Pombo is a small, uninhabited little island surrounded completely by a rocky, coral atoll, which is a circular shaped reef. Pombo Island Marine Recreation Park encompasses an area of 1,000 hectares of nothing more than a stretch of sandy, white beaches and chunks of coral, sheltered by lush, green foliage. Flocks of exotic birds of all shape, size and color perch in the trees’ branches, while rare fishes and molluscs roam freely about the coral-studded ocean floor. The far-out location of the island, coupled with its protected state only enhance the allure of this natural, virgin environment.
Travel to Pombo Island is primarily for outbound activities, and of course, marine tourism. As the island is a protected conservation land, permanent residents are not permitted, and there are no accommodations or public housing. There are however, a few crops that are grown here, adding to the natural greenery of the already inviting surroundings. Although the island is off-limits to occupants, camping is still allowed for those who enjoy the simplicity of nature and the wild adventure of the great outdoors.
The crystal clear sea is filled with all types of ocean-life make diving and snorkeling a definite must for visitors to Pombo Island – though the waters have enough clarity to allow you to see straight to the bottom, before ever diving under. The soft, sandy sea bed is generously carpeted in swaying seaweed and colourful corals. Large schools of fish travel in unison across the waters, glistening in the rays of the tropical sun shining through the water.
Get There
The quickest route to Pombo Island is through the Pattimura Airport, about 36 km from Ambon City. This is a domestic only airport, with flights available from Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Kupang, and several other less frequented destinations. If travelling from an international destination, it would probably be best to route through Jakarta, as it is the capital city of Indonesia.
From Ambon, continue by road to Tulehu Port, in Waii, a small coastal village on the outskirts of Ambon. A speedboat can be rented to take you from Tulehu Port to Pombo island. Pombo is approximately 30 minutes from Tulehu. Visitors should be advised that there is not much on this island that is not purely natural, so be sure to bring enough food and drinks for your trip as well as any other immediate essentials.
