Explore various historical tourist destinations in Ambon that hold stories about Portuguese and Dutch colonization, including Amsterdam Fort, Siwalima Museum, and Wapauwe Mosque.
Ambon, the capital of Maluku Province, has a long history that began during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial era. The city located on Ambon Island offers many historical tourist destinations that hold interesting stories from the past.
From Portuguese and Dutch forts to monuments commemorating important events, Ambon is a haven for history buffs. If you’re interested in exploring the city ’s historical footprints, here are the 10 best historical attractions in Ambon that you must visit.
1. Amsterdam Fort
Amsterdam Fort is one of the most famous historical sites in Ambon. Built by the Dutch in 1637, this fort served as a defense for Ambon Island from attacks by other European nations at that time.
This small fort located in Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency has thick walls, reaching 47 cm, and although its size is not too large, this fort has an interesting shape and is a silent witness to the Dutch colonial period.
In addition to being used as a place to store weapons and a temporary detention center, Fort Amsterdam is also an important part of the history of the Dutch struggle in Eastern Indonesia.
2. Ferangi Fort
Fort Ferangi, also known as Fort Victoria or Fort Kota Laha, was built in 1575 by the Portuguese. This fort is located in Ambon City and is one of the important sites in the history of the formation of Ambon City.
During the Portuguese colonial period, Fort Ferangi was used as a center of government and defense. At that time, this fort became a strategic place to maintain Portuguese power in the spice-rich Maluku region .
The existence of Fort Ferangi marked the beginning of the city of Ambon as a center of European colonial power in the region.
3. Fort Victoria
Fort Victoria is one of the oldest Portuguese relics in Ambon. Located in the center of Ambon city, the fort was built in 1575 and was part of a larger defensive structure built by the Portuguese. Initially, the fort was used to store food supplies and other important goods brought from Europe. After being taken over by the Dutch, the fort underwent major renovations due to an earthquake in 1754 and was renamed Nieuw Victoria.
Fort Victoria also played an important role in the colonial history of Ambon and to this day remains one of the city’s historical icons.
4. Siwalima Museum
Siwalima Museum is the perfect place to learn more about Ambon’s history and culture. This museum has two main parts, namely the ethnographic museum and the marine museum.
In the ethnography section, visitors can see a collection of objects related to the lives of indigenous Maluku tribes, such as miniature traditional houses, traditional clothing, and household equipment.
On the other hand, the marine museum displays a collection depicting the marine life of the Maluku people, including the skeleton of a giant fish found in the waters around Ambon.
The Siwalima Museum not only provides insight into the history of Ambon, but also explores aspects of the culture and extraordinary natural beauty of Maluku.
5. Wapauwe Mosque
Wapauwe Mosque is the oldest mosque in Maluku and is a very important religious site for the local community. This mosque was built in 1414 AD, making it one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia.
Wapauwe Mosque has a unique construction, built from dried sago palm fronds and roofed with rumbia leaves. The building’s square shape and construction without nails or pegs makes it a very interesting example of traditional architecture.
As a witness to the history of the spread of Islam in Maluku, the Wapauwe Mosque is a meaningful place for Muslims in this region.
6. Hawang Cave
Hawang Cave is one of the most interesting natural and historical tourist attractions in Ambon. This cave is submerged by sea water and has a very unique rock structure. Inside the cave, there is a clear bluish pool which is the main attraction for tourists.
Apart from its natural beauty, Hawang Cave also holds local historical stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. The stunning underwater views make Hawang Cave a tourist destination that combines natural beauty and interesting historical value.
7. World Peace Monument
The World Peace Monument located in Ambon city is an important symbol of reconciliation efforts after the inter-religious riots that hit the city from 1996 to 2002. Inaugurated in 2009, this monument is shaped like a giant gong depicting the spirit of peace in Ambon.
This monument also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and harmony between religious communities in Ambon.
In addition, the World Peace Monument is one of the largest monuments in Indonesia, which marks Ambon’s role in building peace after the tragedy.
8. Ambon Commonwealth Cemetery Park
Ambon Commonwealth Cemetery, or better known as Ambon War Cemetery, is a historical site that holds the remains of around 3,000 Allied soldiers who died during World War II. These graves are a memorial to the heroes who fought against Japanese troops in the Ambon region.
Every year, on September 10, families of fallen soldiers come to commemorate the events of the Japanese internment of Gull Force.
In addition, on April 25, many relatives of Australian and New Zealand soldiers came to commemorate AZNAC Day. This place pays tribute to those who have sacrificed for freedom.
9. Pattimura Park
Pattimura Park is a monument to commemorate the struggle of Kapitan Pattimura, a national hero who is famous for his bravery in fighting against the Dutch colonialists.
Kapitan Pattimura, who was born with the name Thomas Matulessy, led the greatest resistance against the Dutch at Duurstede Fort. As a tribute to his services, a statue of Kapitan Pattimura was erected in this park, which is also the center of activities for the people of Ambon.
This park is a good place to commemorate the struggle of the Maluku hero as well as a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view of Ambon city .
10. Indonesian Heritage Museum
The Nusantara Heritage Museum is a museum that displays various collections of traditional arts and crafts from all over Indonesia. Here, you can find various cultural relics, such as jewelry, traditional clothing, and traditional art that reflect the richness of Indonesian culture.
In addition, this museum also focuses on collecting and preserving historical artifacts that are important for getting to know more about the richness of Indonesian culture.
The Nusantara Heritage Museum is the perfect place to enrich your knowledge about Indonesian history and culture, including the history of Ambon.
Ambon is a city rich in history and culture, with many tourist destinations that invite visitors to understand the long journey of this city from the colonial era to the era of independence.
Each historical site in Ambon offers a priceless story, and visiting these places will provide an in-depth experience of the struggle and cultural heritage of the Ambonese people.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore historical tourism in Ambon, including Kalamata Fort, which is full of important values in Indonesian history!
