Bring sufficient rupiah from Ambon.
• Bank and ATM infrastructure should be verified locally before departure from Ambon.

Packing essentials

Lightweight, modest clothing is appropriate given local customs. Reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for boat travel, and basic snorkeling or diving gear (if space allows) will all serve you well.

The practical gateway to the Lease Islands is Ambon, the capital of Maluku Province, served by Pattimura International Airport (AMQ). Flights connect Ambon with Jakarta, Makassar, and several other Indonesian cities; schedules and operators change seasonally, so verify current options through airline websites or a local travel agent.

From Ambon, the primary onward route to the Lease Islands is by boat. Public ferries and speedboats operate between Ambon's Tulehu port and Saparua, with journey times varying significantly depending on vessel type — generally between one and two hours for faster boats. Services to Haruku and Nusalaut are less frequent. Schedules shift with the season and sea conditions; verify departure times and ticketing at Tulehu port or through your accommodation in Ambon before committing to plans.

Sea conditions in the Banda Sea can deteriorate quickly during the wet season (roughly November to March), occasionally disrupting boat services. Build flexibility into your itinerary.

Within each island, ojek (motorcycle taxi) and occasional public minibuses (angkot) are the standard means of getting around. Roads on Saparua are more developed than on the smaller islands. Hiring a local driver for a day is often the most practical and rewarding way to reach villages and viewpoints off the main tracks; negotiate rates in advance and confirm what is included.

Moving between the three main islands requires chartering or finding local boats. There is no fixed inter-island ferry connecting all three on a reliable published schedule, so ask locally in villages or at port areas about available crossings. Having a local contact or guide greatly simplifies logistics.

For divers and snorkelers, many homestays and dive operators can arrange boat transfers to specific reef sites. Agree on pickup times carefully, as on-island communication infrastructure can be unreliable.

Accommodation in the Lease Islands is predominantly small family-run homestays (penginapan) rather than hotels in any conventional sense. Saparua town has the widest selection. Rooms tend to be simple but clean; air conditioning is not always available. Meals are usually provided by the host family, which is both convenient and an opportunity to eat authentic home cooking.

Booking ahead is advisable, particularly if traveling in the April–October high season, as capacity is genuinely limited. Many bookings are still arranged via phone or direct message rather than through international booking platforms; ask for recommendations from guesthouses in Ambon or through dive operators who work in the area.

Nusalaut and more remote parts of Haruku have very limited formal accommodation; plan these as day trips unless you have pre-arranged a local host through community contacts.

Fort Duurstede, Saparua

The most prominent historical landmark in the Lease Islands, Fort Duurstede sits on a coastal headland in Saparua town. Built by the Dutch in the early 18th century on the site of an earlier Portuguese fortification, it is closely associated with the 1817 rebellion led by Thomas Matulessy (Pattimura), a national hero of Indonesia. The fort walls, bastions, and some interior structures are partially intact. Opening hours and any entry fees should be verified locally.

Diving and Snorkeling

The Lease Islands are surrounded by reefs that remain in comparatively good condition relative to more heavily visited parts of Indonesia. Saparua's waters offer wall dives, coral gardens, and reasonable fish diversity. Dive operators in the area should be asked to provide current safety certification and equipment standards before booking.

Village Culture and Traditional Ceremonies

The adat (customary law) system remains strong in Lease villages. Visitors may, with appropriate respect and local permission, observe or learn about ceremonies, traditional weaving, and sasi — a traditional resource-management practice that restricts harvesting of certain marine or forest resources during defined periods. Ask your host or a local guide how to engage respectfully.

Nusalaut's Churches and Villages

Nusalaut is the quietest and least-visited of the three main islands, with well-preserved colonial-era Protestant churches and a strong sense of community. Day trips from Saparua are possible with a chartered boat.

Haruku

Haruku offers a mix of historical sites and natural scenery. The island also hosts endemic bird species in forested interior areas; birdwatching is possible but unguided infrastructure is minimal.

Maluku cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood, root vegetables, and the use of spices that made these islands historically famous. Papeda — a starchy porridge made from sago palm — served with fish in a turmeric broth (ikan kuah kuning) is a staple dish worth trying. Grilled fish bought at simple warung (food stalls) near the waterfront is typically very fresh.

Cloves and nutmeg grown locally appear in local cooking and can be purchased as products to take home. Coconut-based dishes are common. Vegetarian options exist but variety is limited; if you have dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly to your host in advance.

Drinking water from taps should not be consumed without treatment. Bottled water is available in Saparua town; stock up before heading to smaller islands. Alcohol availability is limited and patchy given the predominantly Christian but socially conservative character of many villages.

Emergency and Medical

Saparua has a small public health clinic (Puskesmas). Serious medical emergencies will require evacuation to Ambon. Travel insurance that explicitly covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Emergency contact numbers — including police, ambulance, and coast guard — should be noted from locally posted information on arrival, as numbers can vary by district.

Electricity

Indonesia uses 220V/50Hz with Type C and Type F plugs. Power outages can occur on smaller islands; a portable power bank is useful.

Communication

Local SIM cards purchased in Ambon (Telkomsel generally has the best rural coverage in eastern Indonesia) are more reliable than roaming plans for data access. Signal drops in interior and remote coastal areas are common.

Respectful Behavior

Dress modestly when visiting churches, villages, or any ceremonial site. Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces. The sasi system means certain areas or resources may be off-limits at certain times — follow local guidance without question.

The Lease Islands are generally considered safe for travelers in terms of petty crime, which is uncommon. The more significant safety considerations are environmental and logistical: open-sea boat crossings can be hazardous in rough weather, so do not pressure boat operators to travel in poor conditions.

Sun and heat exposure on the water are significant — wear high-SPF sun protection, a hat, and stay hydrated. When diving or snorkeling, be aware of currents that can be strong and unpredictable around headlands.

Check your government's current travel advisory for Indonesia and specifically Maluku Province before departure, as regional conditions across the Indonesian archipelago can vary.

The Lease Islands have a predominantly Christian population, a legacy of Dutch Reformed mission activity dating to the 17th century, though Islam is also present in some communities. Religious practice is taken seriously, and Sundays are observed as rest days in many villages; plan logistics accordingly.

The Pattimura legacy is a source of deep local pride. Thomas Matulessy, who led a resistance movement against Dutch rule in 1817 before his execution, is honored as a national hero and his image and story are woven into local identity. Engaging respectfully with this history — rather than treating it as mere tourist backdrop — will be appreciated.

Adat law governs many aspects of community life, from land use to conflict resolution. Travelers should approach local customs with curiosity and humility. Accepting an offer of hospitality — food, a seat, conversation — is generally the right response to local generosity, and refusing without good reason can cause unintended offense.