The Beauty of Saparua Island Sulewesi Provence Tourism

TEN years of conflict in Maluku, the tourism sector in Saparua, Central Maluku district. The small island covering an area of 247 square kilometers was not only offers a natural charm, but also traces the historical arrival of Europeans in the archipelago.

Saparua, which is about 50 miles from Ambon, the capital of Maluku, can be reached by speedboat for an hour from Port Tulehu, Central Maluku, Ambon Island.

The island has a population of 36,698 souls along with two other islands nearby island group belonging to the lease, namely Haruku and Nusa Laut, Moluccas tour had been a prima donna, before the riots of 1999.

Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of Maluku, Tony Tomasoa, tell, prior to 1999, the tourist destinations to compete with the island of Banda Saparua - other tourist icons in the spice islands of Maluku. Two of these sites has always been a reference for tourists who vacation in the Moluccas.
Saparua, surrounded by the Banda Sea, offers beauty through beaches. Ranging from white sandy beaches, such as beach next to Fort Duurstede and Kulur, up to a beach full of rocks, namely Tanjung Ouw.

Beautiful Cape Ouw even immortalized through song called "Cape Ouw" made famous singer Bob Tutupoly. In this place of shade welcomes visitors.

Tourists usually spend time in Cape Ouw to relax enjoying the beauty of a long reef or swim in the crystal clear sea. Stretched out under a palm tree feels good when the wind blew.

Not far from Cape Ouw, tourists can see the skill Oya Pelupessy (72) to process the clay into sempeh or pottery. "Tourists love to see making sempeh. Not a few of those who try to make their own, "said Oya. Guest book he has indicated the number of tourists from the Netherlands, Britain and Switzerland who visited there.

Not limited to the surface, submarine Saparua also has a dazzling charm. According to the manager at Village Lodge Village Mahu Mahu, Paul Tomasoa, there are at least six points a popular dive tourists. For example, in Tawaka, about Molana Island, and around Nusa Laut. "Coral reefs rise. In addition, various types of fish can be found there. Often times the fish was like marching in formation storey, "he said.

Heritage
Saparua also full of historical heritage. Duurstede fort, the Dutch fort built in 1676, is one of them. The fortress is on a hill 20 feet high is still standing strong. Kapitan Pattimura real name Thomas Matulessy expelled the Dutch colonialists from the fort is dated May 16, 1817.

From the top of the fort, visitors can see almost the entire island until the island of Nusa Saparua Sea in the east Saparua. No wonder, when the fort was "hunted" foreign tourists.

In a house once occupied Pattimura, in the land of Haria, visitors can see relics of the padrone. In buildings that are still inhabited this Matulessy family, framed woven pants, woven sash, and headband are all red, which had imposed Pattimura while struggling against the Dutch. A number of documents about the struggle Pattimura. According to the family, all were obtained from the Netherlands.

Camat Saparua, Ferry Siahaya, say, five years is a visit to Saparua relative improvement. "The average foreign tourist arrivals in Saparua about 20 people every month. In December, the number could rise into the 50s people, "he said.

The majority of foreign tourists come from the Netherlands, especially those that still have a kinship with the people in Saparua. "There is also coming from Britain, France, Switzerland and the United States," said Ferry.
"The family came mostly from the Netherlands in December. Christmas a moment to gather with family overseas, including those in the Netherlands, "said King Affairs Itawaka, LF Wattimena.

However, in December 2010 and new Itawaka Affairs held a Christmas celebration worldwide. At that time, there were 30 Dutch nationals who come. According Wattimena, a single bond or a kandunganlah gandong the glue of their relationship, despite the distance apart and citizenship status.

The trend is the increasing number of tourists could be because the more easily accessible from Ambon Saparua. "Operation of speed boats with a capacity of 200 passengers to encourage tourists to come to Saparua. Ships operating since last year and twice a day from Ambon, "said Ferry.

In addition, there are also direct flights from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Ambon, via Jakarta, Garuda Indonesia operated since mid last year.

Middle of last year also, the government is also doing a pretty vigorous promotion related Duurstede Festival at Fort Duurstede and Sail Banda in Maluku. It's certainly become one of the booster increasing number of tourists to the small island.

No need to wonder if the new inn is now popping up there. Two of five inns that had ceased operations due to the riots, is now also operating again. "The plan, there will be two more lodging in the near future," said Ferry.

Paul Tomasoa optimistic, forward Saparua tourism will recover, as it was before the riots of 1999. However, he warned, stretching tourism which is now felt it should be followed by improvement of human resources and additional support facilities for tourists.

"Without improvement, conducted a vigorous campaign could be a boomerang, because there are conditions in Saparua not the same as those promoted," said Paul again.

Robbie Pickering (30), a British tourist who was traveling in Saparua, said something similar. "Places like Saparua much sought-after European tourists at this time. Because, there is winter, while in Saparua air is hotter and can see the sun every day. But, with the lack of facilities, tourists can find another place that better facilities, "he said.

Posted in: Sulawesi