Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Back to Banda Api

In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.

Voykit pocket guide · Indonesia

Banda Api

Spend a half‑day climbing Gunung Api and snorkeling; stay one night at Allan Bungalow if you want beach swimming.

Banda Api is a small volcanic island in the Banda Islands, best explored by a short climb to the 656 m summit and nearby snorkeling. One night at Allan Bungalow covers accommodation and beach access; a day trip is possible from Banda Neira.

UbudAmbarawaAmbonAmedAmlapuraAmpanaAmuntaiAnyerApo KayanAsmatAtambuaBajawaBalikpapanBanda AcehBanda Api1,000 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Indonesia
Best months
May–Oct
Avoid
Nov–Apr
Stay
1 night

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
IDR
Money
Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.
Daily spend
Budget IDR 250,000–350,000 excl. bed · Mid IDR 350,000–500,000 excl. bed · High IDR 500,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Telkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.
Emergency
General 112 · Police 110 · Ambulance 118
Plugs
Types C, F · 230 V · 50 Hz · European round pins.
Tipping
Warung: Nothing.; Restaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.; Drivers and guides: Rp50,000–100,000 a day.; Spa: Rp20,000–50,000.
Water
Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.
Toilets
Western in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.

What things cost

ItemPrice
Meal at hostelryIDR 30,000–60,000
Snorkel gear hireIDR 50,000–80,000 per set

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

AMQ · Pattimura Airport
From Ambon, about 2 h boat to Banda Neira, then small boat to Banda Api

Typical fares

Boat Banda Neira → Banda Api
about IDR 150,000 round‑trip
Allan Bungalow night
about IDR 300,000 per person
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

Rent a small boat from Banda Neira to reach the island; walk to the summit of Gunung Api (2–3 h round‑trip).

See and do

Known for

  • Gunung Api climb
  • Snorkeling
  • Allan Bungalow beach stay

Day trips

WhereHowTime
Banda NeiraSmall boat from Banda Neira harbor, 10 min≈15 min

Sleep

Allan Bungalow
Bungalow on the sea, swimming right in front; basic rooms.

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
HelloSelamat pagisəˈlamat ˈpaɡi
How much?Berapa harganya?bəˈrapa ˈharganya
I would like to rent a boatSaya ingin menyewa perahusaja ˈiŋin məˈɲɛsa pəˈrahu

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Light handshake then hand to chest; smile; avoid: Firm grips
  • Left hand: Give and receive with the right; avoid: Passing anything with the left
  • Temples: Sarong and sash; step around offerings; avoid: Standing higher than priests
  • Keeping calm: Patience; indirect requests; avoid: Anger in public
  • Pointing: Thumb; avoid: Index finger

Scams and watch-outs

  • Volcano has erupted 20 times in 450 years, last in 1988 – verify local alerts.
  • Boat schedules from Banda Neira vary; confirm departure times.

Low‑risk island but watch volcano alerts and ensure boat operator is licensed.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Banda Api yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Gunung Api climb
  • Snorkeling
  • Allan Bungalow beach stay

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Banda Api

Ke alamat ini, tolong

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

US consular services are in Ambon; check current location.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/banda-api). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.