TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When you are flying over Kei Islands, Southeast Maluku, you will see for yourself the breath-taking view of this clusters of 119 islands. From the air, Kei --or Nuhu Evav as locals call it--is a perfect illustration of tropical getaway. The day-long sun, clear blue sky, glassy sea water, and the quiet beaches are what you can expect from the islands 550-kilometer southeast of Ambon.

Administratively, Kei Islands is constituted by Southeast Maluku Regency with Langgur as its capital, and Tual City that is situated in Lesser Kai Island.

In early October, Tempo visited the region to report for Tempo Magazine tourism special edition that is published on November 16. We sum up here seven must-visit locations that you won’t miss if you are planning a trip to Kei Islands.

1. Bair (Baer) Island

Bair is a cluster of reef islands ib Tual. Kei people whom we met along our journey had agreed to dub this Bair cluster on the north of Lesser Kai Island as the Raja Ampat van Kei (Raja Ampat of Kei). It’s stretch may be less than Raja Ampat in Papua or Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, but its panoramic view is comparable.

Boats can float up to the middle of the island. A 20-meter sand dune lies between shallow waters. If you arrive on regular days, you would probably be the only guest at the island.

Adrenaline addicts may try out climbing a 7-meter cliff in the south part of the beach. There is no ladder, steps of rail to hold but sharp rocks and dangling roots. From up here, you can overlook the whole landscape of the beach.

The cliff confines a lagoon behind it where snorkelers can swim alongside colorful fish, octopus, and crabs. One may even not needing snorkel or google as the water is clear as glass.

2. Ngurbloat and Ngursarnadan Beach

The word ‘ngur’ in Kei means sand. These two beach are located side by side, around 18 kilometers from Langgur. The beaches are accessible from asphalt roadways. Because of their location facing west, Ngurbloat and Ngursarnadan are perfect spots to enjoy sunset.

Both beaches have fine sands just like any other beach in Kei Islands. It is also popular as Pantai Pasir Panjang (Long Sandy Beach) because the carpet of sands stretch along 3-kilometer distance. Swimming is safe here because of the shallow and gentle-slope coasts. A number of modest villas and bungalows are available along the beach for affordable price (not more than Rp500,000 per night).

3. Ohoi Dertawun

In the north of Ngursarnadan beach, another exotic beach is worth a visit. The beach is called Ohi Dertawun beach, which offers view of 5 to 10 meters cliff guarding the beach. At the most endpoint of this cliff, hundreds of small paintings can be seen. It is believed that the paintings are dated back to prehistoric age.

These paintings depict human figures, trees, boats, crocodile, fish and handprints. The patterns are similar to those found at Tewet Cave, East Kalimantan. Such artefact can also be found in Wamkana (Buru Island), Sawai (Central Maluku), Speelman Bay (Papua) and Kotobu (Southeast Sulawesi).

4. Ngurtavur Beach

The beach is travelers’ favorite natural wonder in Nuhu Evav. Ngurvatur is also a stretch of sand dune that stretches along 2.5 kilometers from its mainland of Waha Island. The widest point is only around 20 kilometers. Shallow water that are full with seaweeds lay on the left and right sides of the land. With luck, one may witness flocks of pelicans having a rest in the land on their way to Australia.

5. Hawang Cave

If you feel like getting away from salt water a bit, Hawang Cave in Letvuan Village is an option. Hawang is the most popular among other caves existing in karst area of Kei. The cave has a recessed part that is filled with freshwater, forming a natural pool with crystal clear water. Travelers can take a dip in the pool but swimming too far into the cave is not recommended.

6. Masbait Hill

Masbait hill is the highest point in Lesser Kai Island. From this point, one can overlook the view of the twin city Langgur and Tual. However, do not expect to see flickering city lights because the largest cities in Central Maluku is barely touched by electricity.

But instead, one will be spoiled with the view of sparkling stars in the dark sky above. There is also a large statue in the hill, depicting Jesus on top of a globe.

7. Banda Eli Village

Banda Eli, along with Tanimbar Kei island in the southern part of the cluster, offers culture and historical tourism. The village is situated east of Larger Kei Island, directly facing Arafura Sea. One can hop on a 4-hour boat trip from local port in Langgur to get to the village.

Banda Eli is also one of the places where Kei traditions were born. Most of its people still speak Banda language and practice dance and music native to Banda Neira. The ancestors of Banda Eli people were people from Banda Neira who fled when the Dutch trade company VOC colonized their hometown.

PRAGA UTAMA